Jay Leno and the GOP - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Macheath · 10-09-2003, 08:00 PM

link:http://www.laweekly.com/ink/03/47/deadline-finke.php

Quote:

The Right Comic
Jay Leno’s embrace of Arnold
by Nikki Finke

That Jay Leno will do anything for ratings is hardly a Hollywood secret. After all, his August 6 hosting of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recall-candidacy shocker gave The Tonight Show a nice shove upwards in the overnight Nielsens. But his high-profile pop-up at the new California governor’s victory party suddenly puts Leno and his popularity in a precarious position when it comes to the politics of personality. So the question has to be asked: Is the late-night king becoming just another political pawn?

There he was, front and center, to introduce Schwarzenegger Tuesday evening. "Tonight is a testament of just how important one appearance on The Tonight Show can be, ladies and gentlemen," Leno self-congratulated.

CNN called it "Leno’s big political moment." Now, he’s a big political target.

The reason is that these days America expects its late-night comedians to be evenhanded when it comes to political humor. These hosts don’t invade bedrooms around the country; they’re invited. And if even the faintest whiff of unfairness taints their jokes, it’s time for viewers to reach for the remote and change the channel.

Which is why Leno’s oh-so-obvious partisanship is so perplexing. Even a dope knows the country is more divided politically now than it’s been in recent decades. So why in the world is Leno suddenly taking sides? Undoubtedly, Leno will brush aside the criticism with a lame explanation that he was there purely out of friendship with Arnold. And that’s true to an extent, since Schwarzenegger has been a frequent and favorite Tonight Show guest dating back to the days when Leno was trailing Letterman badly in the ratings as the two comedians finally went head to head in the late night. And it was because of that buddy-buddy relationship that Leno could squeeze in the occasional joke about those sexual-harassment allegations against Schwarzenegger: "Today, Arnold revealed his health-care plan. Every woman gets a free breast exam." Sadly, the implication by Leno, and echoed by Republican mouthpieces, was that all those women were supposedly lucky to be groped by the star.

But the real truth is that, for some time now, Leno has been leaning right and going soft on President Bush, judging by jokes on The Tonight Show.

Case in point: President Clinton hasn’t been in office for nearly three years now. Yet there’s Leno night after night still giggling about Bill and Monica. He even recently managed to combine his partisanship for Schwarzenegger with his criticism of Clinton in this guffaw: "On talk radio, they’ve been comparing Clinton and Schwarzenegger — you know, this whole thing, like, ‘Oh, what’s the difference between the Clinton women and the Schwarzenegger women?’ I’ll tell you the difference — about 200 pounds." The implication, of course, is that Arnold’s non-consensual sex is somehow more palatable than Clinton’s consensual sex because the actor had better taste in women.

It wasn’t always so. Before 9/11, Leno and his writers were deriding Bush almost nightly, blaming him for what was clearly even back then a worsening economy. There was even a tasteless Cheney heart joke thrown in every now and again for good measure. Also, Leno wouldn’t stop hyping the Supreme Court–decided 2000 presidential election. Leno’s nonstop jokes were barbs undercutting the legitimacy of the Bush White House.

But regular watchers of The Tonight Show could clearly discern that the content and tone of Leno’s monologue changed dramatically after 9/11. It was to be expected: His jokes became not just more patriotic but even jingoistic. That "raghead" stereotype of all Muslims became grist for his humor. But Leno was still finding his footing after playing No. 2 in kudos to Letterman, who had given television what was praised as one of its most important entertainment hours of the entire season on 9/17.

In contrast, Leno’s speechifying looked artificial and awkward. He needed a new shtick.

Leno found one: siding with the Bush administration no matter what the circumstances. Leno’s White House promotion was still riding high even when the nation’s terrorist trembling had nearly subsided. After Bush went after France, so did Leno. When Bush went after Iraq, so did Leno. Last month, he even found a way to combine both issues in a single joke: "Well, there are now reports that France may agree to train Iraqi soldiers. Why? I thought Iraqis already knew how to surrender."

