Not doing much to convince certain detractors that “The Daily Show” is in cahoots with the Obama administration, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs voiced his hope, during a press briefing Tuesday, that Jon Stewart would be able to rouse support among members of the Senate for a health measure designed to help 9/11 first responders. Specifically, Gibbs held out the wish that Republican senators would pay attention to the message if it came from Stewart’s show. –KA

Politico:

If there’s the ability for that to sort of break through in our political environment, there’s a good chance that he can help do that,” Gibbs said in his briefing. “I think he has put the awareness around this legislation. He’s put that awareness into what you guys cover each day, and I think that’s good. I hope he can convince two Republicans to support taking care of those that took care of so many on that awful day in our history.”

Stewart has dedicated lengthy segments on “The Daily Show” to the legislation that would help the first responders on Sept. 11.

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