Amidst all the focus on the poor treatment Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has been receiving from mainstream media outlets, the pounding she's been taking from the "Tonight Show's" Jay Leno has up until now slipped below the radar.
An analysis of recent monologues by the late night comedian has identified a rather aggressive attack against the Alaska governor.
This coincides with an August Center for Media and Public Affairs study which showed television comics shying away from jokes about Barack Obama while they regularly pounded John McCain.
According to TV Barn, now that the Arizona Senator has chosen a running mate, she's fair game, too, beginning with most of the political jokes Leno made during Monday's monologue:
Did you all see Sarah Palin's interview with Charlie Gibson? In fact, John McCain was watching it at home and at one point he turned to his wife and said, "She looks really familiar."
As you know, the Republicans are still keeping her away from the mainstream press. ... Actually, Sarah Palin is going from her interview with Gibson on ABC to one with Sean Hannity on Fox. That should be hard hitting! That's like going from hardball to tee ball, isn't it?
Sarah Palin said she is ready for Sean Hannity. In fact, she spent all day today writing out the questions he's going to ask her.
If you saw the big interview with Gibson, Sarah Palin quoted Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln said, "Let us not pray that God is on our side in a war or any other time, but let us pray that we are on God's side." Here's the amazing part. You know who Abraham Lincoln said that to? John McCain. [Ronald Reagan used to tell a version of this joke on himself.--AB]
In the Gibson interview, a lot of people thought Charlie Gibson was unfair to her. They thought he was talking down to her. That was one of the comments. Like when he asked her about the so-called Bush doctrine. Most people aren't familiar with the Bush doctrine. I mean, we are, but we know it by another name: "Murphy's Law."
Here's something I mentioned last week. For some reason the Secret Service revealed this. Sarah Palin's Secret Service code name is "danali." Turns out danali is an old Eskimo word that means Dan Quayle.
TV Barn found the same pattern in other recent Leno monologues leading it to conclude:
As of right now, the juiciest target for his humor are the people who are spinning Sarah Palin's vice presidential ambitions. Notice how he returns to the same topics night after night: Bush's incompetence. McCain's irrelevance. Palin's handlers' spin. [...]
Leno, in the service of a good laugh, is planting ideas in the minds of the uncommitted. He's doing what the spin machine is trying to keep the mainstream news media from doing: namely, express doubts that are on people's minds about the newest star on the national political scene.
Interesting.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Note to Jay....
September 16, 2008 - 09:32 ET by JTPThere is a reason your audience is not as large as it could be..At least by one more (me). You have a lot more ammo using Biden comments but that may swing an election and we would not want that would we?
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
or maybe it's for another reason
September 16, 2008 - 11:32 ET by UndercoverConservativeHis jokes weren't hateful or mean like the Left's usual spittle. Perhaps he took on Palin because a) she can handle it and b) figures it'll inspire her to another awesome comeback like her "dressed as Tina Fey".
Besides, at this point, the MSM is doing all the trashing which is only improving her in the polls. America loves an underdog, so it's in our best interests that everyone's concentrating on her.
Can't make Obama jokes becasue they're like lawyer jokes-they're all true.
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
"You spend your money anyway you want and respect other's rights to do the same"
Not a Surprise
September 16, 2008 - 09:34 ET by MeanderingComics and these talk show hosts have been doing it throughout the entire election. It makes me laugh (not the jokes so much) that Leno and many of the comics that awards shows get to host their awards when faltering with the crowd just throw a joke or 2 about Bush and conservatives to these Hollywood liberals and the crowd goes wild. Talk about tee ball. He's getting ready to leave and isn't even trying to come up with jokes that are original.
Seal Clubber's of America Unite!
September 16, 2008 - 09:41 ET by Crash"For some reason the Secret Service revealed this. Sarah Palin's Secret Service code name is "danali." Turns out danali is an old Eskimo word that means Dan Quayle."
That's actually kind of funny ... are you sure they weren't talking about Barack Hussein Obama or Joe Bin Biden? "Stand up Chuck" so I can club you.
All the late night shows are doing the same thing
September 16, 2008 - 09:41 ET by Dee BunkIt's really bad. It's always been that the jokes against Republicans have been more biting, but now Obama is totally off limits. Have their even been jokes about Biden? He's an easy target.
