I believe the point has been made here on this blog previously, but nice to hear CBS’ Face the Nation anchor Bob Schieffer say it as well.
Do you think Jon Stewart is taking the newsman mantle from the traditionalists like yourself?
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are to television what the editorial page cartoonist is to the editorial page of newspapers. The editorial page cartoonist is the only person at the newspaper who is allowed to lie. I see Stewart and Colbert, both of whom are friends of mine, as editorial page cartoonists. A lot of time by taking something beyond where it is, it helps you to drive home a point and really understand the truth. Do I think they pose some threat to the republic? I do not. But I think if all you watched is Stewart and Colbert, I’m not sure you could call yourself well-informed.
Well, we do make about the same amount of money.
They might fill a somewhat similar role, but if you’re not actually creating drawings, you’re not a cartoonist.
Wouldn’t “political satirist” be more appropriate?
“But I think if all you watched is Stewart and Colbert, I?m not sure you could call yourself well-informed.”
I think he missed the point. It’s difficult to appreciate Stewart and Colbert UNLESS you’re ALREADY well-informed. Otherwise, the humor goes completely over your head.
He didn’t say Stewart and Steve Colbert ARE cartoonists, he said they are to television news what editorial cartoonists are to newspapers.
I think the remark that editorial cartoonists being the only ones at the newspaper allowed to lie is a hoot!
I mean, I enjoy Schieffer most of the time; but this implies that he thinks news that is not intended as satirical is objective, honest, and reports without bias. The clear majority of all media is infotainment at best, and propoganda most of the time.