On his show Tuesday night, Jon Stewart addressed how the political arena is handling the all-powerful voting block: women. He then turned to correspondent Jason Jones‘ report, which, of course, gave us some insight into what women are really thinking…by talking to a man.

“There’s a new and powerful voting block,” the dramatic voiceover declared. Women. And to get inside their heads, the report turned to political strategist Tad Devine, who said candidates who ignore women voters do so at their own “peril.” Jones observed, “Women are the new soccer moms.” He then said, “I think it’s a little embarrassing that it’s two guys here talking about women with no women present.” I mean, remember the all-male panels who discussed the contraception issue?

It’s time for change — so Jones assembled a group of women. First topic of business: “How important is it that women are heard?” For the answer, Jones, of course, turned not to the five women sitting in front of him: “Tad, I’m gonna start with you.” If “we hypothetically had a group of women in a room,” he added, “what do you think they’d be thinking right now?” All you have to do, Devine said, is talk to them and listen.

So Jones talked to one of the women, who said she’s “pissed off” — though it took a couple tries for him to actually be able to listen to her and comprehend the statement. While noting that listening is “key,” Jones spent most of the segment getting his analysis and answers from the only other man in the room (who also helped translate ladyspeak).

Clearly learning his lesson, he offered a heartfelt apology…before asking Devine if that’s the kind of pandering candidates will need to reach women. Conclusion of the group meeting: women matter.

Take a look, via Comedy Central:



Have a tip we should know? [email protected]