He’ll never agree to it. He’s been clear for years that he has zero political ambitions whatsoever.
But…I can’t think of a single democrat who would outperform him if he stepped into the race. Widely popular, even moderate republicans consider him trustworthy, would raise millions in donations overnight that could give him a fighting chance at being viable, plays well in swing states, and he could mop the floor with anyone in a debate.
I really don’t see anyone else who could do better, but that doesn’t change the fact that he would never in a million years consider running. I’m pretty sure he’d rather gnaw on hunks of broken glass than consider political office.
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Agree. I think Harris, AOC and Bernie could perform well. Jon's status as an "outsider" and "not a politician" still seems to be a thing for people which is likely due to corporate influence still being a major problem. Also, charismatic entertainers perform well. Trump is very much invested in bread and circuses as he's an entertainment guy, and it sells very well.
It's fair to say Jon could beat the other popular Democrats.
There is “running for office” and “doing the job”. Biden is perfectly able to do the job well, but hasn’t been a good campaigner for a while. Kamala can probably do the job just fine, but is a terrible interviewee and debater. Pete butigeg is likely the next great hope as an excellent public speaker, who ticks some progressive boxes while presenting as a clean cut white guy to the moderate republicans. The dems probably should have done it this time as Pete is the only dem who can call out trumps bs.
The clean cut white guy who is gay. Won't happen till boomers die out or literally any other generation who has no issues with gay people vote in boomer numbers.
Please stop. While I personally would be fine with any of these people if your objective is to win, these aren't the people you need. Half the country HATES AOC the thought that a member of The Squad is the answer, is amazing to me. Bernie is older that Biden, Harris just isn't a great speaker, campaigner. Now I agree that any of these people would be a good president, but that isn't the problem. There are better candidates out there. Whitmer, Newsome, even the governor of my state, Wes Moore are charismatic people with good liberal ideas.
Gavin Newsom is a miserable piece of shit. Ask any CA state Government employee. Look into his character. Look into how he treated his campaign staff back in the 2000s. Spoilers: he fucked his campaign manager's wife. That guy was his friend!
During Covid when we were all distancing that fucker was wining and dining at the French Laundry. Then he forced state staff back into the office for an arbitrary number of days on an arbitrary deadline so we can "collaborate" better. Our metrics were great, morale was great, and he flushed it all down the toilet because Darryl Fucking Steinberg (the Mayor of Sacramento and a former CA state legislator) and his real estate shitbird cronies got salty that state employees weren't spending our paychecks in the downtown core.
So anyway, please fucking NOT Gavin. He's phony as hell, can't keep it in his pants, sucks corpo dick, and is generally a slimy sleaze.
- Someone unlucky enough to work for the fucker, albeit indirectly.
all this is true, but it pales in comparison to Trump's flaws, and people still love him. Newsom isn't nearly as corrupt, dishonest, and generally disgusting as Trump.
Newsom is handsome and charismatic, which goes a long way to tons of voters. It's sad that this kind of thing is important, but it really is.
Kamala Harris? No, due to her time as AG in California and there is a very lengthy and negative history there. AOC? Would split the moderates and the liberals. AOC wouldn't do well where they need to do well. I think she'd do better as a VP than as president. Bernie? EFF no. Again like AOC he'd split the base and wouldn't do well where they need to do well.
He’s been saying he doesn’t want to do it for as long as people have been saying he should do it
E: y’all I agree with you, I’m just relaying what he said from his own mouth several times and has kept reiterating over the course of a couple of decades
He doesn't want to, he doesn't think he is the best man for it, but he also is not an idiot. He can see the danger the country is in, and he could answer a call as a responsibility to the country and the people, he is a Citizen.
That’s what I’ve been thinking. Like, this is the real deal. He would win handily. He’s the only person with house hold name recognition. The only other possibility would be Newsom… he would be great but his immigration stance would sink him on Election Day.
Newsome is wildly unpopular and an easy target for anyone not far left. His platform would be the same as bidens, "anyone but trump" which isn't good enough to beat trump
yknow who else didnt wanna be president? George Washington
[George Washington: The Reluctant President | | by Ron Chernow | February 2011 ](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/george-washington-the-reluctant-president-49492/)
>\[H\]e told his former comrade in arms and future Secretary of War Henry Knox, adding that his “movements to the chair of government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.” His “peaceful abode” at Mount Vernon, his fears that he lacked the requisite skills for the presidency, the “ocean of difficulties” facing the country—all gave him pause on the eve of his momentous trip to New York. In a letter to his friend Edward Rutledge, he made it seem as if the presidency was little short of a death sentence and that, in accepting it, he had given up “all expectations of private happiness in this world.”
checkmate conserv..libr... whoever, idk, ive lost track who i dont like anymore
In fairness, given the choice, wouldn't you rather retire obscenely wealthy in your massive estate vs. dealing with the presidency of a brand new country? Like these aren't choices that you or I can empathize with.
He'd win by an absolute landslide.
Seriously. It wouldn't be close. But he won't do it b/c he doesn't want the stress/anger/responsibility. What makes him the perfect candidate is what makes him not want it.
4 years ago after Biden was elected, democrats needed to throw their weight behind an heir apparent. This was their second greatest failure in the last decade. The first was nominating Hillary.
This is just Biden's failure.
Several democrats flirted with the idea of running, but nobody was dumb enough to try an primary an incumbent Biden. That's not the party's fault, nor is it the DNC's fault. I'm not sure anybody could've gotten through to him much in the way RBG and Dianne Feinstein were arrogantly trying to hold onto power with casual disregard for reality. Certainly so long as Biden was running, nobody else had a chance at getting enough delegates in the primaries and the party faithful would've disowned any challengers much in the way the Sanders/Clinton debacle ensured their respective supporters would hate the other candidate.
The only way this could've been avoided is if Biden himself chose not to run again.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Jon be the moderator of the “next” presidential debate. He would ask real questions and fact check the fuck out of them. It would bay WAY better than the fucking clown show last night
Absolutely not. He doesn't want the job because he's smart enough to stay in his lane. It's a nice thought, but in reality he's never campaigned for any elected office before. While he is a popular comedian, many people would consider a Stewart candidacy a joke. It would be a huge risk and Stewart would be the first person to say "no way, that's fucking insane."
