The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 11 Episode 31 Bruce Bartlett

Bruce Bartlett, a renowned conservative economist and former member of the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, sits down with Jon Stewart in this episode of The Daily Show. Bartlett is promoting his new book, "Impostor: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy," in which he criticizes the economic policies of the Bush administration.

Stewart and Bartlett discuss the economic impact of the Bush administration, including the Iraq War, tax cuts, and the 2008 financial crisis. Bartlett argues that Bush's policies contributed to the ballooning national debt and the weakening of American economic power. Despite being a lifelong conservative, he laments the current state of the Republican party, which he believes has strayed from its principles and become consumed by irrationality.

Throughout the interview, Stewart challenges Bartlett on his past support for conservative economic policies and his own role in the Reagan and Bush administrations. Bartlett defends his positions, acknowledging that he made mistakes and was not always aware of the full consequences of his recommendations. He also notes that he has evolved over time, which has led to his criticism of the Bush administration and current Republican leaders.

Stewart and Bartlett also address the current state of economic inequality in America, with Bartlett arguing that the concentration of wealth among the top 1% is a threat to democracy itself. He makes the case for progressive taxation and government regulation of the economy, citing historical examples of successful government interventions.

The conversation throughout the interview is civil and respectful, despite the ideological differences between Stewart and Bartlett. Both men clearly respect each other's views and are eager to engage in a substantive discussion of economic policy and politics.

The episode concludes with Stewart reflecting on what he learned from the interview and encouraging viewers to engage in respectful political discourse, even when there are deep disagreements. He notes that he is grateful for the opportunity to have a conversation with someone like Bruce Bartlett, who challenges his assumptions and makes him think in new ways.

Overall, this episode of The Daily Show is a thoughtful and insightful conversation about economics, politics, and the role of government in society. It is a testament to the power of civil discourse and the importance of engaging with those who hold different opinions.