In this photo, Jon Stewart poses for a portrait in promotion of his film,”Rosewater”, in NY, on November 7, 2014.
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On Monday night the former host returned to The Daily Show for the first time since he stepped down in August as part of his years-long effort to secure healthcare funding for 9/11 first responders, who have suffered with serious illnesses linked to the air they inhaled at Ground Zero. The act expired at the beginning of October, and major political hurdles – greatest among them being Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) – have kept it from being reauthorized.
Noah reminded Stewart of the 2010 panel he put together on The Daily Show comprised of first responders demanding the bill initially pass, and suggested he get that panel back together.
The bill is now up for renewal and Stewart has been an outspoken advocate for its extension. He wasn’t able to meet with anyone except Sen. He eventually managed to confront Senator Rob Portman, who ended up supporting the legislation.
The Daily Show made the announcement via it’s Twitter account. Stewart was there to show his support for the Zadroga Act. “So I thought, you have a show, and maybe I could come and…” he said to cheers.
“Stewart then asked viewers to contact congress on social media with the hashtag, “#WorstResponders”.
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Assuring Noah he’s not there to steal back what was rightfully his, Stewart said, “I have this issue I care about very deeply and I was wondering-I want to get attention paid to it but I was realizing I don’t have a show, and nobody gives a shit anymore”.