Zelensky fallacy. That's what they should call this myth. Because, you know, Zelensky had the same criticism. While I agree Jon doesn't want it and isn't stupid enough to take it, I'm open to about anything right now.
There's also some "he doesn't have experience" logic. He has done political work at the federal level for veterans and beyond that. So, already more experience than Trump.
Sadly, it’s for those reasons that he would make a great nominee. He is more than a comedian, as he been an activist as well for many years, advocating for veterans benefits. He would be taken seriously, but he wouldn’t accept it in the end. Just not what he wants, and that’s fine. Not long ago thinking a reality tv star could be our president was crazy, and look what happened.
The opposition is Trump, another person who didn't come from politics. I'm just saying, if we want to beat the man, this would be a great choice. It wouldn't be a joke. Stewart was the voice of America through the Bush years, and now he's once again our voice. I honestly think that his campaign would be a landslide success.
But yes, this is just wishful thinking. Jon would never do it. It would be a tremendous personal sacrifice for him to get into the politics game, but it would without a doubt save our country.
So a comedian that interviewed different politicians for 20 years is a joke but someone from a shitty business reality show was serious? People want a change and people like genuine human beings. It would take Stewart just one debate to change the minds of those thinking he was just a comedian.
It’s wild that you think this thing that gets posted about seven times a day every single day is a hot take lol
No, Jon Stewart should not run for President. Democrats should find a single competent politician somewhere in the entire fucking nation
I know this is unpopular - but I don’t want another person with zero political experience taking our top political seat again.
That was the case with Trump and look at what happened. I’m not saying Stewart wouldn’t be different, but there is value in holding office and learning the job - much more than understanding the system and commenting on it. Politicians do work and the system in incredibly convoluted and a lot of it stands on who you know. I would much rather have someone with 5-10 years actually experience in the trenches than someone who has spent decades on the sidelines commenting about the game being played.
Fuck off. He’s a comedian and entertainer. The way he’s outraged and “eviscerates” the opposition and a master of satire and all that? He was doing that shit when the GOP went crazy during Barack’s first term. And you know what? It worked to normalize lunacy and outrage. We all just learned to laugh at absolutely evil and vile shit every Monday or whenever we watched the online repeats of his and Colbert’s shows. We laughed and we were clever and meanwhile shit just kept getting worse. Way worse.
We always say “listen when people tell you who they are” and he’s been telling us for years he’s a comedian and entertainer. Stop treating him like any more than that.
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Stop trying to elevate celebrities to the office of the presidency, regardless of their political leaning. Did we not fucking learn anything with Reagan and Trump? Franken was good but his need to do dumb comedy stuff on camera was his undoing.
We need serious, qualified, competent people in office who understand the gravity of the problems and threats that affect the nation. Not people who make you laugh or entertain you.
I mean, I agree, but he’s not just an actor or a football player or something. He is keen on political issues and has done a lot for NY firefighters and brings attention to issues.
He’s not just another celebrity, but you’re right he is a celebrity.
Yea totally hot take. I’ve only heard it mentioned every election since he started doing The Daily Show. Maybe you should run for president with all these hot ideas you’ve got?
This isn't a hot take. It's no secret that Jon Stewart would probably be the best candidate the Dems could ever put up.
There is not a single person on the Democratic bench that I'd put over Jon Stewart. Not a single person would be able to out orate or out debate him. He is the best possible candidate period since George Washington. That's not hyperbole.
Look at where we are in history. Look at the traits that make great leaders. Let me give you some highlights as to what makes him the perfect candidate.
-He's as good as, if not better, than Obama as an orator and presenter. During his reign he was the king of talk show hosts.
-He's one of the only people that's a true labeled Democrat that could get Republicans to vote for him willingly. He is quite literally one of the only people that some Republicans trusted even if they didn't support his views, they still trusted him.
-He's a generational debater. I'd say better than Obama. He basically single-handed ended Bill O'Riley's career, and banished Tucker Carlson to be only on right-wing sources. He beat Tucker so bad that Tucker basically ensured he'd never have real leftist on his shows ever again. He got beat so bad that he stopped wearing bowties.
-He understands American law and politics so well that he convey big concepts in such a digestible way that he can even satirize and joke about it.
-He understands how bills actually become laws, and fought through the gridlock of DC to get a few bills passed.
-He's an authentic American, and no one would ever be able to take that away from him.
-He's an American hero for everything he's ever done for 9/11. From staring down the face of Al Qaeda just weeks after the attacks to tell the nation that we are still here, to fighting for the first responders with everything he had. His testimony to Congress is only rivaled by Mr. Rogers'.
-Most importantly, he doesn't want the power. But that is exactly why he should have it.
We don’t need any candidates stepping in to split the vote unless Biden steps aside and endorses said person.
If that happens it’ll be Bernie or Bust all over again. We simply cannot afford another 2016.
I have had enough of TV stars running for/being president.
My Hot Take: It is that it is 100x easier to be a funny critic of government leaders then it is to be an effective leader in the most powerful leadership position in the world. It is one thing to point out problems and make fun of gaffes and a totally different skills to lead people into fixing those problems.
I don't know why but since his come back something about his stances/demeanor has rubbed me the wrong way. On a few topics I have noticed he leaves out key facts to make his point or make a joke. To me he gives off a vibe that his popularity has gone to his head a bit and its made him almost smug and arrogant. (Not saying he actually is those things but it is the vibe I get personally when I watch him) So maybe my bias gets in the way here.
I want a policy wonk like Hilary with the charisma of Obama with the leadership experience of Biden in the body of Millennial with the lofty vision for America of a Sanders. Find me that person and if they don't exist we should be trying to craft several different potential people into that person. No more tv stars. No more cults of personality. No more old people. No more pre ordained rubber stamped candidates.
I would have agreed with this all the way up to his second episode this season. The first episode (the big return) was Jon’s true self. He displayed true opinions about the current political situation and appropriately criticized the left as well as the right. I couldn’t have agreed more with what he was saying.
But then the backlash from his base got in the way and couldn’t handle a both sides bad narrative. Ever since then, the content is crafted to only be critical of the right.
