“You’re as big a dick on your show as you are on any show,” said the Comedy Central host to the CNN host.
If you missed yesterday’s episode of CNN’s Crossfire, try to track down a copy (or read the transcript). Jon Stewart was the guest and he really put hosts Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson in their places. It was awesome.
The point that Begala and especially Carlson failed to miss is that Stewart’s show is on Comedy Central. Carlson kept telling Stewart to “be funny,” but Stewart wouldn’t. He took being on CNN seriously and was trying to point out that CNN doesn’t challenge the system, but fuels its fire and the politicians who control it. The Crossfire “hacks,” as Stewart called them, didn’t get it.
STEWART: So I wanted to come here today and say…
(CROSSTALK)
STEWART: Here’s just what I wanted to tell you guys.
CARLSON: Yes.
STEWART: Stop.
(LAUGHTER)
STEWART: Stop, stop, stop, stop hurting America.
BEGALA: OK. Now
(CROSSTALK)
STEWART: And come work for us, because we, as the people…
CARLSON: How do you pay?
STEWART: The people — not well.
(LAUGHTER)
BEGALA: Better than CNN, I’m sure.
STEWART: But you can sleep at night.
(LAUGHTER)
STEWART: 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.
BEGALA: By beating up on them? You just said we’re too rough on them when they make mistakes.
STEWART: No, no, no, you’re not too rough on them. You’re part of their strategies. You are partisan, what do you call it, hacks.
Another great moment is when Stewart asks Carlson how old he is (35), and points out that Carlson wears a bow tie.
As the camera pans back and the credits begin to roll, you can hear 7Stewart say sarcastically to himself, “Wow, that went great.”
