Oscar host Jon Stewart's opening shtick didn't stray too far from his 2006 monologue or from his "Daily Show" mentality, but he did have the Writers Guild of America strike to put a little pep in his talk.

"These past 3 1/2 months was very tough," Stewart said as he opened the show. "The town was torn apart by a bitter writers' strike, but I'm happy to say that the fight is over, so tonight, welcome to the makeup sex."

His 10-minute open for the "80th Annual Academy Awards" roasted the actors and even one of the screenwriters in the audience. He was able to fit in a couple of political jokes in this presidential election year, although awkwardly, and bashed the Vanity Fair Oscar party, or lack of one this year.

And, of course, what Oscar monologue wouldn't be complete without a nominated movie joke or two? "Tonight we look beyond the dark days to focus on happier fare," said Stewart, referring again to the writers strike, "with this year's slate of psychopathic movies, 'There Will Be Blood,' 'No Country For Old Men.' All I can say is thank God for teen pregnancy."

Political jokes: "Julie Cristie was amazing in the moving story of a woman who forgets her husband. Hillary Clinton called it the feel-good movie of the year." Was that a boo or two coming from the Kodak Theater crowd? He tried to give equal time to Barack Obama, but the joke about the Illinois congressman's name fell flat. In fact, it was so complicated, it's difficult to explain it in print and not worth the ink. For those who missed it, I can tell you it ended with the phrase "Gaydolf Titler."

The Republicans actually gave Stewart the best line of his monologue: "Oscar at age 80 is now old enough to be the Republican nominee for president."

Jewish jokes: "Then there was an 'Atonement.' Finally a story that captured the passion and raw sexuality of Yom Kippur."

Lawyer jokes: " 'Michael Clayton.' It's a little over 100 minutes long, but because it's about lawyers you can round that up to two hours."

Stripper jokes: "Diablo Cody is here. She used to be an exotic dancer, now she's an Oscar-nominated screenwriter. I hope you're enjoying the pay cut." (Cody is the screenwriter for the Oscar nominated movie "Juno," and yes, she was, at one time, an exotic dancer.)

Will Stewart return for another stint as Oscar host? Not if "Gaydolf Titler" is the best his writers' can come up with. Next time, Academy, how about inviting Stephen Colbert to be host?