Jon Stewart may have just left his post at the Daily Show, but the people of America want him back in the spotlight. That is, for a 2016 presidential debate.
In two weeks, a change.org petition has collected over 150,000 signatures in favor of a Stewart-moderated debate, with a goal of 200,000.
“Over the last 16 years, Jon Stewart has played an influential and iconic role in covering US politics and media. We believe he should continue that tradition as a moderator at one of the 2016 Presidential Debates,” the petition begins.
“Jon Stewart is more than qualified to tackle the moderating job. Mr. Stewart has interviewed 15 heads of state, 22 members of the United States Cabinet, 32 members of the United States Senate, 7 members of the United States House of Representatives, and scores of other political leaders from this country and around the world while establishing himself as the most trusted person in (satirical) news,” it continues.
But this isn’t the first time that people have banded together online to have their voices heard about a debate. In fact, high school students requested that a woman moderate a debate in 2012. It ultimately received over 180,000 signatures and a female moderator was selected. CNN’s Candy Crowley moderated the October 2012 debate.
For more on Stewart, here’s commentary on what his show’s end means for millennials. Meanwhile, the show’s set is going to the Newseum in Washington, D.C.