Washington DC (US)

Comedian and The Daily Show host Jon Stewart has addressed recurring speculation about whether he would ever consider running for public office, describing the question as a reflection of widespread "desperation and dissatisfaction" among voters in the United States, reported People.

The 63-year-old host was asked during the filming of a recent episode of the Comedy Central show whether he would "ever consider running for office." In a clip shared on YouTube, the comedian said he understands why viewers pose the question amid the current political climate.

"That's very kind of you. And by the way, I cannot tell you how wild it is to have people even think that having the power over their lives is something they'd appreciate that you have," Stewart said. "But I do know, all the folks in the media like this, like Stephen [Colbert], like Jimmy [Kimmel], we get this. This is a question that comes up a lot," as quoted by People.

He added, "And I think it speaks to, if I may, and I don't know the motivation, it speaks to this desperation and dissatisfaction that we have with the status quo. And so then you see somebody on television who's saying some of the things that resonate with you and you think, 'Well, .... it.'"

"It's almost like you're cursing me with a Twilight Zone, like, 'Make him!' I so understand the feeling," he said. "I think what's happening right now, with all of us -- myself included -- because having the ability to have a catharsis and talk about it or work with people every day is emotionally sustaining. But I think we have a shared feeling of helplessness."

Commenting on the political climate, Stewart said, "The institutions may be wanting and may be failing, but the people aren't. People keep saying, 'Oh, this guy is Hitler.' No, he's not. And I'll tell you why he's not: Hitler was popular, this guy is not," referring to President Donald Trump, as quoted by People.

As Stewart explained further, "The one institution that I think has been the bulwark in a way that nothing else has, has been the people. And that's been really heartening to me."

ALSO READ: Iranians surely want change, but Reza Pahlavi may not be the panacea

Stewart is not the only television personality to face questions about a potential presidential run. In December, The Late Show host Stephen Colbert was asked a similar question during an appearance at Slate's Political Gabfest event, where he quipped, "Absolutely, I should not run for president," according to People.

The Daily Show airs weeknights on Comedy Central and is available to stream the following day on Paramount+.