[Editor’s Note: VernR submitted this on Friday and I forgot to check the queue. Had I realized it was in there I wouldn’t have waited until now to post it. Sorry about that.]

Several weeks ago one of the regulars mentioned the Daly Show as a good source of political commentary, and I thank whoever it was for putting me on to it. Earlier today Jon Stewart appeared on Crossfire. I guess they though he was there to promote his new book - I think they mentioned it briefly two or three times. Mostly, Stewart ripped into the show and into Tucker Carlson.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/cf.html

Stewart’s central point was that we need legitimate debate in our political discourse and that you (CNN/Crossfire) are not providing it. 

This was the opening salvo.

STEWART: In many ways, it’s funny. And I made a special effort to come on the show today, because I have privately, amongst my friends and also in occasional newspapers and television shows, mentioned this show as being bad.

(LAUGHTER)

BEGALA: We have noticed.

STEWART: And I wanted to—I felt that that wasn’t fair and I should come here and tell you that I don’t—it’s not so much that it’s bad, as it’s hurting America.

(LAUGHTER)

CARLSON: But in its defense…

(CROSSTALK)

STEWART: So I wanted to come here today and say…

(CROSSTALK)

STEWART: Here’s just what I wanted to tell you guys.

CARLSON: Yes.

STEWART: Stop.

(LAUGHTER)

STEWART: Stop, stop, stop, stop hurting America.

At one point, discussing Kerry’s appearance on the Daly Show, Carlson asked Stewart why he hadn’t throne hardballs to Kerry rather than “sniffing his throne.“ Stewart replied “You’re on CNN. The show that leads into me is puppets making crank phone calls.“ This is from a little later in the segment.

STEWART: You know, the interesting thing I have is, you have a responsibility to the public discourse, and you fail miserably.

CARLSON: You need to get a job at a journalism school, I think.

STEWART: You need to go to one.

There were a couple of other sharp exchanges including Stewart calling Carlson a dick.

In this case the printed word is just OK. I heard some of the audio earlier today and Stewart was at the top of his game. Maybe one of us will find a media clip a little later. Or not, there may be some copyright issues.