Less than two weeks have passed since Jon Stewart signed off from "The Daily Show" and already the American public is petitioning his return to airwaves, specifically to moderate one of the three 2016 presidential debates.
A New Jersey resident has launched a petition on Change.org asking the Commission of Presidential Debates to seriously consider Stewart as a moderator for one of the major debates that will precede the 2016 presidential election.
The petition lists the former late-night host's numerous interviews with heads of state (including three U.S. presidents), members of Congress, U.S. Cabinet members and scores of other politicians from around the country and the world.
"Over the last 16 years, Jon Stewart has played an influential and iconic role in covering U.S. politics and media. We believe he should continue that tradition as a moderator at one of the 2016 Presidential Debates," the petitioner Mariel Waters wrote.
The petition also notes the two Peabody Awards that Stewart and "The Daily Show" received for their coverage of the 2000 and 2004 elections as well as polls that show him to be one of the most trusted people in America.
Waters launched the petition two weeks ago, seeking at least 150,000 signatures. Nearly 130,000 supporters have signed as of midnight on Aug. 21.
The last request is for a public response to the petition. Stewart has not responded either way.
His first gig since leaving "The Daily Show" will be to host WWE's Sunday SummerSlam on Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. on the WWE network.
Trevor Noah will take over "The Daily Show" on Monday, Sept. 28.
