This is Jon Stewart's conversation with Chris Matthews on last night's Daily Show. Every so often, and this is an example, Stewart just talks to his guests in a candid, non-formula way that is honest and refreshing and therefore sadly unique in broadcasting today. He clearly didn't like Matthews's book and unlike most hosts, didn't feel he had to pretend otherwise. (He also clearly read it and didn't have to pretend he had, which is what too many hosts do.) I thought it was such a remarkable discussion that even though it's one of those flaky Comedy Central links, I'm going to take my life into my hands and embed it for you here.
Incidentally, I was also impressed, though less so, with Matthews's sportsmanship, sense of humor and ability to rise to the occasion. A lot of guests on book tours go on a show like this armed with their canned, rote responses which are sufficient because the hosts are asking canned, rote questions. I don't always "get" Matthews on his own show. He seems all over the map on some issues…like he thinks most of what Bush does is phony and hurtful but every so often, he seems to have this odd man-crush for the guy's macho swagger. He's often very good at changing the subject just as a guest is nearing a substantive point. It'll be interesting to see what happens if and when he has Stewart on his show.
