Stewart finally got serious after two-and-a-half hours of warm-ups and skits, he didn’t go after Republicans. He lampooned extreme conservatives and extreme liberals who thrive in the 24-7 cable news freak show…

The majority of more than 50 people interviewed in a crowd organizers estimated at around 250,000 said the rally will have a negligible impact on the impending elections, even as they hoped otherwise…

For others, it seemed improbable that they’d have helped campaigns if they stayed back home. Andrew Scorza, a 27-year-old substitute teacher who votes in Maryland, came to the rally wearing a business suit and gorilla mask.

“I’m an asshole who has strong opinions, but I wouldn’t call myself politically active beyond voting,” he said. “I’ve never been out organizing because it’s really hard to find a politician to completely throw myself behind.”