Jon Stewart‘s decision to retire from The Daily Show sometime later this year sent shockwaves through his young, politically aware audience. At the same time, politicians and politically connected celebrities Stewart grilled and mocked over the years took to Twitter to thank the Comedy Central host and share their memories of doing his show.
There was Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who last appeared on the show in January.
All the best to Jon Stewart on his decision to spend more time with his family. He was always fair to… http://t.co/abxyim9e6S
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 11, 2015
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a guest in April 2014, also thanked Stewart.
Washington is rigged for the big guys – and no person has more consistently called them out for it than Jon Stewart. Good luck, Jon!
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 11, 2015
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) hasn’t been on the show since 2009, but he remembers it fondly.
Early #TBT to my 2009 visit to the #DailyShow – when #JonStewart had me cracking up. http://t.co/8Pi0l9U5y1 pic.twitter.com/eAUnXTfKkt
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) February 11, 2015
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) hasn’t even been a Daily Show guest, but she’s a fan all the same.
Fake cable news won’t be the same without #JonStewart. Going to miss him on @TheDailyShow!
— Debbie Stabenow (@stabenow) February 11, 2015
Longtime Jon Stewart BFF Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who has appeared on the show several times, remembered their lighter moments together.
Congrats to #JonStewart on an incredible run – always enjoyed joining @TheDailyShow. Your/my movie reviews will be missed.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 11, 2015
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) quashed self-generated reports that he would be taking Stewart’s chair.
I am sad to see @TheDailyShow host Jon Stewart is leaving. Contrary to reports, I’m not replacing him. But flattered to be considered (Mom).
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) February 11, 2015
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), a guest in April 2011, posted this quote with no caption to thank Stewart for his sound commentary on Wall Street nonsense.
#JonStewart: pic.twitter.com/h1GncHiG0q
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 11, 2015
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the subject of a Colbert Report Better Know a District segment but never a guest on Stewart’s show, was nevertheless inconsolable at the news of his departure.
The world is indeed coming to an end, @TheDailyShow is losing Jon Stewart. Made news accessible to young constituents & old Members alike!
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 11, 2015
Finally, Meghan McCain, the daughter of frequent Daily Show guest Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), noted Stewart’s influence on her generation of politically engaged Americans.
I have no real memory of presidential election cycles without @TheDailyShow and Jon Stewart – such a sad day and truly the end of an era.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) February 11, 2015
Yes, I am aware @TheDailyShow took a lot of shots at republicans, but I believe satire (especially political) is important.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) February 11, 2015
Screengrab via Daily Show/Comedy Central
