The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 13 Episode 77 Rick Shenkman

In episode 77 of season 13 of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the special guest is Rick Shenkman. Shenkman is an author and historian who has written several books on American history and politics. He is also the founder and publisher of the popular media website, History News Network.

The episode opens with Jon Stewart delivering his usual monologue, poking fun at the day’s news stories and political events. He then introduces Shenkman and the two settle into a conversation about American history, the media, and the current state of politics.

Shenkman begins by discussing his latest book, Just How Stupid Are We?: Facing the Truth About the American Voter. He argues that American voters are often uninformed or misinformed about the issues they are voting on, and that this lack of knowledge is detrimental to the democratic process.

Stewart challenges Shenkman on this point, asking whether it is the voters’ fault or the fault of the media for not providing accurate information. Shenkman acknowledges that both parties are responsible, but argues that the media has a greater responsibility to inform the public.

The conversation then turns to the role of the media in shaping public opinion. Shenkman points out that the media is biased in many ways, and that this bias can have a significant impact on the way people vote. He cites examples of media coverage during presidential elections, where a candidate’s appearance or personality can often be more important than their policies or qualifications.

Stewart brings up the issue of fake news and misinformation in the media, asking Shenkman how we can combat this problem. Shenkman suggests that a greater emphasis on critical thinking and media literacy in schools and in the media itself could help to combat the spread of fake news.

The conversation then turns to the 2008 presidential election and the historic candidacy of Barack Obama. Shenkman recalls the excitement and hope that surrounded Obama’s campaign, but also acknowledges that there were still significant racial barriers to overcome.

Stewart asks Shenkman to reflect on the state of politics today, particularly in light of the recent election of Donald Trump. Shenkman expresses concern about the rise of populism and the erosion of norms and institutions that are essential to a functioning democracy.

Throughout the conversation, Jon Stewart and Rick Shenkman exhibit a deep knowledge and understanding of American history and politics. They are able to engage in a thoughtful and nuanced discussion about the challenges facing American democracy, while still injecting humor and levity into the conversation.

Overall, episode 77 of season 13 of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is an insightful and thought-provoking discussion about American history, politics, and the media. Rick Shenkman’s expertise and Jon Stewart’s wit combine to create a compelling and informative episode that is sure to leave viewers thinking about the issues discussed long after the show has ended.