The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 9 Episode 55 Indecision 2004: Prelude to a Recount

In season 9 episode 55 of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, titled "Indecision 2004: Prelude to a Recount," Jon Stewart takes a comedic look at the American elections leading up to the 2004 presidential race. The episode features special guests including journalist Joe Klein and political comedian Will Durst.

Stewart starts the show by discussing the ongoing coverage of the upcoming election and how the media has been treating it like a horse race. He pokes fun at the constant polls and predictions, reminding his audience that the election is still months away. Throughout the episode, Stewart covers topics such as campaign finance, the primaries, and the candidates' campaign strategies.

One of the main focuses of the episode is on the Democratic primaries and the various candidates running for the nomination. Stewart discusses the different platforms and the often-hilarious moments that occurred during the debates. He also critiques the media's coverage of the primaries, particularly on how they have been oversimplifying each candidate's message in order to create soundbites.

On the Republican side, Stewart analyzes the strategy of incumbent President George W. Bush's re-election campaign. He looks at their tactics, such as emphasizing Bush's strong leadership and national security record, and their attempts to appeal to swing voters. Stewart also takes time to ridicule some of the more outlandish statements made by the Republican candidates, such as when Dick Cheney claimed that voting for John Kerry would result in another terrorist attack on the United States.

In addition to the presidential race, Stewart also discusses the various state and local elections that are happening around the country. He brings attention to some lesser-known races and candidates, but also illustrates the impact of these races on national policy-making.

Towards the end of the episode, the focus shifts to the possibility of a recount and the potential for a controversial election. Stewart talks about past controversies surrounding vote counting and highlights the major concerns many have about the validity of the upcoming election. He urges his audience to stay informed and engaged in the political process, emphasizing the importance of every vote.

Overall, "Indecision 2004: Prelude to a Recount" is a witty and insightful look at the American political process. Through his unique lens, Jon Stewart dissects the flaws and highlights the strengths of the election system, ultimately creating a humorous yet thought-provoking analysis of the upcoming election.