DNC takes funnyman Stewart seriously

DENVER, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Comedian Jon Stewart was given exceptional access during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, which the party said was a nod to his following.

"Like it or not, (Stewart's 'The Daily Show') got a big audience. And that means we're getting our message to more people. After all, Comedy Central fans vote, too," Natalie Wyeth, DNC press secretary, told Ad Age of Stewart and his show that airs on Comedy Central.

"Daily Show" correspondent John Oliver's segment with Sen. Hillary Clinton's supporters on Wednesday's show was partially shot in the Pepsi Center. He used convention floor passes the Democrats gave to "The Daily Show" in what is a first for the show's coverage of the conventions.

"We have obtained floor passes for the first time ever," said "The Daily Show" Executive Producer Kahane Corn. "The (Democratic National Committee) has been working with us incredibly."

As of midweek, Republican National Convention organizers haven't provided similar access for next week's gathering in St. Paul, Minn., but Corn said she was hopeful. She said "The Daily Show" would bypass its normal Labor Day holiday to kick off coverage of the GOP convention, which runs Monday through Thursday.