Earlier this week, Terry Gross of NPR’s Fresh Air interviewed Jon Stewart on stage at New York’s 92nd Street Y to discuss his upcoming Rally to Restore Sanity, Glenn Beck and other media and politics matters. And while the talk was recorded before the Rick Sanchez “Jon Stewart and the Jews Control the Media” flap, there was a little something extra for the members of the tribe: Stewart said he was honored to appear at Judaism’s “third holiest site,” behind the Wailing Wall and Zabar’s. (He also thanked visitors at the 92nd Street Y, known for its Jewish-themed programming and lectures, for coming out “so close to the end of Sukkot.”)
Among other topics, Gross asked Stewart his response to charges that his rally might undercut events and organizing by progressive political groups: “Tough shit.” On Christine O’Donnell: “I am the last person to judge someone on something stupid they said on MTV 20 years ago.” And he discussed what he believes he has in common with Beck (“We consider ourselves editorial cartoonists.”) Pressed for time? Here’s the transcript.