Howard Stern urges Jon Stewart to run for president: ‘Owes it to his country’
Radio host Howard Stern called Monday for former “The Daily Show” anchor Jon Stewart to run for president — stating that the popular comedian “owes it to his country to run.”
Stern said he came to the conclusion after watching a “ton” of old videos featuring Stewart, including his debates with former Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly.
The shock jock likened Stewart’s career arc to that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was a well-known comedian before entering politics.
“When Jon Stewart hosted ‘The Daily Show,’ they said that he was the most trusted newsman in the country. Like Walter Cronkite trustworthy,” Stern said during his SiriusXM radio show.
“The guy is so f–king smart and bright and also witty and really measured when he takes on a debate,” Stern added. “He knows how to talk. You know he would work his ass off to be a good president. I’m telling you, he could also win, because people like Jon Stewart.”
Stern’s co-host, Robin Quivers, also praised Stewart, but pointed out that he gave up his hosting gig on “The Daily Show” because it became “too much.”
“Well, he owes it to his country to run. A lot more work, but the guy would be terrific and I think he’d do it,” Stern added.
Mediaite earlier reported on Stern’s remarks.
This isn’t the first time Stewart’s name has surfaced as a potential presidential candidate.
Stewart appeared to shoot down the possibility of a future in politics last year after a viral Politico column floated him as a potential candidate in 2024.
“Ummm…No thank you,” Stewart tweeted in July 2022.
Since stepping down from “The Daily Show” in 2015, Stewart has repeatedly made headlines for his vocal advocacy on behalf of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
In 2019, Stewart made several appearances on Capitol Hill, where he successfully pushed lawmakers to reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.
Currently, the comedian hosts “The Problem with Jon Stewart” on Apple TV+.
Last month, Stewart went viral after detailing his surprise at the vitriol he faced for backing the COVID-19 lab leak theory — only for the US Energy Department to determine it was the “most likely explanation” for the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