Once again I don’t disagree with what Jon is saying but he has shown that he will cave under pressure. Still love him on the show though.
https://preview.redd.it/wglmrvzteb9d1.jpeg?width=522&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79cbba0c4c7153b65744cc78700291d8cb55baeb
Zelenskyy was also a comedian before seeking office.
But maybe?
I would love this but it would be too easy for republicans to convince old people who don’t know him that he’s some dumb comedian. He would need more runway before the election to get the dumb masses behind him.
I man, the only other comedian that’s leading a country right now is the best leader we’ve seen this century.
I think left leaning voters ignore the importance of stage presence and having an “outside game.” Regan was a moron, but he knew how to work a camera so that’s why some people still worship him today. In every election the winner has been the more charismatic one: Bill Clinton, Bush jr beat the “boring” Al Gore and Kerry, Obama won, and Trump beat Hilary even though she was clearly more qualified.
Jon is smart, relatable, and has great stage presence. He would absolutely win.
IF biden gets replaced, it would be by an established politician. Someone with a track record.
honestly I want biden to say he wouldn't finish a second term if elected, saying he would step down once the election is over if he stayed. I honestly don't think an 85 year old should be president and I've been operating under the assumption that biden doesn't intent to finish a 2nd term
He's too far left for mainstream Democrats, even.
I'd vote for him before the ink was dry on the ballots, but the establishment-left is too entrenched closer to centrist than it needs to be for Jon to be successful
I don't really agree with Jon Stewart enough to vote for him. But I can say I think he genuinely believes what he says, and genuine people don't run for office.
It’s the perfect solution! A dare I say moment of zen for the American people who desperately need a break from all of this. If we’re going to be a joke let’s at least let the comedian lead.
Why would he subject himself to that? I cant think of a smarter more capable person. Dems dont deserve him if they throw Joe under the bus at this point. This shouldve been addressed 2-3 years ago not 4 months away. I cant believe I am saying this but MAGA could teach us a lesson on loyalty. If they can do it for a felon sex offender bully, we can find it in us to do it for a man who served his country well the past 3-1/2 years
Honestly, I’ve thought that this might work. Think about it, the pay rate for a Congress person is going to be a raise for most people, so unlike jury duty, they’d probably jump at the chance. The people who aren’t getting a raise would probably figure some way out of it, so all the people making decisions would be regular people who understand what regular people need. It would also kill the party apparatus completely because nobody would “run” for office. More women would get in. More people of color. Less corruption because even if someone took bribes, they’d be replaced in the next draft anyway.
I’ve been saying this for years. He might not want it, but he also knows that he could really do a great service to this nation and heal a lot of people in the process. Someone just needs to tell him that the burden of that responsibility isn’t his to bear alone, but it is his to bear.
Hot take: Most outsider candidates end up being bad politicians because they have no experience being politicians
People don't realize this, but being a politician is a lot of work and there are certain things you need to be good at. A few things:
* Building coalitions of political allies who can support your agendas
* Making compromises on your bills in order to push them through
* Having an organized caucus so you know ahead of time if your votes are gonna pass (Pelosi was great at this)
* Creating administrative/executive rules that will actually pass scrutiny and not be struck down by SCOTUS
* Making trades with people you dislike in order to get the last few votes on your agenda
There's a lot of "how the sausage is made" stuff that a lot of folks gloss over. And its why Hillary Clinton was, imo, a far superior candidate Bernie Sanders
Unfortunately, American politics (and politics in general) overvalues "presentation" politics -- being charismatic, giving good speeches, seeming smart/fun, campaigning etc and undervalues the actual job itself
Campaigning != politicking, but unfortunately, the ship has sailed
What are his policies to make peoples lives better? The calls for John Stewart for president, remind me of the calls for Schwarzenegger or Jesse Ventura(Minnesota) back in the day. Neither of them changed anything meaningful once elected.
He would be my choice. He says he doesn’t want to move into the political space but he already has. Look at his work on the Zadroga Bill for 9/11 first responders and the Pact Act for veterans. He gets in there and fights. And wins! He calls out corrupt politicians on both sides. He’s got exactly what the Democrats need. BALLS! The party desperately needs to find some real fortitude to defeat the MAGA movement and to do what’s right for America. I’m so tired of Democrats just taking it and not fighting back. They tend to act like we have nothing to lose and it will just all be ok.
>Does anyone agree?
he would get the same exact treatment as Ron Paul and Bernie Sanders.
besides...while Jon is great, he is no spring Chicken.
lets nominate some 35 year olds.
This. He's studied politics daily for decades, has more recognition, cognition, empathy, knowledge, and public approval than any other serious candidate.
Unfortunately, the DNC is a private corporation and is under no obligation to put up the popular candidate for President. He could win all of our votes in the primaries, and they will still put-up whatever Octogenarian or Nonagenarian they feel is their "turn" to run.
[DNC to Court: We Are a Private Corporation With No Obligation to Follow Our Rules | Independent Voter News (ivn.us)](https://ivn.us/posts/dnc-to-court-we-are-a-private-corporation-with-no-obligation-to-follow-our-rules)
Because electing a TV host/actor went great the last two times?
The reason I stopped watching him is that he doesn’t actually understand the nuances of policy at all. If social problems had simple solutions they’d be solved, but his understanding of any of the nuances, political realities, or implications of policy change is just nonexistent. He’s more interested in scoring points with a “humorous” jab than actually solving any problems. He also doesn’t have the orientation towards serving others that all the best politicians have.
Also, his record on working with women is less than great.
Can you imagine the Presidential debates vs this guy? There isn't a Republican who'd stand a chance.
I wish someone would convince JS that it is his civil duty to protect our democracy as millions of military have done throughout our history. I know it would be a major sacrifice for him, and I can appreciate that, but our nation is running out of time.
I woke up this morning only to come to the realization that any lead or majority Biden had going into this debate was likely gone. The issue is, republicans aren't moral enough to refuse to support their criminal leader, and democrats are smart enough and willing to question enough to realize that Biden isn't a reasonable choice for president.
