Jon Stewart made an appearance on CNN’s Crossfire on Friday. Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson probably thought Stewart was there to pump his new book.

Admirably, Stewart took the occasion to take some lumps for his outspoken stance on the poor quality of political reporting in the United States today. I don’t think Begala and Carlson were expecting his left hooks, though. (Transcript)

STEWART: I thought Al Sharpton was very impressive …

STEWART: I enjoyed his way of speaking.

I think, oftentimes, the person that knows they can’t win is allowed to speak the most freely, because, otherwise, shows with titles, such as CROSSFIRE.

BEGALA: CROSSFIRE.

STEWART: Or “HARDBALL” or “I’m Going to Kick Your Ass” or…

(LAUGHTER)

STEWART: Will jump on it. In many ways, it’s funny. And I made a special effort to come on the show today, because I have privately, amongst my friends and also in occasional newspapers and television shows, mentioned this show as being bad.

(LAUGHTER)

BEGALA: We have noticed.

STEWART: And I wanted to — I felt that that wasn’t fair and I should come here and tell you that I don’t — it’s not so much that it’s bad, as it’s hurting America.

Oh, there’s more, much more, in the transcript.