Jon Stewart's "Daily Show" retirement is barely two weeks old, but there's already a push to bring him back to the airwaves next year -- this time as moderator of one of the upcoming presidential debates.
"Over the last 16 years, Jon Stewart has played an influential and iconic role in covering U.S. politics and media," the petition on Change.org reads. "We believe he should continue that tradition as a moderator at one of the 2016 Presidential Debates."
The petition notes that Stewart has interviewed 15 heads of state, 22 members of the Cabinet, 32 U.S. Senators and seven members of the House of Representatives, as well as "scores of other political leaders from this country and around the world while establishing himself as the most trusted person in (satirical) news."
In addition, the petition points out that with Stewart serving as host, "The Daily Show" won Peabody Awards for its coverage of the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections.
So far, more than 120,000 people have signed the petition addressed to the Commission on Presidential Debates, the nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that sets the locations and chooses the moderators for each debate.
Neither the CPD nor Stewart have commented on the petition. However, the organization spells out the qualifications on its website:
"The moderators are selected by the CPD. The CPD uses three criteria to select its moderators: a) familiarity with the candidates and the major issues of the presidential campaign; b) extensive experience in live television broadcast news; and c) an understanding that the debate should focus maximum time and attention on the candidates and their views. The moderators alone select the questions to be asked, which are not known to the CPD or to the candidates. They do not meet with the campaigns, nor do the campaigns have a role in moderator selection."
At least one presidential hopeful has signed the petition:
Stewart has said little about his post-"Daily Show" plans, but his next big public appearance will be as host of WWE's SummerSlam on Sunday.
He also reportedly intends to be active in animal rescues. Earlier this year, Farm Sanctuary announced that Stewart and his wife, Tracey Stewart, "bought a farm in New Jersey with the intention of providing a home for farm animals rescued from cruelty."
But the creators of the petition are hoping to bring him back to television at least one more time.
"(S)orry for pestering you so early in your retirement, Mr. Stewart!" an update to the petition reads. "I hope you take all of this as a compliment and see how grateful these supporters are for your work."
Earlier on HuffPost:
