President Obama Appears on The Daily Show

Tonight Jon Stewart, of The Daily Show renown, hosted President Barack Obama for the entirety of his show. Though the show had its moments of humor, I was struck by the conversation's professional and serious tone. Jon Stewart asked very serious questions about the President's shortcomings and his inability to quell the intense partisanship in Congress. I was most impressed with Obama's defense of Obamacare which he reiterated has insured millions of previously uninsured lower income Americans . He noted that because universal health care legislation has been passed it can be revised in the future without having to go through as major a legislative battle. Jon Stewart was an excellent host who professionally balanced his job as a comedian with serious political discussion that would have rivaled any "respected" news media.

The fact that the President of the United States would appear on The Daily Show so close to the midterm election to plug for the Democratic Party and defend his administration's first two years indicates that the Democratic Party is trying to mobilize the youth vote again. The Daily Show is primarily viewed by a younger audience who tends to lean Democratic. Obama is trying to reinvigorate the youth base that supported him in the 2008 election. With many Democratic seats in jeopardy this election season, the Democratic Party needs a large voter turnout to keep many at-risk candidates viable.

The President's Daily Show appearance also highlights politician's increased use of new social mediums to reach voters. A successful campaign must approach voters through older mediums such as print media and traditional news television programs and new social mediums like the internet news sources, late-night satirical television shows, and social networks. Obama was the first presidential candidate to utilize the internet and social networks to raise unprecedented amounts in fundraising and involve supporters. Obama's appearance tonight is indicative of the power of new social media in today's politics and the Democratic push to reinvigorate voters for the 2010 midterm elections.