Jon Stewart 'our greatest public intellectual'?

[Wait Wut]

“Loyola University's Kayhan Parsi says the host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" has become "our greatest public intellectual," echoing comments he wrote in a recent issue of The American Journal of Bioethics. Perhaps anticipating the reaction, Parsi then added in that piece, "This is no joke."

<snip>

By welcoming writers, artists and other intellectuals to his show, Stewart "has emerged as our voice of sanity in a sea of insanity in a new media age with its ephemeral nature and lack of substance," Parsi wrote in the journal's December issue, which has gained media attention of late.

<snip>

He gives similar credit to Stewart's friend and Comedy Central colleague Stephen Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report."

Parsi, 46, is an associate professor in the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He was recently named the journal's associate editor.”

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-talk-jon-stewart-intellectual-0309-20120309,0,4557494.story

Eat this, FOX, Rush, and all the rest of you fools.

[Renew Deal]

1. That award may belong to Rachel Maddow

But the Daily Show works.

[Wait Wut]

3. I think "public intellectual" would fit Stewart more.

He has a broader appeal. Rachel, whom I love dearly, appeals to more of the far left than the general public. I know Republicans that watch Stewart/Colbert religiously...and learn from them purely by accident. They wouldn't watch Rachel on a dare.

[boxman15]

2. Part of what I love about The Daily Show is the interviews.

Stewart may be the best interviewer on TV and his wide range of guests is unparalleled. He's the best at interviewing everyone from celebrities to authors to politicians to dignitaries. He has fun with the celebrities, gets great info out of authors and scientists and helps put some unknown books on the map, and holds politicians on both sides accountable.

I still think his interview with President Obama in 2010 was the best interview of Obama's presidency. It was very refreshing to see the president held accountable from the left as opposed to the far-right, and it was great to see Obama respond without being talked over or being asked stupid gotcha questions. If you haven't seen it, please do. Both Stewart and Obama come off great in it.

Colbert is good at cornering politicians into a corner, too, but in a different way. The way he's able to use his character to do all that is really incredible.

[Wait Wut]

5. Absolutely.

It amazes me that Stewart can interview a gues and I'm suddenly interested in something I couldn't have cared less about 10 minutes before. He's truly a top-notch interviewer.

And, yes, I did see the Pres. Obama interview and was stunned! Not only was Stewart fair and respectful (okay, he did call the Pres. "dude" ), but asked him some tough questions. Props to the President for answering honestly, too.

[WCGreen]

7. He reminds me of Steve Allen

Dry, willing to go there and always asking the best questions...

[Wait Wut]

8. Damn, I had forgotten about Steve Allen!

And, you're right, he does have similar delivery and attack.

Loved Steve Allen!!

[jillan]

4. I concur! Jon Stewart can take an issue and explain it in a way that everyone understands.

And does it with humor.

He is brilliant!

[immoderate]

6. As Chalmers Johnson is gone, and beside Chomsky, who else is there?

Rachel is great, and a true intellectual, but has a limited audience. I look forward to her publications.

--imm