The fact that politicians don't really know much about The Daily Show isn't surprising. If younger people actually voted then they'd count and politicians would care. But younger people don't vote in meaningful numbers and so they are immaterial to the overall system.
Sad but true... Having more young people vote would be a healthy shot in the arm for the country.
I don't fit the demographic anymore, but my wife and I watch the show every night (or via Tivo if we miss it) and love it! I wouldn't say I get all my news from the show, but I do get a lot of it - or at least it spurs me to read up on specific topics.
But I understand the politicians' attitude. They are busy, and they need to focus on people who actually vote. So if you want your politicians to give a sh*t about you and your concerns then get yourself and your peers out to vote.
And if you are like me, being in a demographic that does vote, then try to get your peers to watch The Daily Show. Because through humor the show really does trigger critical thought, which is the first step toward rational thought. And rational thought leads toward reality-based thinking - and we need more of that these days...