Q. Given your schedule at “The Daily Show,’’ isn’t it difficult to do much stand-up?
A. I do as much of it as I can to clear my head. I was doing stand-up before I did “The Daily Show.’’ It was my job back in England. It’s something I find hard to stop. It’s the closest thing I’ve got to a heroin addiction. It’s not particularly close, but, like heroin, stand-up is not particularly healthy for my lifestyle.
Q. How long have you lived in New York?
A. Five years.
Q. I was going to say you have sort of a hate-hate relationship with the US, but …
A. Oh, no, it’s almost the opposite. I love it here. I just find some things inherently ridiculous. It’s a really interesting time to be here. As a British person, I’ve read history books and know that my people lost their empire, let it slip through their fingers, and there seems to be a tipping point for America at the moment.
Q. Yes, for a comedian who concerns himself with politics, there’s plenty of rich material now.
A. It’s pretty amazing, actually. In “Daily Show’’ terms, this was supposed to be the quiet year - before the presidential campaign. But right from the start, from the Arab Spring to the craziness of the Republican nomination process to bin Laden taking one in the head, it’s been spectacularly busy.
Q. Speaking of Republicans, can you imagine any of these presidential candidates being elected?
A. I think Romney, against all the desires of the party, is going to be the nominee. The extent to which Republicans can slap a smile on for a year, and try to make their enthusiasm look and sound authentic, that’ll be fun to watch.
Q. I saw your “Daily Show’’ piece on Occupy Wall Street. What are your impressions of the protesters?
A. Well, to be willing to physically occupy downtown New York as winter is on its way, you need to be slightly crazy.
Q. Or dressed like a Viking.
A. Yes, that definitely helps. (Laughs)
Q. Do you customize your stand-up depending on your audience?
