Does Jon Stuart use editing to take clips of President Bush out of context?

Question

Is it worth considering that the 20 second or less clips that pundits like Stuart and Colbert take out of up to hour long speeches and interviews to use to make Bush look like an idiot are totally taken out of context and used to build an argument based on the credibility that they build by condescending?

xavasia: Please name one conservative comedian who makes liberals look the same way... I certainly don't see them on prime time comedy central- also, if you don't think that there is a massive amount of Americans whose sole exposure to politics is the Daily Show and the Colbert Report, you are sorely mistaken.. Yes, it it sad, but it is very true.

Not JS: You know I don't expect them to show an hour speech in a half hour show... you have presented me with no real argument, just slung mud at me. I would expect them to use the fact that many Americans use their shows as real news rather than just comedy responsibly and at least show a bit more of the clip to give the context of the speech, along with a subtitle to show us where he had given the speech, when he had given the speech, and to whom. Otherwise, it is not comedy, just slander.

Earthman: While I appreciate both shows, it would be a bit easier for me to simply enjoy the show and not take it seriously if I had the knowledge that others weren't taking it seriously. Many people use the Daily Show and the Colbert Report at their primary sources of news, which is plain out stupid. No wonder so many people have come to hate Bush since the shows have premiered.

Answer 1

Of course. Colbert and Stuart should not be taken as serious political commentators, although sadly many young people do.

They are not even educated in government or journalism, they are just comedians and entertainers. They purposely cut the clips to make Bush look as foolish as possible.


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http://getyournews.blogspot.com

Answer 2

I know what you're talking about, but the double-standard is here to stay. It's part of our culture. You can't change that. Republican presidents are always stupid or bumbling. That's the action line. They aren't about to change that.

I do remember a few grab-@ss jokes about Clinton, but nothing about his speaking bumbles. I saw a website that had tons of stupid things both Clinton & Gore said over the years, but that sort of thing isn't broadcast all over the airwaves. Maybe someone should've done more along those lines.

What's puzzling is that they make a point of not joking about certain people, no matter how funny it would be. For example, I think the comedians are missing out on Sandy Berger jokes. Remember the guy who stole top secret papers on the 911 commission and stuffed them down his pants & socks, then hid them under a dumpster and came back later and shredded them? SNL could have him stuffing all sorts of things down his pants and socks and it would be hilarious.

The problem is that they are controlled by the Dems, so they are not allowed to ridicule them much.

Just live with it. It's not going to change.

Answer 3

Yes, you are correct!! But they do this on both sides. Stuart also pokes fun at democrats a lot as well. Not to mention regular news shows that show a continuous clip of John Kerry's "botched joke". Or when Clinton was going through the BJ and it was a nonstop 24/7 news fest for months..

BTW: Republicans are trying to copycat Stuart with that 1/2 hour news hour garbage on Fox news. Just an example from the other side, since you asked. Don't think it will last very long cause it's pretty lame..

Answer 4

I'm not trying to be nasty, but that's their job, after all they are comedians. I'm sure there are plenty of comedians that make the liberals look the same way. If someone is going to base their political beliefs on what a comedian says, then this country is in deeper trouble than I thought.

I guess I'll have to go with my personal favorite, Dennis Miller. While I find him utterly hilarious, I'm not going to base my political ideology on what he says. In regards to the other part of your response, I never said that people do not do it, just that if that's their only basis for political decisions, this country is in a sorry state.

Answer 5

Of course the editing is done to make them look stupid, but I don't find alot of them to be taken out of context... For example, putting 6 clips from showing Cheney stating one opinion and then showing a clip where he, with a straight face, states the exact opposite... That's not out of context.

With all due respect, President Bush needs neither help nor skillful editing to look like an idiot. Just what comes out of his mouth is proof enough for that...

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blbushisms.htm

Or check it out for yourself..
http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/videos/headlines/index.jhtml

May I suggest "General Admission" or "A bombing a day"... or anything with Alberto Gonzales...

Answer 6

first off...jon stewart is a comedian, on a comedy show, on comedy central...he and colbert are not 'pundits', they're comedians...surely you DO understand the difference...don't you? or are you one of those 'dittoheads' who have convinced yourself that rush and o'reilly are journalists, that lying to hide an extramarital affair is worse than lying to start a war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, and that fox news is fair and balanced?
the american people didn't need comedy central to decide that bush is an absolute failure and a simpleton...the clips just illustrate the obvious-the man is a lying, phony, incompetent cretin

Answer 7

So you expect them to show an hour long speech on a half hour show.

You should apply for a comedy writer job on that show.

Answer 8

It is for entertainment purposes only, not fit for human consumption, use in moderation, some side effects could be fatal.
Laugh along or turn it off, it is not wisdom to allow a tv show to upset you/
Have Fun!
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Answer 9

Who cares. I enjoy both those shows, although I don't use them as a prime source of news. they make fun of all politicians from both parties, although they do have a liberal viewpoint. Just enjoy and don't take it so seriously.

Answer 10

Jon Stewart doesn't make Bush look like an idiot.....

video speaks for itself!!!!!!! and with Bush nothing needs to be taken out of context..... he does a great job of creating arguments against himself!!!!!