The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 15 Episode 73 Christopher Hitchens

On this episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the host pays tribute to the late writer and intellectual Christopher Hitchens, who had recently passed away. In his opening monologue, Stewart reflects on Hitchens' wit and intellect, calling him a "polemicist extraordinaire" and a "master of the English language." He notes that Hitchens was a frequent guest on the show, and that his absence will be deeply felt.

Stewart then welcomes a panel of guests to discuss Hitchens' life and legacy. The guests include journalist and author Christopher Hitchens, writer and broadcaster Andrew Sullivan, and journalist and political commentator Ana Marie Cox. They discuss Hitchens' writing, his public persona, and his impact on the world of ideas. They share anecdotes about their interactions with him, and discuss his views on topics like religion, politics, and war.

Throughout the show, Stewart interjects with clips of Hitchens' appearances on The Daily Show, showcasing his quick wit and incisive analysis. He also shares some of Hitchens' most memorable quotes, such as his quip that "what can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence." The guests reflect on Hitchens' ability to make complex ideas accessible to a broad audience, and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

In one segment, Stewart interviews Hitchens about his book "God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything." Hitchens explains his views on religion, arguing that it has been a source of conflict and oppression throughout history. He also addresses criticisms of his book, including accusations that it is intolerant or disrespectful to religious belief. Throughout the interview, Hitchens displays his trademark wit and erudition, even as he tackles weighty topics like the nature of faith and the role of religion in society.

The show also includes clips of Hitchens' debates and public appearances, showcasing his skills as an orator and debater. In one memorable clip, he takes on a hostile audience member who accuses him of being a "warmonger." Hitchens responds by pointing out that he had been a consistent critic of American foreign policy, even before 9/11, and arguing that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were justified responses to the terrorist threat.

Throughout the show, the guests pay tribute to Hitchens' legacy, while acknowledging his flaws and controversies. They discuss his penchant for smoking and drinking, his acrimonious break with some of his former friends on the left, and his support for the Iraq War. But they also recognize his contributions to literature, journalism, and public discourse, and his devotion to the ideals of rational inquiry and intellectual honesty.

In the final segment, Stewart reads excerpts from Hitchens' essay "Unspoken Truths," in which he reflects on his battle with cancer and his own mortality. The essay is a poignant reminder of Hitchens' courage and his commitment to speaking the truth, even in the face of adversity. Stewart ends the show by thanking Hitchens for his contributions to the show and to the world, and urging viewers to read his books and engage with his ideas.

Overall, this episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is a fitting tribute to one of the most brilliant and controversial thinkers of our time. It showcases Hitchens' wit, erudition, and courage, while also acknowledging his flaws and limitations. It is a reminder of the power of ideas and the importance of intellectual integrity, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Christopher Hitchens.