What's he on about now?

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   Monday, October 18, 2004

CROSSFIRE IN THE CROSSFIRE

That grating political shriek-fest called "Crossfire" on CNN had the misfortune to book Jon Stewart, who finally -- deservedly -- tore into them:

JON STEWART: ...And I made a special effort to come on the show today, because I have privately, amongst my friends and also in occasional newspapers and television shows, mentioned this show as being bad.

PAUL BEGALA: We have noticed.

STEWART: And I wanted to -- I felt that that wasn't fair and I should come here and tell you that I don't -- it's not so much that it's bad, as it's hurting America.
...
TUCKER CARLSON: You have a chance to interview the Democratic nominee...Why not ask him a real question, instead of just suck up to him?

JON STEWART: You know, it's interesting to hear you talk about my responsibility...I didn't realize...that the news organizations look to Comedy Central for their cues on integrity.
...
CARLSON: You had John Kerry on your show and you sniff his throne and you're accusing us of partisan hackery?

STEWART: Absolutely.

CARLSON: You've got to be kidding me. He comes on and you -

STEWART: You're on CNN. The show that leads into me is puppets making crank phone calls...
You know, the interesting thing I have is, you have a responsibility to the public discourse, and you fail miserably.

CARLSON: You need to get a job at a journalism school, I think.

STEWART: You need to go to one.
The thing that I want to say is, when you have people on for just knee-jerk, reactionary talk -

CARLSON: Wait. I thought you were going to be funny. Come on. Be funny.
...
STEWART: I watch your show every day. And it kills me.

CARLSON: I can tell you love it.

STEWART: It's so -- oh, it's so painful to watch.

STEWART: You know, because we need what you do. This is such a great opportunity you have here to actually get politicians off of their marketing and strategy.

CARLSON: Is this really Jon Stewart? What is this, anyway?

STEWART: Yes, it's someone who watches your show and cannot take it anymore.
...
CARLSON: I do think you're more fun on your show. Just my opinion.
...
STEWART: You know what's interesting, though? You're as big a dick on your show as you are on any show.

And Jon Stewart is brought down to the usual "Crossfire" level. He gets points for trying, though.