Jon Stewart said, “A democracy isn’t a democracy if it only lasts until someone makes fun of your hat.”
The lead segment on the Daily Show Monday night was devoted to the plight of Bassem Youssef, the man many have dubbed “Egypt’s Jon Stewart.” Stewart made sure to point out the similarities between himself and Youssef, stating that they were actually good friends. After learning that the charges against his friend include making fun of Egypt’s President Mohammed Morsi’s hats and imperfect English, Stewart flashed a picture of President George W. Bush in his signature cowboy hat and said, “That was my entire career for eight years!”
All jokes aside, Stewart addressed President Morsi directly, pointing out that, “[W]ithout Bassem, and all those journalists and bloggers and brave protesters who took to Tahrir Square to voice dissent, you, President Morsi, would not be in a position to repress them.” He then played an interview in which Morsi declared that his critics need not fear jail. He said, “They are Egyptians. They are a part of my family.”