“The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart offered some advice tonight to Rep. Ron Paul on how he can gain traction with the media: become a flip-flopper.

Stewart also suggests gaining several hundred pounds and renting a really swanky tour bus.

The comedian was obviously poking fun at all the gushing media attention paid to Mitt Romney, Chris Christie, and Sarah Palin while virtually ignoring Paul’s perennial third place in national poll.

Despite that, Paul remains upbeat.

“I believe we are on an explosion of interest,” said Paul.

The U.S. Congressman from Texas was marking his first appearance this campaign season on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Stewart has a bit of a crush on the long shot congressman from Texas, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

At a breakfast last Wednesday morning sponsored by The Christian Science Monitor, Paul said he was appreciative of the publicity that Stewart has been giving to his campaign.

“[Stewart] really made our case,” Paul said.

Stewart’s vocal support started after the Ames Straw poll, when most media organizations virtually ignored Paul’s strong second place finish.

“How did libertarian Ron Paul become the 13th floor in a hotel?” Stewart said at the time.

Paul later thanked Stewart for the onslaught of media coverage that followed.

“Isn’t it great that somebody like that comes to defend us?” he said.

Stewart again mentioned adoration for Paul’s consistency in the current issue of Rolling Stone magazine.

In the article Stewart notes that it’s impossible to produce a video of Paul contradicting himself on issues.

“[Paul's] been consistent over the years,” Stewart said. “You may disagree with him, but at least you can respect that the guy has a belief system he’s engaged in and will defend.”

Monday’s appearance marked the third time Paul has appeared on “The Daily Show.”