Eight percent (8%) of American voters would definitely vote for The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart if he was on the ballot in 2008. However, 38% would definitely vote against the comedian whose humor provides a scathing commentary on politics and politicians. A 2006 movie starring Robin Williams featured a Stewart-like comedian who ran for President on a lark and became President-elect when the vote-counting computer malfunctioned.

While Stewart is in no danger of being elected to serve in the White House, there is plenty of data for Stewart to spin in his favor. While 38% would definitely vote against the comedian, even larger numbers would definitely vote against both former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) and New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D).

Stewart also does well when compared to Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning. Only 5% would definitely vote for Manning while 54% would definitely vote against him.

The comedian dramatically outperforms a more mainstream journalist, CBS News Anchor Katie Couric. While 8% would definitely vote for the former Today Show star, a whopping 62% would definitely vote against her. That figure includes 74% of Republicans and is the most negative response recorded for any public figure.

Couric gets slammed by voters as a Presidential hopeful, but her favorability ratings are the highest of any journalist we’ve tested so far (48% favorable). It has been interesting to note that all the top Presidential candidates are viewed more favorably than any of the journalists who cover them.

Stewart is viewed favorably by 37% of voters and unfavorably by 34%. That puts him in the same ballpark as Sean Hannity, Wolf Blitzer, and Greta Van Susteren. His favorability ratings among voters are better than Larry King and Rush Limbaugh but not as good as Paula Zahn and Bill O’Reilly.

Among voters under 30, Stewart has almost universal name recognition—53% favorable, 44% unfavorable and only 2% not sure. Those figures include 37% with a Very Favorable opinion and just 10% with a Very Unfavorable opinion. Stewart is viewed favorably by 27% of Republicans and 45% of Democrats.

Rasmussen Reports continuously updates favorability ratings and general election match-ups for all Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates. We also maintain ratings for Members of Congress, Other Political Figures, and Journalists.

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