Rand Paul on The Daily Show

So I’m a big fan of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I catch it when I can while traveling and try to make a point to DVR a few episodes if I’m home for a few days. While I definitely enjoy the satire present in the first half of the show, my favorite part has really become the interviews.

Other shows seem to focus just on celebrity or politicians who agree with the political viewpoint of the channel, but The Daily Show has really made a name for itself by bringing in a fascinating collection of authors and leaders from a variety of viewpoints. My favorite interviews are often the ones featuring individuals on the opposite side of the aisle than most of The Daily Showaudience. While Jon Stewart does crack jokes and has playful moments with the guests, he still treats them as guests and allows them to speak. He even validates the good points that they make and always graciously thanks them for even visiting the show.

Last night, Senator Rand Paul appeared on the show. I definitely disagree with some of the comments the Senator made during his campaign, I was thoroughly impressed by the interview. Both men engaged in a thoughtful Q&A of the difficult times the country faces, but both remained respectful throughout it.

You can watch the full uncut interview here.

I’m not writing this blog in order for you to share my same political viewpoint. Some of my best friends are the political polar opposite of me and our relationship and political views are enriched by our ability to thoughtfully describe our differing perspectives. Our diversity makes us strong if we we still make unity our goal.

That’s why I’m posting this blog. It’s not about us shouting over one another. It’s about us asking questions and providing responses. It’s about us being playful at times. It’s about us listening to those with whom we may disagree–REALLY listening so that when we hear a valid point, we don’t tune them out simply due to how they define themselves.

The Daily Show is on a comedy channel. I’m not saying we should base our understanding of politics around it, but perhaps we can begin to base some of our understanding of what it means to be civil based on the discussions that take place in the interviews.