Lots of critics when it comes to the host

WHEN Jon Stewart hosted the Oscars two years ago, it reaped its second-lowest TV ratings ever, and the reviews he got as emcee were mixed. How do you think Jon Stewart will do this year? Readers weighed in at the Gold Derby blog at TheEnvelope.com and offered up some advice: Leave politics out of it. Some excerpts below:

He’ll be wonderful!

-- johnbfleming

Before Jon takes any potshots during the show against the war, he should do some research, or at least listen to Sen. McCain and understand that the surge is working to make President Bush’s invasion of Iraq the success it was always meant to be. Jon must realize that his far-left humor is only appreciated by a tiny minority of Americans.

-- Alan

I thought he was awful last time, and I don’t see why he would have improved. Worst host ever. I was extremely sad to see him back.

-- KIC

I’d say, among hosts of the last 20 years, he’s in third place, behind Crystal and Martin, ahead of Goldberg.

-- Jack Sparrow

I think the problem is that Jon Stewart’s very political brand of humor won’t actually entertain the types of people who religiously watch the Oscars. If we really cared more about Hillary vs. Obama, we wouldn’t be watching you right now!

-- Zach

I thought he didn’t do a bad job the first time around, unlike Chris Rock. You can’t expect everyone else to be like Crystal.

-- bondzzz

With the writers strike, he should have more to say and do. Maybe we’re just spoiled by Billy Crystal, but I think Stewart will do just fine this year.

-- Apres Ski