Top 10 Iconic Jon Stewart Moments
Jon Stewart is leaving "The Daily Show" after 15 years as host. During his tenure, he created hours of much-watch television - full of feuds, satire, and explosive moments. Below are just a few that stand the test of time.
10. Jon Stewart visits Crossfire
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQFB5YpDZE#t=21]
In October 2004, Stewart appeared as a guest on CNN's debate show Crossfire and voiced his concerns about the program. In January 2005, CNN canceled Crossfire in part because of Stewart's on-air criticisms of the show.
9. Indecision 2000
Jon Stewart had barely settled into his Daily Show chair when the 2000 election debacle took place. The drama surrounding the recount was perfect fodder for the show's up-and-coming writers and comedians, which at the time still included Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell.
8. Stewart Schools Glenn Beck
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU22QEclVQo]
In this March 2009 segment, he occupies almost half an episode of the Daily Show with a parody of Beck's own theatrical, hyperbolic newscast. Goofy, comic and witheringly sharp, Stewart shows his satirical chops and reduces Beck's fearmongering over the "secular progressive agenda" to absurdity.
7. Educating the Public with America
Stewart and his Daily Show cohorts took their satire to the reading masses with America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction in 2004.
6. 9/11 Monologue
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXcmc2AZ6ZE]
Stewart became the host of The Daily Show in early 1999. Since then, he has addressed almost every major issue facing the U.S., from the surreal to the sobering.
5. Jim Cramer Showdown
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpLfOF4zZW0]
At the height of the financial crisis, Stewart took issue with CNBC and Jim Cramer after one of his colleagues referred to people whose homes had been foreclosed as losers.
4. Hosting the Oscars
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T482ipWnBM4]
Jon Stewart's biting humor often sinks its teeth into someone or something - the government, the Tea Party or the banks - and that's just what he did when he hosted the 2008 Academy Awards.
3. Eric Garner case
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov4nrS_TqU0]
Stewart gave an impassioned speech after there was no indictment in the Eric Garner case.
2. Vs. Bill O'Reilly
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2dji_pTsdA]
When Jon Stewart and Bill O'Reilly are on each other's sets, it's always compelling. But surprisingly, when face to face, they jab and spar rather playfully and demonstrate little true dislike for one another.
1. Death to Smoochy
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4kbKkimKBk]
Jon Stewart's most beloved non–Daily Show foray belongs to his performance as Marion Stokes, a corrupt children's-television executive in the cult classic Death to Smoochy.
