Jon Stewart calls student protests a 'beautiful thing' as CSU cracks down on campus encampments

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent 'After the Cut' segment from 'The Daily Show,' Jon Stewart shared his thoughts on the political climate on college campuses, offering advice to students on how to handle political disagreements.

During the discussion, which was part of a web-exclusive feature aired on Monday, Stewart addressed a young audience member’s question about navigating political conversations and conflicts, especially in the context of election seasons.

Jon Stewart champions college political debates as a 'beautiful thing'

Jon Stewart described the political debates on college campuses as a “beautiful thing,” emphasizing that these discussions are integral to the college experience.

He advised students to “be open to people, but be committed.”

“Listen, the beautiful thing about college is that it’s built for you to push the limits of who you think you are and who you think you want to be. It’s a wonderful experience,” Stewart said.

“The thing that I would say to you is have the courage in the internal barometer that you’ve developed over the years for yourself about right and wrong and don’t necessarily just allow the conditions that you find yourself in to shape that. You’re here for a reason, and you’re that way for a reason, and be strong in that. Be open to people, but be committed. I think it’s a wonderful experience for kids.”

This advice comes at a time when political protests and campus safety are under close scrutiny, with recent clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters highlighting the intense political divides.

University of California tightens protest regulations amid rising tensions

In response to these tensions, the University of California recently implemented restrictions on protest encampments and face coverings to enhance campus security. Protests will now be more closely monitored and encampments banned at all 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) System.

Stewart also humorously dismissed the notion that each generation is superior to the next, joking about his own past and dismissing criticisms of younger generations.

“Shut the f**k up,” he quipped. “Every generation is like, ‘That generation sucks. We were awesome.’ And I’m like, ‘Meh.’ I know my generation — we were doing whippets in 11th grade.”

Beyond his commentary on political engagement, Stewart shared his admiration for author Kurt Vonnegut and stressed the influence that young people have on political and commercial spheres. “Your voice is — can I tell you something about advertisers?” Stewart posed.

“Do you know that advertisers, they look at different demographics, but the largest demographic that they look at is 18-24. That’s the one that means everything to them. Use that power, the power of the purse.”

He continued, “I’m 61 — I’m not even listed anymore. They literally, companies will be like, ‘What about people over 55?’ They’re like, ‘I think they might be dead.’”