Sat night live was all to predictable this week end. The Palin/Clinton thing was funny even though they obviously are trying to make Palin seem like a bubble head, but what was really bad was Week end Update. They made fun of the media's adoring Obama coverage when the race was with Hillary but now they take the tact that people are silly to complain about the bias when it's Obama vs McCain. The media is right back to being fair in their minds. It's really a joke.
Jay's Funny?
September 16, 2008 - 10:00 ET by Saint ZeroI find myself thinking "I can write better crap that this." Heck, it's down to sex and cheap shots and republicans in his monologue.
No Dumb Black Lawyer Jokes Available?
September 16, 2008 - 10:01 ET by ChasvsHey Jay,
So your book of jokes doesn't have one dumb black lawyer joke for you to use?
Gotta pick on the girl in the race do you?
Joe Biden's foot in mouth disease should be good for a week's worth of jokes, but all you can come up with is old man and dumb girl jokes?
Stop the Empty Black Suit NOW!
Keep Smiling, Sarah
September 16, 2008 - 10:57 ET by Secret Conservative"Here's something I mentioned last week. For some reason the Secret Service revealed this. Sarah Palin's Secret Service code name is "danali." Turns out danali is an old Eskimo word that means Dan Quayle."
Just remember, Dan Quayle was elected!!! All Palin and McCain have to do is laugh - all the way to the White House. When people get all angry about stupid stuff like this, they turn off the voters. Reagan was great at telling jokes about himself, and not taking himself too seriously. That's why the media hated him and the American people loved him. We already have a candidate who takes himself w-a-a-a-y too seriously - the Obamessiah. I think McCain and Palin should not only laugh, but should take the opportunity to use the jokes in their favor.
Cheap is as cheap does
September 16, 2008 - 10:58 ET by pocomocoWhen Leno took over the Tonight Show there were rumors that Johnny Carson said that he made a big mistake in selecting him.
Leno's style is telling cheap jokes, and the jokes on Palin shows just how cheap he can be.
Whereas Carson’s shows had some sophistication and an adult audience, Leno turned the show into a sex bazaar of titillating jokes for his new found audience of 20-something adolescents.
But, Leno will soon be leaving NBC for the greener pastures Disney’s ABC.
Being that Disney is child oriented, it will be interesting to see if they make him back off on the sex.
Somehow, I think not.
i loved watching jhonny
September 19, 2008 - 16:20 ET by patmac49i loved watching jhonny carson and i am sure he would have had some good jokes about palin..
Lenos Garage
September 16, 2008 - 11:44 ET by OhmingIs there no end to these left wing agendas?
Here is my solution; If we want to quit buying oil from people that dont like us because we are just funding thier agenda. Jays' column "Lenos Garage" in Popular Mechanics has to go. Popular Mechanics and thier sister publication Popular Science just lost my 2 subscriptions.
Additionally, these liberal newspapers, I have stopped reading and advertising in or buying through -- and I tell merchants this. I have bought and sold my last 6 cars through C-list, as well as other merchandise. I am sure others feel / do the same.
Jay, I dont even know what channel you vent on, I havn't watched network anything in over 6 months, I am worn out on thier agenda.
Ohming's Energy Policy - From & For the Straight Jacket Set
September 17, 2008 - 03:10 ET byOhming's Energy Policy - From & For the Straight Jacket Set
1. Don't do business w/ anyone associated w/ Jay Leno, including their companies subsidiaries and parent companies; advertisers, their subsidiaries and parent companies.
2. Do Not drive by any car dealership or car repair shop, let alone go in for any reason including for parts and repairs. If your vehicle breaks down just by another one on C-list. Buying vehicles from C-list will save America sixty seventy zillion gajillion barrels of foreign oil a year.
3. Do Not look at any vehicle which uses oil. This includes while driving.
OK, we know how truly looney you are, Ohming. How committed are to your principle to not deal w/ liberals/Democrats?
Do you require proof of being a Republican from every employee of companies, including groceries/restaurants, that they're Republicans, including the employees of all companies associated with them, suppliers etc?
Do you wear a medical bracelet that states: "Do NOT touch me if you're not a Republican. Do NOT try and save my life unless your a Republican."
Well, since you obviously share the same level of sanity as the Unibomber, perhaps you share his lifestyle and leading such a principled life is relatively easy for you.
