Now, for your moment of Zen...
April 30, 2007 10:16 AM Subscribe
Why would it be a bad idea for Jon Stewart to run for president?
I know there are many reasons why not, and I'm sure Jon Stewart himself would be the first to explain them to me, and therefore I know this isn't something worth thinking about too much.
But then when I watch him interview, out-debate, and generally outclass John McCain, who is actually running for president, on his show, I get very frustrated. So I would like to be reminded of the reasons having a thoughtful, down to earth, eloquent and honest person, who is also a comedian, actor, and has no political experience, in the highest governmental post in our country would be impossible.
'Half-Baked' aside.
I know there are many reasons why not, and I'm sure Jon Stewart himself would be the first to explain them to me, and therefore I know this isn't something worth thinking about too much.
But then when I watch him interview, out-debate, and generally outclass John McCain, who is actually running for president, on his show, I get very frustrated. So I would like to be reminded of the reasons having a thoughtful, down to earth, eloquent and honest person, who is also a comedian, actor, and has no political experience, in the highest governmental post in our country would be impossible.
'Half-Baked' aside.
This post was deleted for the following reason: you answered your own question and otherwise this will just turn into lolfilter.
Well, having no experience doesn't bode well. Plus who says he has any leadership skills?
Just because he's a comedian who makes people who are smarter than him look dumber than they actually are doesn't mean he should be president.
posted by BradNelson at 10:25 AM on April 30, 2007
Just because he's a comedian who makes people who are smarter than him look dumber than they actually are doesn't mean he should be president.
posted by BradNelson at 10:25 AM on April 30, 2007
He'd have to make compromises which would seem hypocritical, both to get elected, and to function as a leader.
posted by rottytooth at 10:27 AM on April 30, 2007
posted by rottytooth at 10:27 AM on April 30, 2007
(1) The amount of recorded television with him riffing and issuing off the cuff remarks is political death. I am sure there are at least several dozen clips or sound bites that could be used to destroy him or make him look stupid.
(2) Getting a nomination is about political machinations as much as it is being charismatic and thoughtful. It takes a lot of logistical backing, support and acumen to run for president, solicit donations, etc. You need a major party's support and connections with in a major party to pull something like this off. He would need connections, strong connections, not only among major donors and party leaders but party organizing in cities across America.
(3) He's a short, Jewish New Yorker with views far left of center
(4) I would wager to guess that on name recognition alone, major voting blocs (the over 35 group) probably have never heard of him and are alienated by his comedy and sarcasm.
I don't think its impossible for him to run, he'd have to stop being a talk show host and spend 10 years in politics or social work a la Arnold to even be considered.
posted by geoff. at 10:27 AM on April 30, 2007
(2) Getting a nomination is about political machinations as much as it is being charismatic and thoughtful. It takes a lot of logistical backing, support and acumen to run for president, solicit donations, etc. You need a major party's support and connections with in a major party to pull something like this off. He would need connections, strong connections, not only among major donors and party leaders but party organizing in cities across America.
(3) He's a short, Jewish New Yorker with views far left of center
(4) I would wager to guess that on name recognition alone, major voting blocs (the over 35 group) probably have never heard of him and are alienated by his comedy and sarcasm.
I don't think its impossible for him to run, he'd have to stop being a talk show host and spend 10 years in politics or social work a la Arnold to even be considered.
posted by geoff. at 10:27 AM on April 30, 2007
It probably wouldn't be a bad idea for him to be President, but to run for President might not be a great plan. Liberal Hollywood Jew?
Also, if he's President who hosts TDS?
And more seriously: Today's GOP is a really easy target. I think Stewart is awesome, but a lot of this stuff writes itself, especially if all you have to do is point out the (many, many, many) contradictions, inconsistencies and hypocrisies rather than come up with a vision/plan of your own.
posted by DU at 10:28 AM on April 30, 2007
Also, if he's President who hosts TDS?
And more seriously: Today's GOP is a really easy target. I think Stewart is awesome, but a lot of this stuff writes itself, especially if all you have to do is point out the (many, many, many) contradictions, inconsistencies and hypocrisies rather than come up with a vision/plan of your own.
posted by DU at 10:28 AM on April 30, 2007
Because that “wiggle your tie and talk like Jerry Lewis” thing would be off-putting to foreign heads of state.
posted by bondcliff at 10:29 AM on April 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by bondcliff at 10:29 AM on April 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
Because he's grossly unqualified?
He's immensely intelligent and well spoken, but has no experience with government, politics or foreign relations. Thespians (if I can use that word) like Reagan and Schwarzenegger started small. Reagan began in the Congress and Arnold, as we all know, won a recall election for California governor.
If Stewart has any interest in office (something he's given no indication of) he has to start on a much smaller scale. He'd be an excellent and high profile Representative or Senator.
All that aside, I'd argue that Stewart's role as a commentator and satirist is incredibly valuable. He should keep on keeping on - he's far more effective as an unencumbered observer than he'll ever be within the system.
posted by aladfar at 10:31 AM on April 30, 2007
He's immensely intelligent and well spoken, but has no experience with government, politics or foreign relations. Thespians (if I can use that word) like Reagan and Schwarzenegger started small. Reagan began in the Congress and Arnold, as we all know, won a recall election for California governor.
If Stewart has any interest in office (something he's given no indication of) he has to start on a much smaller scale. He'd be an excellent and high profile Representative or Senator.
All that aside, I'd argue that Stewart's role as a commentator and satirist is incredibly valuable. He should keep on keeping on - he's far more effective as an unencumbered observer than he'll ever be within the system.
posted by aladfar at 10:31 AM on April 30, 2007
Because he has no experience in any capacity that would qualify him for the job. Seriously, what are you thinking? Being President of the US isn't something you should just audition for.
posted by OmieWise at 10:32 AM on April 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by OmieWise at 10:32 AM on April 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
Name one.
According to Wikipedia, "He has referred to his political convictions as being ;socialist or independent.'"
posted by nuclear_soup at 10:34 AM on April 30, 2007
According to Wikipedia, "He has referred to his political convictions as being ;socialist or independent.'"
posted by nuclear_soup at 10:34 AM on April 30, 2007
According to Wikipedia, "He has referred to his political convictions as being socialist or independent."
Socialist doesn't mean far-left. He's a bit of a lefty, sure, but definitely a moderate lefty.
posted by solid-one-love at 10:40 AM on April 30, 2007
Socialist doesn't mean far-left. He's a bit of a lefty, sure, but definitely a moderate lefty.
posted by solid-one-love at 10:40 AM on April 30, 2007
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posted by found missing at 10:22 AM on April 30, 2007