Maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s just the subway. This morning, with these acknowledgments unwritten and overdue, I stepped off the C train and standing there on the platform was a woman I hadn’t seen in several years. Back in 1993, when we were colleagues at New York magazine, Rebecca Mead suggested I check out a smart and funny comedian friend of hers, Jon Stewart. So that’s a pretty good place to start: Thanks, Rebecca.
She is just one of the many journalism colleagues whom I have had the honor to work with and learn from over the years. Joe Klein didn’t just hire me as his assistant; he taught me how to be a reporter and how to tell a story, and he continues to be a friend and an inspiration. Peter Blauner, Peg Tyre, and Eric Pooley were and are exemplary role models. Matt Giles, Stephen J. Dubner, Bob Hardt, Mike Nitzky, Mark Jacobson, and Joanna Molloy have been standout comrades. Then there are the exceptional editors, whose help I could use right about now: John Homans, the late great Mark Giles, Jon Scher, Mike McCormick, Peter Herbst, Genevieve Smith, Michael Hirschorn, Ed Kosner, Kurt Andersen, Caroline Miller, and Adam Moss.
The Daily Show (The Book) would not exist if not for the hundreds of talented people who made (and make) The Daily Show. I wish I’d been able to reach every one of them during the sprint to write this book, but they all have my appreciation, especially the people quoted in these pages, and even a few of those who refused to be. I owe a particular debt to the staffers who made time to talk during the hectic transition to the show’s new era.
Extra special thanks to Jen Flanz, Steve Bodow, Elliott Kalan, Jo Miller, Ed Helms, John Hodgman, Rory Albanese, Ben Karlin, Madeleine Smithberg, Josh Lieb, Lewis Black, Samantha Bee, Kahane Corn Cooperman, David Javerbaum, Adam Lowitt, Adam Chodikoff, John Oliver, J. R. Havlan, and Stew Bailey, for fielding more than their share of questions with good humor and generosity.
For talking through a lunch, a gym workout, and two late-night car rides home, respectively, in between creating their own very funny daily shows, I am deeply grateful to Trevor Noah, Larry Wilmore, and Stephen Colbert.
For sharing their photographs in addition to their memories, huge thanks to: Alison Camillo, Kira Klang Hopf, Al Madrigal, Eric Drysdale, Miles Kahn, Jim Margolis, John Hodgman, Jill Katz, Travon Free, J. R. Havlan, Jody Morlock, Elise Terrell, Pat King, John Feal, and Jen Flanz.
Comedy Central’s cooperation was indispensable. Doug Herzog, Michele Ganeless, Steve Albani, Renata Luczak, Lorne Mitchell, and Owen Miller, thanks for making it happen.
Working on this book showed me why James Dixon has such a distinguished and loyal client list: He’s an honest, passionate advocate who is also tremendous fun. And thanks to Team Baby Doll, Dan Bodansky and Ben Taren, for handling key logistics.
Dan Strone, CEO of Trident Media Group and literary agent to Jon Stewart, was both vital to this project and a pleasure to work with from beginning to end.
Jamie Raab is not just Grand Central’s savvy publisher but a deft and patient editor. A writer working on his tenth book would be lucky to have her guidance; this writer couldn’t have completed his first without her incomparable clarity and calm.
Liz Connor, Nolen Strals, and Eric Baker came up with (many) terrific designs for the cover. Bob Castillo, Thomas Whatley, and Giraud Lorber produced a big book on a crazy deadline. Jimmy Franco spread the word. Cheryl Smith wrangled the audiobook version. Elizabeth Kulhanek was a swift and steady lieutenant. Elisa Rivlin kept us legal.
Stellar fact-checking: Thayer McClanahan.
Speedy and accurate interview transcription: CarolLee Kidd and CLK Transcription.
For the soundtrack: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
I collapse in gratitude—to borrow a phrase from the illustrious Jennifer Senior—for the wise counsel, in a wide variety of forms, dispensed by her, Bob Kolker, Megan Newman, Matthew Greenberg, Father Peter Colapietro, Dr. Nina K. Singer, and Walter Paller.
David Black is an outstanding agent in all the necessary, conventional ways. That he took my annoying calls while waiting for doctors’ appointments, plied me with bourbon, and loaned me prime office space is above and beyond. His team at the David Black Agency, notably Jennifer Herrera, went out of its way to make a squatter feel at home. Sarah Paolantonio provided early and essential research assistance.
For friendship that years and miles can’t dilute, Steve Etter, the Birddog. Ahhhoooo!
How do you thank your parents? Not enough, ever. Joan Serra and Bob Smith have been there for me on this and every other adventure. Liane Marooney, Barbara Jordan-Smith, Jason Smith, Sue Smith, David Brunicardi, and Caryn Marooney—your support has been as inexplicable as it has been invaluable. Tommy Fuller and Jim Marooney, you’re with us still.
Thanks to Tracey Stewart for encouraging her then-boyfriend to host The Daily Show. Apologies to Nate and Maggie for taking up so much of your dad’s time when he was allegedly retired.
Jon Stewart gave me enough hours of laughs and insights to fill a second book. Plus some pizza and a ride home. What I really owe him for, though, are the chance, the trust, and the freedom to tell this story. Thanks.
And as if that weren’t wildly inadequate: There are three other people who deserve far more than words. Medals for putting up with me? Sure, but that’s not new. Lila, Jack, and Lisa Marooney listened to my endless Daily Show anecdotes, offered sharp opinions on cover designs, and endured my fits of anxiety. They showed faith through unexpected setbacks; they kicked my ass when I needed it; they lifted my heart whether they were onstage, on the pitcher’s mound, or on West Beach. Above all, and always, Lila, Jack, and Lisa supplied joy. May this book return it, even a little.
—Chris Smith, Brooklyn, September 12, 2016