There needs to be a better option, for the most powerful country in the world to only have two geriatric presidential runners, one corrupt beyond definition, and one suffering from his experience, is embarrassing and untenable.
Our country is on the edge, and neither option is going to pull us back from it. It just happens that one will push us off, and the other will leave us hanging.
once heard... "A great leader does not seek power, he/she has power thrust upon them." LT CMD Worf, DS9 quoting Kahless. We need to "thrust" power onto Jon Stewart. maybe he will come around. We NEED him now!!
edit: bot ordered me to
His severe lack on interest is the exact reason he’d do a great job.
Anybody who wants that job should be automatically disqualified. The job is either a public service nightmare or a self enriching scam.
I love him... Trump has made everybody think that Democrats are liberal, though. They aren't, really. Jon Stewart is a lefty, not a Democrat. He's too good for the party, imo.
I vote for Dems, but the only one that I really feel represents me is Bernie. I'm one of those that thinks that all other issues are small potatoes compared to labor, wages, and consumer protections.
I absolutely love Jon Stewart, but there is a VERY BIG difference between hosting a show about politics and running the country. He'd easily be better than the current options, but that's a low bar. I don't know whether or not he would be a great president and/or effective, but I know that watching him on the Daily Show is not a good indicator one way or the other.
Jon Stewart does a ton for American democracy without being president. It’s fair that he wants to spend more time with his family. I’m grateful for his impact.
Hell NO! Have we not learned our lesson already? Jon's a much better human than Trump. It doesn't take much. If Jon wanted to be a public servant he would have made that career choice.
Oh fuck yes, this scenario has been playing in my mind for a long time. I’ve never bought a reddit award, feel so strongly about this post I just had to award it.
Jon’s not having it can’t blame him but the dems screwed up should be Bernie… to old? Yea well look what happened last nite Bernie is still sharp and would destroy trump in a debate and election smmfh
He’ll never agree to it. He’s been clear for years that he has zero political ambitions whatsoever. But…I can’t think of a single democrat who would outperform him if he stepped into the race. Widely popular, even moderate republicans consider him trustworthy, would raise millions in donations overnight that could give him a fighting chance at being viable, plays well in swing states, and he could mop the floor with anyone in a debate. I really don’t see anyone else who could do better, but that doesn’t change the fact that he would never in a million years consider running. I’m pretty sure he’d rather gnaw on hunks of broken glass than consider political office.
The best people are the ones that don’t seek power. I wish he would answer the call but I doubt it.
Counterpoint. We need to kidnap Jon Stewart and make him President.
Kidnap a Jew and force him to do your bidding? … I don’t know but I’m pretty sure he’ll be able to crack a few jokes about the situation!
Someone get Rami Malek on the line!
Get Mel Brooks to write the screenplay and direct. Edit: Scratch that, get Larry David to write it.
I would watch this movie.
How about this. We change nothing about the man's life. But we send him "surveys" that he has to fill out that are actually policy decisions.
We're skirting dangerously close to Ender's Game territory here
Let’s just put in the cast of West Wing
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He would the the Zelensky of the USA, not the hero we deserve but the hero we need.
Agree. I think Harris, AOC and Bernie could perform well. Jon's status as an "outsider" and "not a politician" still seems to be a thing for people which is likely due to corporate influence still being a major problem. Also, charismatic entertainers perform well. Trump is very much invested in bread and circuses as he's an entertainment guy, and it sells very well. It's fair to say Jon could beat the other popular Democrats.
There is “running for office” and “doing the job”. Biden is perfectly able to do the job well, but hasn’t been a good campaigner for a while. Kamala can probably do the job just fine, but is a terrible interviewee and debater. Pete butigeg is likely the next great hope as an excellent public speaker, who ticks some progressive boxes while presenting as a clean cut white guy to the moderate republicans. The dems probably should have done it this time as Pete is the only dem who can call out trumps bs.
The clean cut white guy who is gay. Won't happen till boomers die out or literally any other generation who has no issues with gay people vote in boomer numbers.
He’s a veteran, he’s a patriot that actually cares about the country
That doesn’t matter to bigots. They never wanted gays in the military in the first place.
Tami Duckworth lost both her legs flying in combat. Yet shitheads “patriots” prefer a pussy grabbing, porn star fucking liar over her
Please stop. While I personally would be fine with any of these people if your objective is to win, these aren't the people you need. Half the country HATES AOC the thought that a member of The Squad is the answer, is amazing to me. Bernie is older that Biden, Harris just isn't a great speaker, campaigner. Now I agree that any of these people would be a good president, but that isn't the problem. There are better candidates out there. Whitmer, Newsome, even the governor of my state, Wes Moore are charismatic people with good liberal ideas.
Gavin Newsom is a miserable piece of shit. Ask any CA state Government employee. Look into his character. Look into how he treated his campaign staff back in the 2000s. Spoilers: he fucked his campaign manager's wife. That guy was his friend! During Covid when we were all distancing that fucker was wining and dining at the French Laundry. Then he forced state staff back into the office for an arbitrary number of days on an arbitrary deadline so we can "collaborate" better. Our metrics were great, morale was great, and he flushed it all down the toilet because Darryl Fucking Steinberg (the Mayor of Sacramento and a former CA state legislator) and his real estate shitbird cronies got salty that state employees weren't spending our paychecks in the downtown core. So anyway, please fucking NOT Gavin. He's phony as hell, can't keep it in his pants, sucks corpo dick, and is generally a slimy sleaze. - Someone unlucky enough to work for the fucker, albeit indirectly.
all this is true, but it pales in comparison to Trump's flaws, and people still love him. Newsom isn't nearly as corrupt, dishonest, and generally disgusting as Trump. Newsom is handsome and charismatic, which goes a long way to tons of voters. It's sad that this kind of thing is important, but it really is.
>Newsom is handsome and charismatic Counterpoint, Newsom looks like if Patrick Bateman sold used cars.
Yeah, but... MSNBC told them that's who is next!
Kamala Harris? No, due to her time as AG in California and there is a very lengthy and negative history there. AOC? Would split the moderates and the liberals. AOC wouldn't do well where they need to do well. I think she'd do better as a VP than as president. Bernie? EFF no. Again like AOC he'd split the base and wouldn't do well where they need to do well.
"Great men do not seek power. They have power thrust upon them." -Kahless
He’s been saying he doesn’t want to do it for as long as people have been saying he should do it E: y’all I agree with you, I’m just relaying what he said from his own mouth several times and has kept reiterating over the course of a couple of decades
He doesn't want to, he doesn't think he is the best man for it, but he also is not an idiot. He can see the danger the country is in, and he could answer a call as a responsibility to the country and the people, he is a Citizen.
That’s what I’ve been thinking. Like, this is the real deal. He would win handily. He’s the only person with house hold name recognition. The only other possibility would be Newsom… he would be great but his immigration stance would sink him on Election Day.
Newsome is wildly unpopular and an easy target for anyone not far left. His platform would be the same as bidens, "anyone but trump" which isn't good enough to beat trump
yknow who else didnt wanna be president? George Washington [George Washington: The Reluctant President | | by Ron Chernow | February 2011 ](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/george-washington-the-reluctant-president-49492/) >\[H\]e told his former comrade in arms and future Secretary of War Henry Knox, adding that his “movements to the chair of government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.” His “peaceful abode” at Mount Vernon, his fears that he lacked the requisite skills for the presidency, the “ocean of difficulties” facing the country—all gave him pause on the eve of his momentous trip to New York. In a letter to his friend Edward Rutledge, he made it seem as if the presidency was little short of a death sentence and that, in accepting it, he had given up “all expectations of private happiness in this world.” checkmate conserv..libr... whoever, idk, ive lost track who i dont like anymore
In fairness, given the choice, wouldn't you rather retire obscenely wealthy in your massive estate vs. dealing with the presidency of a brand new country? Like these aren't choices that you or I can empathize with.
He'd win by an absolute landslide. Seriously. It wouldn't be close. But he won't do it b/c he doesn't want the stress/anger/responsibility. What makes him the perfect candidate is what makes him not want it.
Agree with you. That’s exactly why he needs to do it 😂
Establishment democrats are a thing, and they have a lot of reasons not to invest in an outside candidate like Jon.
Establishment tried and failed to block out Trump
In an alternate reality Jon Stewart is the democrat nominee and he's going up against Stephen Colbert as the Republican nominee.
I’d watch this movie, and would be happy with it being real life
Actual Colbert or his character on Colbert Show?
Manchurian Colbert. He runs as his character, but governs as himself.
This is the most hilarious thing ever, and I want it so bad.
He's too smart for that
Zelensky was a comedian before he became an effective leader. He performed when his country needed him most. Jon?
George Washington didn't want the gig, either. Sometimes the right person for the job is the person who doesn't want it. Wake up, Jon.
Please
I’d vote for him in a heartbeat. Hands down would do a better job, for sure.
4 years ago after Biden was elected, democrats needed to throw their weight behind an heir apparent. This was their second greatest failure in the last decade. The first was nominating Hillary.
This is just Biden's failure. Several democrats flirted with the idea of running, but nobody was dumb enough to try an primary an incumbent Biden. That's not the party's fault, nor is it the DNC's fault. I'm not sure anybody could've gotten through to him much in the way RBG and Dianne Feinstein were arrogantly trying to hold onto power with casual disregard for reality. Certainly so long as Biden was running, nobody else had a chance at getting enough delegates in the primaries and the party faithful would've disowned any challengers much in the way the Sanders/Clinton debacle ensured their respective supporters would hate the other candidate. The only way this could've been avoided is if Biden himself chose not to run again.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Jon be the moderator of the “next” presidential debate. He would ask real questions and fact check the fuck out of them. It would bay WAY better than the fucking clown show last night
Absolutely not. He doesn't want the job because he's smart enough to stay in his lane. It's a nice thought, but in reality he's never campaigned for any elected office before. While he is a popular comedian, many people would consider a Stewart candidacy a joke. It would be a huge risk and Stewart would be the first person to say "no way, that's fucking insane."
Zelensky fallacy. That's what they should call this myth. Because, you know, Zelensky had the same criticism. While I agree Jon doesn't want it and isn't stupid enough to take it, I'm open to about anything right now. There's also some "he doesn't have experience" logic. He has done political work at the federal level for veterans and beyond that. So, already more experience than Trump.
Sadly, it’s for those reasons that he would make a great nominee. He is more than a comedian, as he been an activist as well for many years, advocating for veterans benefits. He would be taken seriously, but he wouldn’t accept it in the end. Just not what he wants, and that’s fine. Not long ago thinking a reality tv star could be our president was crazy, and look what happened.
The opposition is Trump, another person who didn't come from politics. I'm just saying, if we want to beat the man, this would be a great choice. It wouldn't be a joke. Stewart was the voice of America through the Bush years, and now he's once again our voice. I honestly think that his campaign would be a landslide success. But yes, this is just wishful thinking. Jon would never do it. It would be a tremendous personal sacrifice for him to get into the politics game, but it would without a doubt save our country.
I'd still vote for Biden even if they were giving him his last rites. A dead president is better than a dead country
He would be great, but he’s way too smart to ever do it. He would beat Trump in a landslide though.
So a comedian that interviewed different politicians for 20 years is a joke but someone from a shitty business reality show was serious? People want a change and people like genuine human beings. It would take Stewart just one debate to change the minds of those thinking he was just a comedian.
It’s wild that you think this thing that gets posted about seven times a day every single day is a hot take lol No, Jon Stewart should not run for President. Democrats should find a single competent politician somewhere in the entire fucking nation
Every single day _since 2004_
We need a zelensky
Please
I'm so fucking tired of this stupid ass idea
I know this is unpopular - but I don’t want another person with zero political experience taking our top political seat again. That was the case with Trump and look at what happened. I’m not saying Stewart wouldn’t be different, but there is value in holding office and learning the job - much more than understanding the system and commenting on it. Politicians do work and the system in incredibly convoluted and a lot of it stands on who you know. I would much rather have someone with 5-10 years actually experience in the trenches than someone who has spent decades on the sidelines commenting about the game being played.
Fuck off. He’s a comedian and entertainer. The way he’s outraged and “eviscerates” the opposition and a master of satire and all that? He was doing that shit when the GOP went crazy during Barack’s first term. And you know what? It worked to normalize lunacy and outrage. We all just learned to laugh at absolutely evil and vile shit every Monday or whenever we watched the online repeats of his and Colbert’s shows. We laughed and we were clever and meanwhile shit just kept getting worse. Way worse. We always say “listen when people tell you who they are” and he’s been telling us for years he’s a comedian and entertainer. Stop treating him like any more than that.
This is the best take on this thread.
Jon Stewart and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, two comedians to save western civilization. I’d vote but only if Steven Colbert was VP.
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Or maybe America needs to realize that it's celebrity worship is a problem.
Stop trying to elevate celebrities to the office of the presidency, regardless of their political leaning. Did we not fucking learn anything with Reagan and Trump? Franken was good but his need to do dumb comedy stuff on camera was his undoing. We need serious, qualified, competent people in office who understand the gravity of the problems and threats that affect the nation. Not people who make you laugh or entertain you.
I mean, I agree, but he’s not just an actor or a football player or something. He is keen on political issues and has done a lot for NY firefighters and brings attention to issues. He’s not just another celebrity, but you’re right he is a celebrity.
Would vote for him in a second.
Yes, fuck, yes!
Hot Take: We need to seriously grow up as an electorate, and at the same time realize Biden is unfit and about to lose an election.
This is not a hot take. This has been said for years.
A political comedian would be sort of ideal to take down a compulsive lying narcissist.
That would certainly make for a better debate. Would be amazing to see Jon mop the floor with Trump.
He would win the dem nomination easily
Hot take that has been suggested a billion times
My entire circle, and I have a pretty big circle, will vote for him, no doubt about it.
I’d vote for him, but he’s too smart to want the job.
This is a very hot take. He’d make a great president, thoughtful, real, not over 70 years old. He’d be perfect
Yea totally hot take. I’ve only heard it mentioned every election since he started doing The Daily Show. Maybe you should run for president with all these hot ideas you’ve got?
Coldest take since George W. Bush's administration. Who hasn't said that?
In Jon we trust!
Him debating Trump would be epic.
holy fuck. let's go!
I wish he would reconsider. I would love to see a Jon Stewart/ Shawn Fain ticket
Possibly the most lukewarm take of all time
My wife and I discussed this last night and fully agree. If he runs, he wins.
This isn't a hot take. It's no secret that Jon Stewart would probably be the best candidate the Dems could ever put up. There is not a single person on the Democratic bench that I'd put over Jon Stewart. Not a single person would be able to out orate or out debate him. He is the best possible candidate period since George Washington. That's not hyperbole. Look at where we are in history. Look at the traits that make great leaders. Let me give you some highlights as to what makes him the perfect candidate. -He's as good as, if not better, than Obama as an orator and presenter. During his reign he was the king of talk show hosts. -He's one of the only people that's a true labeled Democrat that could get Republicans to vote for him willingly. He is quite literally one of the only people that some Republicans trusted even if they didn't support his views, they still trusted him. -He's a generational debater. I'd say better than Obama. He basically single-handed ended Bill O'Riley's career, and banished Tucker Carlson to be only on right-wing sources. He beat Tucker so bad that Tucker basically ensured he'd never have real leftist on his shows ever again. He got beat so bad that he stopped wearing bowties. -He understands American law and politics so well that he convey big concepts in such a digestible way that he can even satirize and joke about it. -He understands how bills actually become laws, and fought through the gridlock of DC to get a few bills passed. -He's an authentic American, and no one would ever be able to take that away from him. -He's an American hero for everything he's ever done for 9/11. From staring down the face of Al Qaeda just weeks after the attacks to tell the nation that we are still here, to fighting for the first responders with everything he had. His testimony to Congress is only rivaled by Mr. Rogers'. -Most importantly, he doesn't want the power. But that is exactly why he should have it.
We don’t need any candidates stepping in to split the vote unless Biden steps aside and endorses said person. If that happens it’ll be Bernie or Bust all over again. We simply cannot afford another 2016.
Shit Im right-leaning and I’ll vote for him in a heartbeat. Dude is trustworthy, selfless, and put the needs of people above everything.
I have had enough of TV stars running for/being president. My Hot Take: It is that it is 100x easier to be a funny critic of government leaders then it is to be an effective leader in the most powerful leadership position in the world. It is one thing to point out problems and make fun of gaffes and a totally different skills to lead people into fixing those problems. I don't know why but since his come back something about his stances/demeanor has rubbed me the wrong way. On a few topics I have noticed he leaves out key facts to make his point or make a joke. To me he gives off a vibe that his popularity has gone to his head a bit and its made him almost smug and arrogant. (Not saying he actually is those things but it is the vibe I get personally when I watch him) So maybe my bias gets in the way here. I want a policy wonk like Hilary with the charisma of Obama with the leadership experience of Biden in the body of Millennial with the lofty vision for America of a Sanders. Find me that person and if they don't exist we should be trying to craft several different potential people into that person. No more tv stars. No more cults of personality. No more old people. No more pre ordained rubber stamped candidates.
He would kill any debate. The problem is that he’s Cincinnatus and doesn’t want to rule.
Seriously. Instead of him criticizing every single person to hold the position let's see how he gets it done.
I would have agreed with this all the way up to his second episode this season. The first episode (the big return) was Jon’s true self. He displayed true opinions about the current political situation and appropriately criticized the left as well as the right. I couldn’t have agreed more with what he was saying. But then the backlash from his base got in the way and couldn’t handle a both sides bad narrative. Ever since then, the content is crafted to only be critical of the right. Once again I don’t disagree with what Jon is saying but he has shown that he will cave under pressure. Still love him on the show though.
I used to say Jon Stewart Katie Porter would be invincible. Stewart has given up though.
https://preview.redd.it/wglmrvzteb9d1.jpeg?width=522&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79cbba0c4c7153b65744cc78700291d8cb55baeb Zelenskyy was also a comedian before seeking office. But maybe?
We need people who are well qualified, but who don’t want to do it, to take one for the team and just do it.
He would win the nomination hands down, but like all wise folks doesn't want the job.
I would love this but it would be too easy for republicans to convince old people who don’t know him that he’s some dumb comedian. He would need more runway before the election to get the dumb masses behind him.
I think he wouldn’t put his family through the political ringer that US politics have become.
He will for sure get things done ie, welfare, education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc.
My favorite bad joke from the daily show was: “Why is it when you buy a baguette do they give you half a bag?” Lmaooo idk why that’s funny
I’d like to see him as press secretary.
I man, the only other comedian that’s leading a country right now is the best leader we’ve seen this century. I think left leaning voters ignore the importance of stage presence and having an “outside game.” Regan was a moron, but he knew how to work a camera so that’s why some people still worship him today. In every election the winner has been the more charismatic one: Bill Clinton, Bush jr beat the “boring” Al Gore and Kerry, Obama won, and Trump beat Hilary even though she was clearly more qualified. Jon is smart, relatable, and has great stage presence. He would absolutely win.
The entire debate I kept thinking "Jesus we need Jon". Like honestly he oddly seems like the only option.
Jon Stewart for VP ?
They won't let him. Biden is the candidate our plutocrat masters have allowed to be the candidate.
IF biden gets replaced, it would be by an established politician. Someone with a track record. honestly I want biden to say he wouldn't finish a second term if elected, saying he would step down once the election is over if he stayed. I honestly don't think an 85 year old should be president and I've been operating under the assumption that biden doesn't intent to finish a 2nd term
Sigh. It would be really nice. I mean part of me hopes after the debate he's just like "fuck...well guess I'd better" but I doubt it.
He's too far left for mainstream Democrats, even. I'd vote for him before the ink was dry on the ballots, but the establishment-left is too entrenched closer to centrist than it needs to be for Jon to be successful
Jon does not want to be a war criminal. He’s a comedian.
I don't really agree with Jon Stewart enough to vote for him. But I can say I think he genuinely believes what he says, and genuine people don't run for office.
I'd back him for sure
Bad career move? Apart from his part-time comeback to counter Trump's third run and some small personal projects, he's retired!
Do not let the people who want the job, have the job.
It’s the perfect solution! A dare I say moment of zen for the American people who desperately need a break from all of this. If we’re going to be a joke let’s at least let the comedian lead.
Or just settle for any of the career democrats that are under 60
Isn't it funny how the things that could save us are always the things that never happen?
Why would he subject himself to that? I cant think of a smarter more capable person. Dems dont deserve him if they throw Joe under the bus at this point. This shouldve been addressed 2-3 years ago not 4 months away. I cant believe I am saying this but MAGA could teach us a lesson on loyalty. If they can do it for a felon sex offender bully, we can find it in us to do it for a man who served his country well the past 3-1/2 years
There should be a Presidential draft, where we just vote someone into office and they simply have to do it because it's their duty as a citizen.
Honestly, I’ve thought that this might work. Think about it, the pay rate for a Congress person is going to be a raise for most people, so unlike jury duty, they’d probably jump at the chance. The people who aren’t getting a raise would probably figure some way out of it, so all the people making decisions would be regular people who understand what regular people need. It would also kill the party apparatus completely because nobody would “run” for office. More women would get in. More people of color. Less corruption because even if someone took bribes, they’d be replaced in the next draft anyway.
I’ve been saying this for years. He might not want it, but he also knows that he could really do a great service to this nation and heal a lot of people in the process. Someone just needs to tell him that the burden of that responsibility isn’t his to bear alone, but it is his to bear.
He'd do better as a Republican. Not only would he take a Republican slot, but he could also destroy so much hypocrisy from the inside.
I would 100% vote for him. Even better if he gets Colbert as VP.
Isnt that the whole point Mr Stewart is trying to make? Not let folks even like himself run for office. I see this subreddit is losing its shit
I’d vote for him to remedy the burning anxiety I’m currently harboring.
Hot take: Most outsider candidates end up being bad politicians because they have no experience being politicians People don't realize this, but being a politician is a lot of work and there are certain things you need to be good at. A few things: * Building coalitions of political allies who can support your agendas * Making compromises on your bills in order to push them through * Having an organized caucus so you know ahead of time if your votes are gonna pass (Pelosi was great at this) * Creating administrative/executive rules that will actually pass scrutiny and not be struck down by SCOTUS * Making trades with people you dislike in order to get the last few votes on your agenda There's a lot of "how the sausage is made" stuff that a lot of folks gloss over. And its why Hillary Clinton was, imo, a far superior candidate Bernie Sanders Unfortunately, American politics (and politics in general) overvalues "presentation" politics -- being charismatic, giving good speeches, seeming smart/fun, campaigning etc and undervalues the actual job itself Campaigning != politicking, but unfortunately, the ship has sailed
He would save us. We're all already fucked
Waltz and Whitmer are solid if we can’t have Stewart
Generally those that don't seek/want leadership positions often make the best leaders.
Someone needs to watch more Robin Williams movies, because we already had this discussion 20 years ago: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0483726/
What are his policies to make peoples lives better? The calls for John Stewart for president, remind me of the calls for Schwarzenegger or Jesse Ventura(Minnesota) back in the day. Neither of them changed anything meaningful once elected.
Only if he could still host the Daily Show from the White House
We've been trying for a decade. /sigh
You put him on stage with Trump and I think Trump would withdraw
Is it possible for you guys to conscript a President? You may want to look into that.
He would be my choice. He says he doesn’t want to move into the political space but he already has. Look at his work on the Zadroga Bill for 9/11 first responders and the Pact Act for veterans. He gets in there and fights. And wins! He calls out corrupt politicians on both sides. He’s got exactly what the Democrats need. BALLS! The party desperately needs to find some real fortitude to defeat the MAGA movement and to do what’s right for America. I’m so tired of Democrats just taking it and not fighting back. They tend to act like we have nothing to lose and it will just all be ok.
Idk.
PLEase
just like we had Trump, the outsider, we need Stewart, the outsider and shake this shit up.
They made a movie with basically that premise staring Robbin Williams as a Jon Stewart analogue.
He would never.
>Does anyone agree? he would get the same exact treatment as Ron Paul and Bernie Sanders. besides...while Jon is great, he is no spring Chicken. lets nominate some 35 year olds.
