Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Daily Show Evolves Into True Force

Serious guests, hard news drive impact on American dialogue

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 16, 2008 2:08 PM CDT

(Newser) – Oh, what a difference eight years makes. The Daily Show struggled with limited access and no respect during the 2000 presidential race, but in this election the show has emerged as “a genuine cultural and political force,” writes Michiko Kakutani in the New York Times. Not only are presidential candidates clambering to make guest appearances, but The Daily Show may be the newsiest news hour around.

It sticks to “super depressing” issues like prewar intelligence selection, and Bush’s expansion of executive powers, even as news channels are “larding their 24-hour schedules with bloviation fests and marathon coverage of sexual predators and dead celebrities,” writes Kakutani. And Americans love it: Jon Stewart ranks fourth among most-admired journalists, and a study found the show is  “clearly impacting American dialogue.”

Both presidential candidates have appeared on The Daily Show, just eight years after Stewart and his crew got no respect during the 2000 presidential race.
Both presidential candidates have appeared on "The Daily Show," just eight years after Stewart and his crew got no respect during the 2000 presidential race.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
There was a time when Daily Show correspondents couldn't get access to the presidential candidates' press buses. Now, the show is the hot spot to be.
There was a time when Daily Show correspondents couldn't get access to the presidential candidates' press buses. Now, the show is the hot spot to be.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Jon Stewart attends the 64th Annual Peabody Awards Luncheon.
Jon Stewart attends the 64th Annual Peabody Awards Luncheon.   (Getty Images)
Jon Stewart ranks No. 4 in a list of most-admired journalists.
Jon Stewart ranks No. 4 in a list of most-admired journalists.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Colbert + Stewart = Cronkite: 30% of Young Viewers

Study: Viewers Get News From Daily Show... Not

Stewart Rips Mitt's Tax Rate

Larry King's Next Gig: The Daily Show?!

Get a Grip: Jon Stewart Is No Murrow


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne