More than 80,000 people have signed an online petition calling for comedian and former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart to moderate one of the 2016 presidential debates.

“We ask that the Commission on Presidential Debates consider and provide the opportunity to Mr. Stewart to host one of the three major presidential debates directly preceding the 2016 election,” the petition says.

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The request cites Stewart’s Peabody Awards for coverage of the 2000 and 2004 presidential races, as well as the comedian’s record of hosting important political figures on his television show.

“Mr. Stewart has interviewed 15 heads of state, 22 members of the United States Cabinet, 32 members of the United States Senate, 7 members of the United States House of Representatives, and scores of other political leaders from this country and around the world while establishing himself as the most trusted person in (satirical) news,” the petition says.

“We believe he should continue this tradition as a moderator at one of the 2016 Presidential Debates,” the petition adds.

The petition was launched on Change.org more than two weeks ago, but began to garner substantial support within the last 24 hours.

Stewart recently ended his 16-year run as the host of the “Daily Show” on Comedy Central.