Democrats, Stop Writing Papers—Your Answer Is Jon Stewart   

There’s a persistent myth among Democratic strategists and intellectuals: that the path to victory is paved with ever more detailed policy proposals, fact sheets, and technocratic solutions. The recent excitement over Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s new book, Abundance, and the endless interviews, podcasts, and op-eds it spawned, show this perfectly. The hope is that if only the right argument or the cleverest plan is found, voters will flock to the polls in gratitude. But history shows that what people are really seeking is not a spreadsheet, but a story—not a white paper, but a persona.

Democrats keep hoping for a magical fix: a new policy, a better slogan, a sharper fact-check. But as the 2024 election showed, voters are unmoved by promises and statistics if they don’t feel a connection to the messenger. When people are anxious, angry, or cynical, they look for someone who seems to understand them—someone who can perform the role of leader in a way that feels authentic and inspiring. Perform is the key word. Think of Barack Obama’s charisma or even Benjamin Netanyahu’s commanding presence—both are, at their core, performers.

From Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the evidence is overwhelming: fame, recognition, and the ability to project a compelling persona are the true currencies of modern electoral success.

Ronald Reagan was not just a politician; he was a Hollywood actor, a master communicator whose affable, confident persona helped him win over millions, even as critics questioned his grasp of policy details. His ability to connect emotionally, to embody a certain American optimism, mattered more than any economic chart.

Donald Trump didn’t set out expecting to be president—he entered the race to boost his influence and credibility. But his reality TV stardom made him a household name, projecting the image of a decisive, successful businessman. The persona built on The Apprentice overwhelmed years of negative headlines about his business failures. In 2016, voters didn’t elect a policy expert—they elected a brand. Has I predicted in June 24’ before Kamala Harris became the nominee, that she had no chance of competing with Trump.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine is a textbook case. His role as a fictional president on television made him a national celebrity and a symbol of anti-establishment hope. When he ran for office, his outsider status and familiar persona swept aside seasoned politicians, winning him a historic landslide.

Jon Stewart is the Democrats’ best answer to this phenomenon. With decades of experience as a comedian, commentator, and advocate, Stewart commands trust and attention across the political spectrum. He is famous, trusted, and skilled at communicating complex issues with clarity and humor. Stewart’s track record—advocating for veterans and 9/11 first responders, holding power to account, and connecting with younger voters—shows he’s not beholden to the political establishment. His persona blends authenticity, wit, and moral seriousness, all in the accessible package of a celebrity entertainer

If Democrats want to win, they need to stop searching for magical policy solutions and start understanding the power of persona. The future belongs to those who can not only argue, but also perform—who can be both a leader and a symbol. In the age of media-saturated politics, the candidate who commands the spotlight, who is already a household name, has a head start no policy memo can match. Reagan, Trump, Zelenskyy—each proved that fame and persona can be more powerful than any platform. If Democrats want to compete, Jon Stewart may be democracy’s best hope.