Is John Stewart really that popular? Honestly? Do teenagers TIVO John Stewart commenting on the news? I think it's more hype than reality. I may be wrong...maybe wishful thinking.
the faith-based right became the new left
I really have to disagree with this. True conservative Christians stood the same place they always have. Limited government and no intervention by Congress. The groups we saw railing for national government intervention with the Schiavo case are the nothing more than partisan statists that are found on the 'left' and 'right'.
Actually, I think he is that popular, and for many, Stewart is the only news they watch. There are many many people who do not follow news or politics at all, have no dog in the fight, let alone sacred cows, and many of them can like both Jon Stewart and South Park and MTV.
He's popular with alot of teens and kids, because they don't want to watch or read the real news, so he's the closest thing.
That said, while he is popular, the hype about him is a gross exaggeration.
The media adores him, he's pretty shrill, he takes shots at dems occasionaly, but he gets off more on ripping republicans and the GOP.
However, he is a fad, and I think even he knows it, his place in pop culture is already starting to fade a bit, I'd give him maybe a couple of more years before he moves on to something else. He's dealing with a market that is basically elitists and kids, neither of whom is famous for long term support. He's news today, he won't be tomorrow.
Look for him to eventually do something like a sitcom or movies or some junk, its what the flavor of the months always do (or get a new talk show on another network).