Change.org Petiton: We want Jon Stewart to Moderate a Debate

[jdnotbyrider]

Yes, I know, more then likely, as much of it being a better dream come true then any sexual fantasy that I may have, it's probably not going to happen. But, this petition has gotten a lot of attention in the last 24 hours, going from about 6,000 signatures yesterday, to over 105,000 and counting as I type this up. The possibilities if Donald Trump made it to the debates... he could dissolve his campaign faster then a tooth in a can of Coca-Cola. 




www.change.org/p/we-want-jon-stewart-to-moderate-a-2016-presidential-debate

Over the last 16 years, Jon Stewart has played an influential and iconic role in covering US politics and media. We believe he should continue that tradition as a moderator at one of the 2016 Presidential Debates.



Jon Stewart is more than qualified to tackle the moderating job. Mr. Stewart has interviewed 15 heads of state, 22 members of the United States Cabinet, 32 members of the United States Senate, 7 members of the United States House of Representatives, and scores of other political leaders from this country and around the world while establishing himself as the most trusted person in (satirical) news.



In addition to his vast experience working with political figures, Jon Stewart is accomplished in presidential election coverage. His work on The Daily Show received the prestigious Peabody Award for its coverage of the 2000 and 2004 presidential races.



Another important attribute of a moderator is trust. Many in the US believe Jon Stewart shares their worldview and values. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reported that 52.1% of respondents agree that Mr. Stewart "generally shares [their] view of the world" on "some or most issues". Choosing Jon Stewart would be a popular choice among voters.



I know this petition can make a difference -- in 2012, three concerned high school students started a petition on Change.org asking the Commission on Presidential Debates to select a female moderator for a presidential debate. It garnered over 180,000 signatures, and won!



We ask that the Commission on Presidential Debates consider and provide the opportunity to Mr. Stewart to host one of the three major presidential debates directly preceding the 2016 election. We also wish for a public response to this petition.

[KateAggie]

No. While our elections seem to now be the ultimate circus, having a comedian (no matter how brilliant and how dead on his satire is) just makes further mockery of our politics. Hell no.

[heyjude]

Aug 20, 2015 19:43:38 GMT -5 KateAggie said:

No. While our elections seem to now be the ultimate circus, having a comedian (no matter how brilliant and how dead on his satire is) just makes further mockery of our politics. Hell no.

Agreed.

[badgergrl]

I believe he was approached about taking over meet the press. I don't see how him being a comedian as his primary occupation excludes him from takng on a more serious news oriented role. I mean Ronald Reagan was an actor and people elected him president twice. He is intelligent and has a proven ability to ask hard question, just ask bill o'reilly.

[expatpumpkin]

Aug 20, 2015 21:09:23 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

I believe he was approached about taking over meet the press. I don't see how him being a comedian as his primary occupation excludes him from takng on a more serious news oriented role. I mean Ronald Reagan was an actor and people elected him president twice. He is intelligent and has a proven ability to ask hard question, just ask bill o'reilly.

Agreed.  If "You're fired" Trump can run for Prez, Stewart can moderate a debate.  Aside from comedian, he IS a talented journalist and I have no doubt that he could rise to the occasion and host a serious debate.

[laurenpetro]

Aug 20, 2015 19:43:38 GMT -5 KateAggie said:

No. While our elections seem to now be the ultimate circus, having a comedian (no matter how brilliant and how dead on his satire is) just makes further mockery of our politics. Hell no.

I just want to see him on TV again.

[KateAggie]

Aug 20, 2015 21:58:43 GMT -5 expatpumpkin said:

Aug 20, 2015 21:09:23 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

I believe he was approached about taking over meet the press. I don't see how him being a comedian as his primary occupation excludes him from takng on a more serious news oriented role. I mean Ronald Reagan was an actor and people elected him president twice. He is intelligent and has a proven ability to ask hard question, just ask bill o'reilly.

Agreed.  If "You're fired" Trump can run for Prez, Stewart can moderate a debate.  Aside from comedian, he IS a talented journalist and I have no doubt that he could rise to the occasion and host a serious debate.

While he may have he chops to be a serious journalist, he isn't currently. He's a brilliant satire comedian. And we have plenty of proven, serious journalists who can moderate a debate. And I think we're all in agreement that Donald Trump is not he bar we're reaching for... Ronald Reagan did not go straight from Hollywood actor to President. He had to prove himself first.  He had 20+ years on the political scene, as a campaigner, speaker, and governor before rising to the office of the Presidency.

[omgzombies]

Aug 20, 2015 19:43:38 GMT -5 KateAggie said:

No. While our elections seem to now be the ultimate circus, having a comedian (no matter how brilliant and how dead on his satire is) just makes further mockery of our politics. Hell no.

This.  I love Jon Stewart.  Luuurrve him.  Like would leave my husband for him in a hot second, and H knows it.  That is how deep my love goes.  He should not be moderating a debate right now.  In a couple years after he's had a chance to do some more serious work, absolutely he could.