Today, the Clinton gibes continue on The Tonight Show, and the Bush jokes are still few and far between. That’s made Leno a favorite on the lucrative corporate master-of-ceremonies circuit since so many CEOs tilt Republican. Even the suspicion and derision that accompanied Leno’s wife, Mavis, and her championing of the plight of women in the then-Taliban-controlled Afghanistan was transformed by 9/11. Suddenly she looked prescient, and the White House briefly claimed the women’s issue in Afghanistan in a craven attempt to woo females (remember that invite to Oprah?).

Whether Leno continues this partisan attitude as the 2004 presidential race heats up, and the candidates’ talk-show appearances become increasingly crucial, remains to be seen. But the last Tonight Show host who went too far by intermingling politics and entertainment was Jack Paar — remember his embracement of Castro and friendship with the Kennedys? — and his late-night reign ended with his own recall.

I will admit that I prefer Letterman to Leno, but Leno did sometimes have his moments. Having not watched the show for a while, I tuned in a few months ago and I did notice the change. I do remember Letterman's post 9/11 show and that was amazingly well done, even looking back at it 2 years later.

Letterman has a nice unpredictable act, being beautifully snide and sarcastic. Conan is just a little bit out of the main spotlight which makes him a good watch for the internet/Simpsons generation. It feels like these things save both of them from being "pinned down" to a certain way of thinking which seems to be what happened to Leno here.

Lasereth · 10-09-2003, 08:04 PM

Letterman is so damn funny because if he isn't funny, he knows it, and exploits it with EXTREME sarcasm. That beats out Leno and O'Brian anyday. Leno is easily the worst of all late-night hosts.

-Lasereth

The_Dude · 10-09-2003, 08:32 PM

I've watched leno quite a bit and I've always thought he was a left winger.

Moskie · 10-09-2003, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lasereth
Letterman is so damn funny because if he isn't funny, he knows it, and exploits it with EXTREME sarcasm. That beats out Leno and O'Brian anyday. Leno is easily the worst of all late-night hosts.

-Lasereth

I pretty much disagree with that whole statement. Except the part about Letterman not being funny. He isn't, and sarcasm can't make up for him being just flat out obnoxious. On top of that, I hate his studio audience: it's so huge, and they too often stop and give him a round of applause that lasts way too long over some innane thing he said, all because they have nothing else to do since they aren't laughing.

Leno at least has some comedic abilities (i.e. good timing and stage presence). His writers are pretty predicatble though, nothing on Leno has ever really surprised me. Then there's Conan, who is the MacDaddy of all that is Late Night.

Mephisto2 · 10-10-2003, 12:24 AM

I couldn't agree more with Moskie.

Mr Mephisto

SecretMethod70 · 10-10-2003, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lasereth
Letterman is so damn funny because if he isn't funny, he knows it, and exploits it with EXTREME sarcasm. That beats out Leno and O'Brian anyday. Leno is easily the worst of all late-night hosts.

-Lasereth

Gotta agree here. Not to mention Letterman has a certain class to him that none of the others have. That post-9/11 show is proof positive of it.

Fremen · 10-10-2003, 02:59 AM

Well folks, I like them all. Leno, Letterman, and O'Brien.
Is it just me?
I manage to watch Letterman more often, but that's just because I can get a clear picture with my CBS satellite coverage.
If I see someone in the lineup on Leno or Conan I particularly want to see, I'll turn off my satellite and watch the local NBC affiliate. I don't normally do that 'cause of the snowy picture, 'cept on Monday nights for Headlines.

That may be why I can still watch them, I only see them in small doses.
Hmmm, something to think about.

