Comedy, the New Seriousness

As if there were any doubt that The Daily Show has arrived as a news and information source that tells the truth (in a funny way) a whole hell of a lot more than everyone else out there, last night Jon Stewart hosted the Democratic candidate, John Kerry, for an extended interview. The best way to see where a campaign is headed is to listen to the candidate himself (obviously), and last night we got a few hints as to what's next for Kerry.

His biggest applause line was when, in reference to the Swift Boat Liars for Revenge controversy, he said "It's disappointing because I think most Americans would like to have a much more intelligent conversation about where the country's going." That was certainly the theme of yesterday's Cooper Union speech, and it makes sense for Kerry to take the high road (no matter what his surrogates do, like Max Cleland, who today was rebuffed trying to give a letter to the President asking him to denounce the SBVfT ads) and get back to the issues that matter. It's clear that's what the country wants, which is why BOTH sides are saying it, at least publicly. Kerry looked very comfortable with Stewart, and he was able to delineate his problems with the Bush Administration- pardon the pun- swiftly, in very concise, soundbite-ready form. It looked a little scripted, sure, but it's a message that has clearly been honed by all this time on the campaign trail. The line "Wearing gabardine beats going to war the way this President sent our troops to war" shows one instance of Kerry being comfortable enough to think on his feet and steer the conversation the way he wants it to go. Kerry characterized the President as stubborn (I'd call it insane, constantly doing the same thing and expecting different results, but then again, maybe that's why I'm not running for President), and it's a perfect foil to the flip-flopping meme.

The most interesting comment was in reference to the upcoming debates:

JOHN KERRY: Well, that’s the test of debates. I mean, look, the President has won every debate he’s ever had. People need to understand that. He beat Ann Richards. He beat Al Gore. So he’s a good debater.

Brilliant. You can't let this President off easy with a curt "He's a moron" and dismiss his abilities. The guy's been President for four years. He should be able to articulate his position. This puts Kerry in perfect position for the debates. It negates what will be attempts to lower the expectations bar for Bush so he can hop over it. Kudos to the Kerry campaign for going on the offensive on this early.