“The Daily Show” host asked the NBC newsman, just back from Lebanon, whether anything there seemed manufactured for show. Williams’ story about Hezbollah rockets put that to rest. The two also sparred over CBS’ Katie Couric, who will soon be nipping at Williams’ heels.

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  • Huff Po’s Eat the Press:

    Last night, Jon Stewart welcomed NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams to The Daily Show in a witty rapid-fire exchange.

    … Williams recounted going up in an Israeli military blackhawk helicopter with rockets flying 1,500 feet beneath him before reminding Stewart, “they’re firing real bullets over there. Anytime you wanna cross over to the other side, baby, travel with me.” Stewart did not seem inclined to do so.

    … Regarding Couric, Stewart cut right to the chase: “What are you and your colleagues gonna do to destroy her? What are you gonna do to break her spirit?” Williams responded innocently, “I’m not about tearing down” and then, with a joke he clearly relished, “It would be as if one of your acolytes in the fake news business branched out to start his own…”

    … But the segment truly heated up when Stewart tossed Williams this question: “In the Lebanon or in New Orleans, which had do you think, the stronger US government presence?”

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