Daval · 10-10-2003, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fremen
Well folks, I like them all. Leno, Letterman, and O'Brien.
Is it just me?
I manage to watch Letterman more often, but that's just because I can get a clear picture with my CBS satellite coverage.
If I see someone in the lineup on Leno or Conan I particularly want to see, I'll turn off my satellite and watch the local NBC affiliate. I don't normally do that 'cause of the snowy picture, 'cept on Monday nights for Headlines.
That may be why I can still watch them, I only see them in small doses.
Hmmm, something to think about.

Except for the snow picture (i have digital cable), I watch them all, usually based on who is on the show. Lettermen does have a lot of 'inside' type jokes that a casual viewer just stopping in may not get though.

Conclamo Ludus · 10-10-2003, 08:04 AM

I think Nikki Finke needs to lighten up. Its late night television.

Astrocloud · 10-10-2003, 09:11 AM

This is really nothing compared to Howard Stern's outright political endorsement of Schwarzenegger.

TheJeff · 10-10-2003, 09:12 AM

This entire article is silly. Concerning Lenos "pandering to Hollywood", he is in LA while Dave is in NY. It's where more celebs are located. As for the 9/11 bit, its the opposite. One would expect that the NY show with a NY crowd would be more appropriate, as they were more dramtaically impacted. A lot of people still make Bill/Monica jokes. Leno isnt as funny as he used to be, and this article is a joke.

-Jeff

yournamehere · 10-10-2003, 01:38 PM

Blatantly siding with Republicans is not "pandering to Hollywood." Quite the contrary, actually - Hollywood types are known for their liberal views.

Who he's pandering to is the people who run this country - Corporate America . I would be willing to bet that the CEOs of NBC and all their sponsoring companies are Republicans, thus showing the origin of the brown on Jay's nose.

Of course, there's always the possibility that Leno had no say in the matter - that more powerful hands are pulling the strings. He could very well be an unwilling tool in this.

filtherton · 10-10-2003, 03:31 PM

I don't mind if he supports republicans and uses his fame to advance their causes, but I'LL BE DAMNED if ima listen to any goddamn liberal hollywood sean penn or tim robbins tell me a goddamn thing about the way my govenment should be run!!!

rogue49 · 10-10-2003, 05:40 PM

Letterman is a rebel
Leno is a sycophant.

Easy to see.

frankgrimes · 10-10-2003, 09:26 PM

thanks for the article, i agree with it . leno is a toadie, and his jingoism act borders on racism, but if thats what sells in middle america...

spectre · 10-11-2003, 08:55 AM

The problem that I have with this article is that it blasts Leno for his jokes having a conservative slant, but doesn't mention that SNL has had many jokes that have had a liberal slant. I really don't care either way, but if you're going to blast someone for bias, shouldn't you do the same to others who do the same?

conversequietus · 10-12-2003, 09:13 PM

I've never found Leno's show even remotely entertaining because it seems to be written down to a formula. Almost like Mad Libs, it seems that night after night he just inserts a faded, old joke into his mix and just changes the names around. Even new episodes of Leno, to me, seem like reruns. He's boring and it's sad to see him endorse the GOP.

frankgrimes · 10-12-2003, 10:55 PM

shows like SNL do go after conservative targets, but also liberal ones, did you see them go to town on phil donahue and michael moore? if you go after everyone, then fair enough. leno just doesn't have the balls to mock bush and friends, and likes being their lapdog.

10-09-2003, 08:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Letterman is so damn funny because if he isn't funny, he knows it, and exploits it with EXTREME sarcasm. That beats out Leno and O'Brian anyday. Leno is easily the worst of all late-night hosts. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

10-09-2003, 08:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	I've watched leno quite a bit and I've always thought he was a left winger. __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

