The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Indecision 2004

Through the momentous weeks of the 2004 Presidential Campaigns, Jon Stewart and cohorts provided the kind of cathartic satire that deflates pomposity on an equal opportunity basis. Somehow this sharp commentary made the real issues more important than ever. Much has been made of the fact that growing numbers of viewers, old as well as young, turn to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for “news.” Mr. Stewart, however, repeatedly reminds those viewers that his program is “fake news.” Nevertheless, the program applies its satirical, sometimes caustic perspective to the issues of the day, on those engaged with the issues, and on the everyday experiences that will be affected by them. In the context of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart serious, even-handed interviews with significant political figures including many presidential candidates, commentators, reporters, and authors took on new significance and reached new audiences. To accomplish this task Stewart, as host, and his supporting cast of “reporters” and “commentators,” Samantha Bee, Stephen Colbert, Rob Corddry, and Ed Helms reminded us that serious matters can in fact be made more serious when skewered with wit sharpened on the stone of public skepticism. Mr. Stewart serves as executive producer with Ben Karlin and Stewart Bailey. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is directed by Chuck O’Neil. Kahane Corn and David Javerbaum are supervising producers, and Javerbaum also serves as head writer with writers Rich Blomquist, Steve Bodow, Tim Carvell, Stephen Colbert, Eric Drysdale, J.R. Havlan, Scott Jacobson, Ben Karlin, Rob Kutner, Chris Regan, Jason Reich, Jason Ross, and Jon Stewart. For its unmatched wit and unorthodox approach in putting the 2004 Presidential Election in perspective without diminishing its importance, a Peabody Award goes to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Indecision 2004.