In December, Jon Stewart invited several first responders on The Daily Show to have a frank discussion about the effects of September 11 on their health and their families. And many believe that show, and Stewart’s subsequent comments about the 9/11 First Responders Bill, helped force through the blocked legislation. Even Mayor Michael Bloomberg acknowledged Stewart’s effect, noting that “Success always has a thousand fathers. But Jon shining such a big, bright spotlight on Washington’s potentially tragic failure to put aside differences and get this done for America was, without a doubt, one of the biggest factors that led to the final agreement.” On Thursday, Stewart joined Bloomberg on the board of the foundation that’s building the September 11 memorial and museum, which is set to open on September 11, 2012. The board’s hoping that Stewart will help bring in the additional $20 million needed to finish the project. Stewart’s in good company: Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal are both on the board, and plus, he’s already served as a master of ceremonies at the foundation’s major benefit last year. In typical Stewart fashion, he quipped, “I’m like their intern at this point.” [NYT]
