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How Stewart Wins Over Neocons

Lefty comedian ready to listen to the other side

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 10, 2009 9:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – Jon Stewart’s liberal inclinations don't stop him from booking voices from the far right on the Daily Show—and they give glowing reviews of their experiences, New York magazine reports. A former GOP spokesman was leery of appearing on the program to discuss torture; pundit Bill Kristol encouraged him. The result: “Literally, this is the best conversation I've had on this subject anywhere,” Cliff May told Stewart.

“There is genuine intellectual curiosity," May says. "He's a staunch liberal, but he's a thoughtful liberal, and I respect that." Plus, notes John Bolton, “He always gives you a chance to answer, which some people don't do.” Conservatives find Stewart provides a route “to an audience that usually tunes them out,” writes Jacob Gershman. “Stewart will poke fun, but he offers a good-faith debate” on lightning-rod issues.

Jon Stewart holds the award for the outstanding variety, music or comedy series for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Jon Stewart holds the award for the outstanding variety, music or comedy series for "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, poses on the red carpet upon arrival at a salute to FOX News Channel's Brit Hume on January 8, 2009 in Washington, DC.
William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, poses on the red carpet upon arrival at a salute to FOX News Channel's Brit Hume on January 8, 2009 in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
In this March 12, 2009 file photo, Jon Stewart hosts a taping of Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart  in New York.
In this March 12, 2009 file photo, Jon Stewart hosts a taping of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
inky
Sep 19, 2009 5:04 AM CDT
I would leave my family on Christmas/Chanukka morning for this man.
bewilderbeast
Aug 11, 2009 12:21 PM CDT
Naaah, you can't be "fundamentally incorrect" for asking questions; Nor can you be "fundamentally incorrect" for mocking some of the BS answers you get.
cognitivefilter
Aug 11, 2009 6:24 AM CDT
levelheaded guy. we could totally use some stewarts in real politix

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