Top 10 Most Trusted Men On TV: Is Jon Stewart Among Them?

Is Jon Stewart the most trusted man in America? The NY Times asks that question, and sort of makes a case for it, in a story detailing the transformation of Stewart’s The Daily Show from a self-mocking newbie on the political landscape eight years ago to its “emergence as a genuine cultural and political force.” (Insert applause.) Stewart’s late night chicanery, jokes, and commentary - which can be seen in full-episodes here on Fancast — have made him a must-see for any well-informed, cynical, channel-surfing politico and, according to a 2007 Pew Research Center poll asking people “to name the journalist they most admired, Mr. Stewart, the fake news anchor, came in at No. 4, tied with the real news anchors Brian Williams and Tom Brokaw of NBC, Dan Rather of CBS and Anderson Cooper of CNN.” Very cool - and congratulations to Stewart. (Insert more applause.) But does that make him, as the Times asks, the most trusted man in America?
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Understandably, he beats out Charlie Sheen. But what about Jon Cryer? He’s going to come out ahead of Christian Slater, too. But what about Cristian de la Fuente? Hey, what about Stewart’s old correspondent Steve Carrell? Be interesting to see Stewart and Carrell face off on The Moment of Truth. We took an informal poll among friends, co-workers and strangers waiting in line at the coffee shop and came up with a list of the 10 Most Trusted Men in America - On TV:

1. Regis Philbin: “After 150 years on TV, he’s revealed everything about himself, except the pact he obviously made with the Devil to be on TV another 150 years.”

2. Howie Mandel: “Because he’s never told anyone what’s inside the briefcase.” “He’d probably break out in hives if he lied.”

3. Patrick Dempsey: “Didn’t he have to take an oath when he became McDreamy?” One woman says, “I’d tell him anything.”

4. Jay Leno: He makes a nice living by making fun of people who lie. Why would he switch sides?

5. Mark Consuelos: “Kelly would rip him to shreds if he lied,” one respondent says.

6. Al Roker: “Even though you can’t believe the weatherman, he seems like an honest guy.”

7. Tom Brokaw: “Possibly the last newsman left on TV that I trust,” one man says.

8. Jon Stewart: “I read a story that average looking guys are the most trustworthy; he fits - average looks, above average sense of humor and intelligence.”

9. Chris Cuomo: “Growing up in a political family, he probably learned it’s always best to tell the truth.”

10. Jack McBrayer: “He plays Kenneth on 30 Rock, and his whole character is about being honest to a fault. I bet he’s like that in real life - just maybe not to that degree.”