The concept of a comedian moderating a presidential debate is something that’s currently being tested after more than 200,000 people signed an online petition to have Jon Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show, host one of the three debates that would take place prior to the general election in November 2016. The petition was started by Mariel Waters on the Change.org website, you can check it out and sign it here.
Waters got the idea after a pair of similar petitions in 2012 in favor of Stewart hosting gained some substantial support. Change.org has generally been viewed as a Democratic-leaning organization. An interesting reason some want Stewart to host the debate is because they believe it will boost the number of young voters watching, and perhaps inspire many to get out and vote in the 2016 election.
That opinion is based on the viewing demographics of The Daily Show, which skewed heavily toward younger viewers. If the number of young voters increased enough as a result of Stewart’s participation, it would most likely benefit Democrats. Last year, the lowest youth voter registration and turnout took place, an election that saw Republicans re-take the Senate.
Stewart ended his 16-year run as host of the show on August 6. I was sad to see him go. He created a political dialogue that helped shape America over his career, and inspired countless youths to get involved in politics. He may deny his own influence, but he has doubtlessly had an impact on many young voters and having him host a debate could turn a lot of heads.