Playlist: Bill Moyers Journal: Jon Stewart on Humor and an Informed Public
Jon Stewart is considered one of America’s top social and comedic voices. In this program, veteran journalist Bill Moyers interviews Stewart, the long-standing anchor of the award-winning Daily Show with Jon Stewart, about why so many viewers get their news and analysis from his fake news show. Does humor have a role to play in ensuring an informed public? Also on the program, Josh Marshall, influential political blogger, gives his perspective on the role of politics in the recent firings of federal prosecutors and Bill Moyers remembers David Halberstam. Broadcast date: April 27, 2007. (55 minutes)
Bill Moyers interviews comedian Jon Stewart about journalism and Stewart's fake news show. Stewart argues that humor is the show's ideology and not politics or political commentary. Excerpts from Stewart's show demonstrate his humor.
Comedian Jon Stewart comments on Attorney General Roberto Gonzales and the Bush administration's "veil of secrecy." Moyers comments on excerpts of Gonzales' testimony shown on "The Daily Show."
Bill Moyers interviews comedian Jon Stewart on John McCain's appearance "The Daily Show." Viewers of this segment watch several excerpts of the McCain interview from "The Daily Show."
Bill Moyers and Jon Stewart discuss the contradictions of the war in Iraq and the use of logic in revealing them. Stewart argues that the U.S. government counts on the American public to remain distracted from the war in Iraq.
Bill Moyers and Jon Stewart discuss excerpts from television interviews with Dick Cheney and John McCain. Stewart asserts that he is not a serious political critic, but rather a man with a job to do.
Excerpts from "The Daily Show" reveal Ali Allawi's thoughts about the occupation of Iraq.
Bill Moyers and Jon Stewart discuss how Americans, and themselves in particular, respond to a general feeling of hopelessness and helplessness about the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq.
Bill Moyers comments on the firing of eight federal prosecutors and the performance of Roberto Gonzales before the U.S. Senate. Blog editor Josh Marshall discusses the U.S. Department of Justice and the firing of Carol Lam.
When federal prosecutor Lam investigates the Executive Director of the CIA, the Department of Justice fires her. Blog editor Josh Marshall discusses the firing of federal prosecutor Iglesias of New Mexico.
Bill Moyers and Josh Marshall discuss "loyal Bushies" in the justice system and the lack of Congressional oversight. Blog editor Josh Marshall argues that the White House uses the Dept. of Justice to achieve its Republican political ends.
Bill Moyers honors David Halberstam, journalist during the Vietnam War who presented the facts about the War in words that were "vessels of reality."