Jon Stewart Explains Why He's Leaving The Daily Show

February 26, 2015 11:53 AM EST

Jon Stewart finally offered some more insight into why he’s leaving The Daily Show.

He opened his show Wednesday with clips of Republicans reacting to the news of his departure, many of them accusing him of distorting facts. After challenging Fox News to a “lie-off” and playing clips of some of Rush Limbaugh’s more controversial comments, including calling a girl a slut and saying white people shouldn’t feel guilt for slavery, Stewart got to the meat of his argument.

“Take it from someone who’s been watching what they do for a blessedly almost over 16 years or so,” he said. “Their chronically angry war for ideological purity, where every aspect of life becomes a two dimensional battle for America’s soul—it ages you. Even watching it is killing me.”

Watch the full clip below:

See Jon Stewart's Most Memorable Guests On The Daily Show

Kurt Vonnegut appeared on the show in 2005, one of his last public appearances. Comedy Central

Denis Leary and Jon Stewart have long been friends, so every time the actor appeared on the show, the two comedians would opt to make fun of one another rather than conduct an interview, leaving the audience in stitchesComedy Central

After releasing *Hugo* in 2011, Martin Scorsese visited the show Comedy Central

Last year, Christopher Walken talked tap dancing on the showComedy Central

Barack Obama appeared on the show in 2005 as a senator, twice in 2008 as a presidential candidate, again in 2010 during his fist term, and finally in 2012 as he ran for a second termComedy Central

First Lady Michelle Obama has appeared twice on the Daily Show, once in 2008 and twice in 2012Comedy Central

During one of Paul Rudd's may appearances on the show, Stewart revealed that the comedian was his first test guest after her took over for Craig KilbornComedy Central

Rachel Maddow was a repeat guest on the show where she described Justice Scalia as a "troll," said she could kill Bin Laden with a spoon and declared she was "embarrassed" by BushComedy Central

Here’s Why Jon Stewart Is Leaving The Daily Show

See Jon Stewart's Most Memorable Guests On The Daily Show

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