Please fucking god
Cincinattus
Al Franken would do pretty well, too
Funny how the people that don’t have political ambitions are the people that should be elected.
We have plenty of strong candidates with exception skill and experience. Can we focus on those? I’ve had enough actors and entertainers as presidents.
Who? Serious question. I’d definitely give Pete a good look right now but it’s a pretty short list that I’m aware of.
This. He's studied politics daily for decades, has more recognition, cognition, empathy, knowledge, and public approval than any other serious candidate.
Lewis Black for VP
Unfortunately, the DNC is a private corporation and is under no obligation to put up the popular candidate for President. He could win all of our votes in the primaries, and they will still put-up whatever Octogenarian or Nonagenarian they feel is their "turn" to run. [DNC to Court: We Are a Private Corporation With No Obligation to Follow Our Rules | Independent Voter News (ivn.us)](https://ivn.us/posts/dnc-to-court-we-are-a-private-corporation-with-no-obligation-to-follow-our-rules)
The gravity of the situation has just set in with America. 
"I dun wan it." -Jon "Snow" Stewart
Because electing a TV host/actor went great the last two times? The reason I stopped watching him is that he doesn’t actually understand the nuances of policy at all. If social problems had simple solutions they’d be solved, but his understanding of any of the nuances, political realities, or implications of policy change is just nonexistent. He’s more interested in scoring points with a “humorous” jab than actually solving any problems. He also doesn’t have the orientation towards serving others that all the best politicians have. Also, his record on working with women is less than great.
the dnc can run whomever they want, after they dropped the ball on trump and he regains power, no real elections will happen anyway. fucking adorable.
The fact that he doesn’t want the job is part of the reason he’d be great at it.
If Ukraine can do it so can we!
Right now is the time for Andy Beshear with Wes Moore as vice.
Yessssss!!!!!
I mean cool. Jon does not want the job. I would take it 100000 to 200000 a year. I make 45k cleaning your school.
Can you imagine the Presidential debates vs this guy? There isn't a Republican who'd stand a chance. I wish someone would convince JS that it is his civil duty to protect our democracy as millions of military have done throughout our history. I know it would be a major sacrifice for him, and I can appreciate that, but our nation is running out of time. I woke up this morning only to come to the realization that any lead or majority Biden had going into this debate was likely gone. The issue is, republicans aren't moral enough to refuse to support their criminal leader, and democrats are smart enough and willing to question enough to realize that Biden isn't a reasonable choice for president. There needs to be a better option, for the most powerful country in the world to only have two geriatric presidential runners, one corrupt beyond definition, and one suffering from his experience, is embarrassing and untenable. Our country is on the edge, and neither option is going to pull us back from it. It just happens that one will push us off, and the other will leave us hanging.
There is a difference between being a popular tv host and president! Trump is a painful proof of that !
It's too late to get him or anyone else added to all the state ballots. We're stuck with Joe Biden unfortunately. Way to late to course correct.
once heard... "A great leader does not seek power, he/she has power thrust upon them." LT CMD Worf, DS9 quoting Kahless. We need to "thrust" power onto Jon Stewart. maybe he will come around. We NEED him now!! edit: bot ordered me to
His severe lack on interest is the exact reason he’d do a great job. Anybody who wants that job should be automatically disqualified. The job is either a public service nightmare or a self enriching scam.
I think even if he isnt interested, America needs him. Its like having a super power but deciding not to use it.
He’a far too smart for that
If you’re gonna do it better do it quick.
I get he doesn’t want to run, but he’s too passionate to not consider actually trying to improve *gestures broadly at everything* this
He don't need the hassle
Throw in Michelle Obama on the ticket. Neither of them will run, but we can dream..
Stewart and Oliver as VP on the ticket would hands down be the best thing that could happen to America.
I would have loved to see his reactions to Trump last night.
Yes, I'd love for him to be in charge. But it ain't happening. It's looking like Newsom will make a run in 2028 (2024?) What is wrong with him?
The 2024 Democratic primary is over. Biden won. He could run in 2028 if he wants to, which he clearly doesn't.
So far he's a comedian. When he becomes an expert on everything Joe is, that would be interesting.
Some people would vote for him, but enough to beat Trump? Non starter.
I love him... Trump has made everybody think that Democrats are liberal, though. They aren't, really. Jon Stewart is a lefty, not a Democrat. He's too good for the party, imo. I vote for Dems, but the only one that I really feel represents me is Bernie. I'm one of those that thinks that all other issues are small potatoes compared to labor, wages, and consumer protections.
I absolutely love Jon Stewart, but there is a VERY BIG difference between hosting a show about politics and running the country. He'd easily be better than the current options, but that's a low bar. I don't know whether or not he would be a great president and/or effective, but I know that watching him on the Daily Show is not a good indicator one way or the other.
It’s not a hot take when this sentiment has been posted and repeated like every month
He would kick ass
We should force him to do it. Like jury duty.
Jon Stewart does a ton for American democracy without being president. It’s fair that he wants to spend more time with his family. I’m grateful for his impact.
Hell NO! Have we not learned our lesson already? Jon's a much better human than Trump. It doesn't take much. If Jon wanted to be a public servant he would have made that career choice.
Sometimes, the best person for the job is the one who absolutely does not want it.
No no more celebrities for pres that’s literally the problem they arent like you and do not relate to you
I mean the right is consistently nominating celebrities for office, why can’t the left?
I don’t think that’s a hot take at all
I don’t think he wants to. It’s much easier to be the one joking about the president rather than having to be the president.
Oh fuck yes, this scenario has been playing in my mind for a long time. I’ve never bought a reddit award, feel so strongly about this post I just had to award it.
The best presidents in our nation's history, didn't want to be presidents. The country needed them. We need Jon Stewart now.
People have been saying this since 2001. Not a hot take, just absolutely stupid.
Jon’s not having it can’t blame him but the dems screwed up should be Bernie… to old? Yea well look what happened last nite Bernie is still sharp and would destroy trump in a debate and election smmfh
Think how much it would help everyone down ticket. He could serve for 8 years and pack congress. Get a couple court seats. This would be great.