Tuckergate Continues, Jon Stewart Unrepentant

Posted on October 19, 2004

Ok, maybe you don't usually Tivo CNN's Crossfire, but we certainly do. But for some reason we actually watched it live on Friday afternoon and got the shock of our day. Jon Stewart, bestselling author of America, The Book, and host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show really -- and I do mean really -- got into it with conservative pundit Tucker Carlson. Paul Begala and Carlson were expecting Stewart to be funny and talk about his book.

Instead, Stewart launched into a scathing commentary about the state of the media today, including shows like Crossfire, in which "partisan hacks" scream at each other instead of exploring important issues that voters need to hear about. "See, the thing is, we need your help. Right now, you're helping the politicians and the corporations. And we're left out there to mow our lawns," said Stewart.

Infuriated at being lectured, Carlson attacked Stewart for not asking harder questions of John Kerry when he came on The Daily Show. Carlson continued, "Well, I'm just saying, there's no reason for you -- when you have this marvelous opportunity not to be the guy's butt boy, to go ahead and be his butt boy. Come on. It's embarrassing....I do think you're more fun on your show. Just my opinion."

To which Stewart replied, "You know what's interesting, though? You're as big a dick on your show as you are on any show."

The audience loved it and even Carlson had to laugh at that one. On Monday's Daily Show, Stewart blamed his behavior on being "dehydrated." But he then reiterated his opinion that Crossfire "blows." The feud has been spiraling out of control all weekend -- AOL has it as a cover story today. In case you missed Stewart's legendary appearance, you can see the tape at Ifilm.com. And you thought Crossfire was boring. Shame on you!