Rory Stewart’s intense Newsnight stare becomes a social-media sensation
A short clip of former Conservative MP Rory Stewart staring intently at another Newsnight panellist has spread widely on social media. Stewart appeared on the BBC programme on 18 September, but the moment gained renewed attention days later, eclipsing his better-known roles and public work.
A brief moment from Rory Stewart’s appearance on BBC Newsnight has attracted widespread attention online after a clip of the former Conservative MP was shared on social media. Stewart appeared on the programme on 18 September. During the broadcast, he stared intently at another panellist for several seconds, creating a striking television moment that was later circulated widely.
The clip took on a life of its own several days after the programme aired. Its renewed spread brought attention to Stewart in a way that the source describes as surpassing the public interest generated by several of his previous roles. Stewart has served as an Afghan NGO leader, a Conservative leadership candidate, a Harvard professor and deputy governor of an Iraqi province.
He now co-presents The Rest Is Politics with Alastair Campbell. The Guardian characterised the incident as an unusually memorable Newsnight exchange. The supplied material does not identify the other panellist or describe what prompted Stewart’s look.
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