An online petition to have former Daily Show host Jon Stewart moderate a 2016 debate has been endorsed by nearly 200,000 people, including at least one Democratic presidential candidate.
The petition, posted to Change.org, requests that Stewart be allowed to moderate one of the upcoming 2016 presidential debates, and has received more than 160,000 signatures, of its target of 200,000 signatures.
“Over the last 16 years, Jon Stewart has played an influential and iconic role in covering US politics and media. We believe he should continue that tradition as a moderator at one of the 2016 Presidential Debates,” says the petition.
Written to the Commission on Presidential Debates, the letter adds that Stewart is “qualified” to moderate a presidential debate, citing his interviews with world leaders, and members of congress. The letter also adds that Stewart’s satirical and Left-leaning coverage is “trusted” by a majority of Americans:
“Another important attribute of a moderator is trust. Many in the US believe Jon Stewart shares their worldview and values. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reported that 52.1% of respondents agree that Mr. Stewart “generally shares [their] view of the world” on “some or most issues”. Choosing Jon Stewart would be a popular choice among voters.”
Former Maryland Governor and Democratic presidential hopeful Martin O’Malley signed the petition on Thursday.
O’Malley tweeted:
Stewart signed off after 16 years hosting The Daily Show on August 6. He has not yet responded to the petition.