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On what might be called "the Eve of Destruction" President Barack Obama visited "The Daily Show," hosted by Jon Stewart, on Wednesday to swap jokes and answer tough questions about his policies.
Stewart, who will host his "Rally to Restore Sanity" on Saturday in Washington, didn't throw the president soft ball questions and forced Obama to defend his record.
Obama's visit to the show comes ahead of crucial midterm elections Tuesday, where political pundits have predicted Democrats will likely lose control of the House of Representatives and may lose the Senate as well to Republicans.
Voter anger with all things incumbent and dissatisfaction with Obama's policies are being targeted for the Democratic bloodbath expected at the polls next week.
Stewart underscored the task facing Democrats by contrasting the soaring, hopeful messages of "Hope" and "Change" Obama used to great effect during his president run to the pleading messages of Democrats this election cycle that Stewart characterized as "Please, baby, one more chance."
Obama responded that realities of lingering high unemployment, dropping housing values and a sluggish economy are reflecting themselves in the political arena - and his party is paying the price.
Obama added that some parts of his agenda, such as the passage of credit card reform laws and the expansion of health insurance coverage for children, have received little fanfare:
"Over and over again, we have moved forward an agenda that is making a difference in people's lives each and every day," Obama said. "Now is it enough. No. So I expect and I think most Democrats out there want to see more progress."
Obama's comments were frequently interrupted by applause from the studio audience, underscoring the president's personal popularity despite the dim electoral prospects for his party.
In answer to Stewart's question on whether Democrats are running away from his record, Obama credited Reps. Tom Perriello of Virginia, John Boccieri of Ohio and Betsy Markey of Colorado for voting for health care reform, even though their votes may cost them their seats in Congress.
All three Democrats are even or trail Republicans in their conservative Congressional districts.
Obama wrapped up his appearance with a plea for everyone to vote and a handshake with Stewart.
In all, the president's visit to "The Daily Show" helped shine a light on his accomplishments in two short years in office. The true question is whether it will move the needle on what could otherwise be a painful Election Night for Democrats next week.
Comments: (10)
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By: Nathaniel McGee on 10/28/2010 2:00PM
I liked your article about the President on Jon Stewart last night in fact in was somewhat refreshing compared to most of the stuff I've read the last 18-months. Hopefully this will not be last I see of BlackVoices. I wish for once the main stream media would admit to what they have done to the general public about Obama's Presidency and stop pretending they had nothing to do with where the public is in their opinion about government. I'm constantly reminded of how the little kid in a story kept throwing rocks breaking windows but forever hidding his hand pretending he had no idea where the rocks were coming from. Do I need to say more? Thanks for simply reporting his appearance on the Daily Show.
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By: Tom Truth on 10/28/2010 5:35PM
Obama was defensive and ultra-serious throughout this appearance on a COMEDY show. Stewart even called him "dude". How humiliating. No other president has ever stooped so low as to appear on a comedy show like this. Obama is desperate to head off the losses that are coming, but in his desperation he is besmirching the office of the presidency. He cheapens the presidency by appearances like this, but it's not the first time for him and I'm sure not the last.
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By: Pink on 10/28/2010 7:42PM
Mr. President we love u...but stay off of The View, Jon Stewart's show, Saturday Night Live, etc. I don't see how appearing on these shows helps your effort for the Democratic party. Sometimes less is more.
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By: clevemc on 10/30/2010 1:09AM
Pink, its really rather simple why he would choose those shows. The View because they have a large female audience, and they are easier to approach in that setting. The Stewart show and SNL, because they reach and cater to a younger audience, both of them are a hugh part of his base demographic. So you see, he is not just going there to be hip, he's there to speak to his supporters. I think its a good move.
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By: OLP on 10/29/2010 11:42AM
President Obama is a good man, no, a GREAT MAN. He's gone on these shows to let us know that he's not above us, but with us. Not like previous presidents that have sat on the throne issuing edicts and going back to their estates, ranches, and mansions to ask their advisors what their next course of action should be. Reading speaches written by someone else. Yes President Obama pauses frequently when he speaks, why? Because he's actually using his mind to THINK about what he's saying. Not just spouting someone else's rhetoric.
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By: teachliterature on 11/23/2010 12:04AM
Oh my God, WAIT! I found someone who shares my opinion, and is intelligent and well spoken. It's a minor miracle in these days of Youtube walls, forums, etc.
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By: lovelyat46 on 10/29/2010 1:19PM
I just wish he would stop trying to please EVERYONE and just do the best that he can in his decision making ~ President Obama, you can't please everyone, and everyone will find fault in someone one way or other of what you do ~ Do what is best for the country ~ Folks will whine and cry about it ~ Beleive me, they have for centuries ~ You are good President, a man that is human and trying to do the best that he can ~ With change, it's impossible at times. Especially when many are so use to the same way ~ This world is changing, and folks have to realize that with change there will challenges ~ Yet, when folks undermine the President in what he does, don't the realize other countries are watching, rediculing, mocking of what we do? A country that is suppose to be great, but looks like a bunch of immuture folks that can't accepted change? This is not the 1900's and certainly not the 1950's, we are living in a different era ~ Instead of constantly critizing President Obama, find ways in helping this country get back on it's feet ~ Getting him out of the office, won't do any good, why? The problems still exist and have been for the last 12 years ~ Stop blaming him for businesses going down, jobs lost, start doing research, and READ READ READ on why these business are shutting down, you'd be surprised at some of the business contracting in other countries ~ I truly commend Obama, Bush, Clinton and other President prior for being Presidents ~ So much work in trying ot run a country, that is so divided in different groups, and everyone want's to be right ~ Sadly this country is in trouble and all I can constantly hear is Obama, Obama, Obama is not doing this, he is not doing that ~ This is why I say READ READ READ, Yes he is the president of this country, yet he has to get approval through senate office on many issues as well as other areas ~ Again READ READ READ and stop relying on what some of these commentators say, because they don't know either, they read the surface and not underneath ~ It's getting absolutely crazy ~ Peace
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By: tanisha on 10/29/2010 1:54PM
I must agree with Tom, this appearance on the Daily show did nothing but diminish the office of the President and who calls the President "dude". That is not the right place to try to "fire up" the youth to go out and vote. Obama was embarrassed and did not help his cause by appearing on this show. I think he expected Jon Stewart to be more complimentary towards him and not ask the tough questions that he did. I must say my opinion of Jon Stewart has improved greatly after this appearance.
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By: lam on 10/31/2010 8:40PM
"lovelyat46" I AGREE WITH YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY!
I pray that the predictions that the news medias is saying for the November 2nd election -- proves them wrong!
lam
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By: dweetta on 6/23/2011 5:09PM
JON SYEWART IA A FOOL.
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