According to the Huffington Post, there are a number of politicians who refuse to be guests on certain TV shows, namely The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. One reason for refusing the invitation according to the article is "the potential to commit a gaffe that is bound to make headlines." However, such a gaffe can occur at anytime and why should the fear of making it on a specific TV show prevent you from going on said TV show.
In defense of the politicians, it is possible to say that Jon Stewart's interview style may lead to an unwanted statement. However, the opposite may also be true. His use of comedy may allow for the guest to feel comfortable and relate to the audience in a fashion that is impossible to achieve during a rally or press conference.
Additionally, politicians should desire to reach out to as many diverse audiences as possible. Therefore, moving out of your comfort zone to be a guest on a different type of TV show, may be a chance to speak to a new demographic and expand your voter base.
That being said, I firmly believe that Sarah Palin and company should be guests on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show.
Palin controls her appearance so tightly that this is not likely to happen - she's on Foxnews and pretty much nowhere else.
ReplyDeleteNot that I disagree (i would love to see stewart rip palin apart), but i think that your statement about stewarts funny attitude making the guest comfortable is false. Theres a lot of pressure up there to be funny and to try and get a significant word in (stewart and colbert tend to dominate the interviews). This pressure is hard to live up to, and we've seen just how quick and clever palin can be....(not so much). Also, though a slip up on any television network is likely to be repeatedly played by stewart or colbert, it is all the more likely to be blown out of proportion if it is on one of their shows.
ReplyDeleteI'd be shocked if Palin agreed to appear on the Daily Show, she's had enough of self mockery
Also, everyone knows the intentions of these shows. It's important for politicians and hopefuls to put themselves in an environment that enables them to relax and be able to be made fun of. They become more liked by viewers, who also happen to be the ones voting for them (or not).
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