10-10-2003, 02:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
Fremen With a mustache, the cool factor would be too much Location: left side of my couch, East Texas	Well folks, I like them all. Leno, Letterman, and O'Brien. Is it just me? I manage to watch Letterman more often, but that's just because I can get a clear picture with my CBS satellite coverage. If I see someone in the lineup on Leno or Conan I particularly want to see, I'll turn off my satellite and watch the local NBC affiliate. I don't normally do that 'cause of the snowy picture, 'cept on Monday nights for Headlines. That may be why I can still watch them, I only see them in small doses. Hmmm, something to think about. __________________ Google

10-10-2003, 08:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
Conclamo Ludus Modern Man Location: West Michigan	I think Nikki Finke needs to lighten up. Its late night television. __________________ Lord, have mercy on my wicked soul I wouldn't mistreat you baby, for my weight in gold. -Son House, Death Letter Blues

10-10-2003, 09:12 AM	#11 (permalink)
TheJeff Upright Location: College Park	This entire article is silly. Concerning Lenos "pandering to Hollywood", he is in LA while Dave is in NY. It's where more celebs are located. As for the 9/11 bit, its the opposite. One would expect that the NY show with a NY crowd would be more appropriate, as they were more dramtaically impacted. A lot of people still make Bill/Monica jokes. Leno isnt as funny as he used to be, and this article is a joke. -Jeff __________________ Mindless fools that aggravate it Pick at you in desperation

10-10-2003, 12:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	I couldn't agree more with Moskie. Mr Mephisto

10-10-2003, 09:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
Astrocloud Apocalypse Nerd	This is really nothing compared to Howard Stern's outright political endorsement of Schwarzenegger.

10-10-2003, 01:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
yournamehere Invisible Location: tentative, at best	Blatantly siding with Republicans is not "pandering to Hollywood." Quite the contrary, actually - Hollywood types are known for their liberal views. Who he's pandering to is the people who run this country - Corporate America . I would be willing to bet that the CEOs of NBC and all their sponsoring companies are Republicans, thus showing the origin of the brown on Jay's nose. Of course, there's always the possibility that Leno had no say in the matter - that more powerful hands are pulling the strings. He could very well be an unwilling tool in this. __________________ If you want to avoid 95% of internet spelling errors: "If your ridiculous pants are too loose, you're definitely going to lose them. Tell your two loser friends over there that they're going to lose theirs, too." It won't hurt your fashion sense, either.

10-10-2003, 03:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
filtherton Junkie Location: In the land of ice and snow.	I don't mind if he supports republicans and uses his fame to advance their causes, but I'LL BE DAMNED if ima listen to any goddamn liberal hollywood sean penn or tim robbins tell me a goddamn thing about the way my govenment should be run!!!

10-10-2003, 05:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
rogue49 Loser	Letterman is a rebel Leno is a sycophant. Easy to see.

10-10-2003, 09:26 PM	#15 (permalink)
frankgrimes Psycho	thanks for the article, i agree with it . leno is a toadie, and his jingoism act borders on racism, but if thats what sells in middle america...

10-11-2003, 08:55 AM	#16 (permalink)
spectre Junkie	The problem that I have with this article is that it blasts Leno for his jokes having a conservative slant, but doesn't mention that SNL has had many jokes that have had a liberal slant. I really don't care either way, but if you're going to blast someone for bias, shouldn't you do the same to others who do the same? __________________ "Fuck these chains No goddamn slave I will be different" ~ Machine Head

10-12-2003, 09:13 PM	#17 (permalink)
conversequietus Insane	I've never found Leno's show even remotely entertaining because it seems to be written down to a formula. Almost like Mad Libs, it seems that night after night he just inserts a faded, old joke into his mix and just changes the names around. Even new episodes of Leno, to me, seem like reruns. He's boring and it's sad to see him endorse the GOP.

10-12-2003, 10:55 PM	#18 (permalink)
frankgrimes Psycho	shows like SNL do go after conservative targets, but also liberal ones, did you see them go to town on phil donahue and michael moore? if you go after everyone, then fair enough. leno just doesn't have the balls to mock bush and friends, and likes being their lapdog.