Fox’s Bill O’Reilly Calls Jon Stewart ‘Standard Bearer,’ Says Resignation a Loss for Left

Conservative Fox News host Bill O’Reilly reached across the airwaves and the aisle as he chimed in on Jon Stewart‘s exit from Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.”

“He is the standard bearer on television for the liberal point of view,” the Fox anchor said on “The O’Reilly Factor” Wednesday night. “He’s funny. And they don’t have funny liberals. Comedy Central has some talent over there, but that’s it. There’s not a lot of yuks going on at MSNBC.”

O’Reilly reserved a few moments at the end of his show to discuss his “pal” Stewart’s announcement that he’ll be vacating the Comedy Central anchor chair.

Also Read: How Jon Stewart’s ‘Daily Show’ Defined an Era

On Stewart’s future, O’Reilly said, “I think that’s where Mr. Stewart wants to go — into the Hollywood arena,” comparing the comedian’s 2014 directorial debut “Rosewater” to the current box office juggernaut “American Sniper.”

The segment contained a bit of ribbing: In analyzing “The Daily Show’s” demographics, O’Reilly deduced a majority of his audience didn’t understand Stewart’s native tongue.

“What people don’t know about Stewart’s demographics is, according to ‘The Factor’ research, 72% of his audience did not understand English. So they don’t know what he’s saying, they just like his suits,” he said.

Also Read: TV’s Late-Night Shakeup: Jon Stewart and 9 Other Biggest Moves This Past Year

O’Reilly also had kind words for the liberal comedian.

“We wish Stewart well. I’ll track him down in a few weeks no matter where he is. We’re coming for you… but, the left, they’re losing a big thing,” O’Reilly concluded.

Stewart and O’Reilly have both been guests on each other’s programs, and have occasionally appeared at political symposiums together.

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JASON JONES
The "Daily Show" correspondent has proven to be a standout cast member and perhaps a talent worthy of manning the desk -- though his TBS pilot with wife and "Daily Show" colleague Samantha Bee could keep him too busy for the gig.
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JEFFREY ROSS
Dubbed Comedy Central's Roastmaster General, Jeffrey Ross is one of the wittiest stand-up comedians around. He's best known for his stinging insults, but the 49-year-old is intelligent enough to dish on a daily dose of news.
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KRISTEN SCHAAL
Often Billed "The Daily Show's" Senior Women's Issues Correspondent, Schaal has been contributing to Comedy Central's flagship satirical news program since 2008.
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AZIZ ANSARI
He's young, charming and has a huge following. Comedy Central has aired several of his stand-up specials, but would they give the "Parks and Recreation" star a chance behind the anchor desk?
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JOHN MULANEY
The "Saturday Night Live" veteran is a prolific stand-up comedian as well as the star and creator of his own Fox sitcom, appropriately titled "Mulaney."
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LEWIS BLACK
The veteran standup has been delivering his own uniquely aggressive brand of news on "The Daily Show" for even longer than Stewart. His bold, abrasive recurring segment "Back in Black" originated in 1996 when Craig Kilborn hosted the program.
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JOEL MCHALE
McHale has been "The Soup's" hilarious host since 2004, so he certainly has the chops for a satirical series. But his E! show airs weekly, making "The Daily Show" a decidedly more demanding commitment for the busy actor, who also stars on "Community."
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CRAIG KILBORN
Craig Kilborn hosted "The Daily Show's" first three years before Jon Stewart was even a twinkle in Comedy Central's eye -- who's to say he couldn't retake the reins? Sadly, sources tell TheWrap it's not in the cards.
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PAUL F. TOMPKINS
Could Tompkins be "The Daily Show's" first ever mustachioed news anchor? His resume includes topical comedy shows like "Real Time With Bill Maher," "Best Week Ever" and "Comedy Bang! Bang!" and he also has his own critically adored podcast, "The Pod F. Tompkast."
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DANIEL TOSH
Between "Tosh.0" and "Brickleberry," it's clear Comedy Central and Daniel Tosh have a good working relationship. But is the controversial comedian up to tackling daily news?
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CHELSEA HANDLER
The late night landscape is pretty devoid of a female presence right now, but maybe Comedy Central will take a close look at Handler, who finished her run on E!'s "Chelsea Lately" in August.
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CRAIG FERGUSON
Craig Ferguson ended his nine-year run behind the desk at CBS's "Late Late Show" in December, so there's a good chance he's available. But is he willing to step back into the treacherous waters of late night so soon?
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BRIAN WILLIAMS
Why not Williams? The NBC News anchor was suspended for six months just minutes after Stewart dropped the bomb. Maybe he wants to try satire?
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