Jon Stewart Rulez

But, like, you knew that. From Salon’s article on Stewart’s appearance on Crossfire this afternoon:

“I think you’re a lot more fun on your show,” said Tucker Carlson to “Crossfire” guest Jon Stewart this afternoon. “And I think you’re as much of a dick on your show as on any other,” Stewart shot back. It wasn’t the faux avuncularity we’ve come to expect from Stewart on “The Daily Show” but there, of course, he’s playing a role. Here he was himself — and he wasn’t buying any of it.

From the moment Stewart sat down he made no secret of how repugnant he found the show. In fact, he said to Carlson and co-host Paul Begala that he had been so hard on the show he felt it was his duty to come on and say to their faces what he has said to friends and in interviews. What he said was that their show was “hurting America,” and he was being only slightly hyperbolic. Stewart told them that when America needed journalists to be journalists they had instead chosen to present theater.

Carlson, trying to affect an air of dry amusement that a comedian would presume to lecture him, important pundit that he is, but looking as if his bow-tie were about to start spinning, could barely contain his outrage. In an absolutely mind-boggling moment, Carlson tried to counter Stewart’s criticism by pointing out that during John Kerry’s recent appearance on “The Daily Show,” Stewart asked the candidate softball questions. “If you want to measure yourself against a comedy show,” Stewart said, “be my guest.”

Paul Begala tried to put a more conciliatory face on things by pointing out that theirs was a “debate” show. Stewart was having none of it. “I would love to see a real debate show,” he said. And went on to tell them that instead of holding politicians’ feet to the fire by asking tough question, “you’re part of their strategy. You’re partisan — what’s the word? — uh, hacks.”

I need to get the complete transcript of this appearance. (Update: Ask and ye shall receive.)

My favorite exchange:

“I thought you were going to be funny,” Carlson said toward the end of the interview. Stewart responded, “No, I’m not going to be your monkey.”

No, Tucker, your job is to be the monkey. To take something that ought to be important—political discussion—and reduce it to soundbites and faux discussion. Jon Stewart is a more serious commentator because despite the satire and outrageous comedy bits, you get the feeling he might have actually read a few newspapers and had some discussions, rather than getting the latest fax from Spin HQ.

Update: Hahahahahaha:

STEWART: You know, it’s interesting to hear you talk about my responsibility.

CARLSON: I felt the sparks between you. (Meaning Stewart and John Kerry — ed.)

STEWART: I didn’t realize that — and maybe this explains quite a bit.

CARLSON: No, the opportunity to…

(CROSSTALK)

STEWART: … is that the news organizations look to Comedy Central for their cues on integrity.

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And yet another update: I finally watched the segment (from this capture; in Comments Nevin also points to this). And I am not only struck by how Stewart is straightforward with his request—basically boils down to, Stop being theatrical clowns and actually do the public a service—but at how inept Tucker Carlson is. The man does not listen. Maybe this is a long-time slam on him, I don’t know, but he reminds me why I don’t like seeing “interviews” on Leno (or Arsenio, who was extremely bad): the hosts don’t listen. They’re already on to the next thing they’re going to say.