Now that I've had a bit of fun, hopefully at your expence, let me finish with-
I'm being very serious, sincere, and correct in stating you are one very disturbed crazy dude!
J also had a little slap at
September 16, 2008 - 12:07 ET by bassndudeJ also had a little slap at Obama last night. But the best one, was Sara and her husband getting off a plane, and a moose running away and a seal screaming...Paint liberal on the moose and Obama on the seal...
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Jay's boring, he's no Johnny
September 16, 2008 - 12:20 ET by mjgJay's boring, he's no Johnny Carson, now he was funny. One more reason not to watch him
Leno is pretty even handed
September 16, 2008 - 16:20 ET by pgrossjrIf you watch him regularly you would know he skewers them all. He is particularly hard on the Clintons. He may lean left, but he is a looong ways from the bias shown by others like Jon Stewart.
one of the things that is a real difference between the left and the right is the right can laugh at itself. lets not lose that.
I hope he goes back to
September 16, 2008 - 20:40 ET by wiwfI hope he goes back to center, hitting all the politicians, not just Palin :/
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
pgrossjr- Thks for helping bring sanity to NB, but.....
September 17, 2008 - 00:05 ET by"one of the things that is a real difference between the left and the
right is the right can laugh at itself. lets not lose that."
As opposed to what many on NB believe, liberals/Democrat are human beings and share w/ many others the quality of being able to laugh at themselves.
"lets not lose that." You do realize you're addressing some people who have lost their minds, don't you?
Contradictions collapse
September 17, 2008 - 00:10 ET by UnsaneReally? My experience alone with hate-filled Leftists such as yourself that inhabit the boards at NB sharply contradict you. Leftists cannot stand being laughed at or having their issues/causes made light of.
Sure, Leftists are human, but I tend to think dimly of those who wish to use legal means to steal from me, or those who in naivete wish to make the United States a weaker, more appeasing country.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Unsane, So let me get this right.....
September 17, 2008 - 03:29 ET by.....this article's message is - many NB, Republicans, conservatives can't take a joke, let alone jokes, about Sarah Palin, yet liberals/Democrats can't take a joke about themselves (contrary to lots of evidence in the real world on planet Earth), is that not just about right, but spot on?
For my little smartass Stalinist
September 17, 2008 - 22:03 ET by UnsaneActually, Leftists cannot take jokes. Here in the Real World, on Planet Earth, we have a guy named Rush Limbaugh who constantly satirizes the Left, and what does the Left want to do to him? SHUT HIM UP AT ANY AND ALL COSTS. This doesn't sound like taking jokes.
Nor does SNL in late January 1993 announcing they weren't going to spoof Clinton because that would be "disrespectful". (Thankfully they reversed that position later.)
Rightists constantly take jokes. Bush the Younger has repeatedly taken shots at himself for but one example. I now eagerly anticipate heaping helpings of vomit from you concerning Bush.
But thanks for demonstrating, my little Stalinist, that you once again have perfected the art of accusing the Right of exactly and precisely what the Left does.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Unsane,
September 17, 2008 - 22:09 ET by RESTLESS 1Projection. That is what liberals do. Might that be a sign of a guilty conscience on their part?
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Unsane, I'm flattered but.......
September 17, 2008 - 23:10 ET byNow you have an adorable nickname for me and you continue to try and charm me w/ your nonsensical crazy talk. I think someone has a crush on me. Sorry to disappoint you, but you are a guy, right? That's not gonna work for me. Let's just be friends, OK?
That way you won't have to become a commie and I won''t have to move to Looney Land.
Oh yea, I need to remind you - You're the one who IS Unsane.
Why subject us to this childishness of yours?
September 17, 2008 - 23:53 ET by UnsaneI hate to disappoint, as this may shatter your massive ego: my crushes are much better looking and are much smarter. Мария Шарапова for just one (and the most well known here on NB).
But seeing that I have reduced you to talking like you are in some middle school cafeteria at lunchtime (at that age, of course), I take that as a clear sign that you lose the argument.
And really, do you really think turning my screen name against me is an insult? Pathetic. I'll leave it to others to explain where the SN comes from if that gives you insomnia - hint - a tip of the hat to a great concert AND the fact that yes, people consider me to be completely, totally insane. Maybe you should leave the discussion of the media, politics, ideas and the dissemination thereof to the adults, and remain in that middle school cafeteria.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Unfair, Unsane
September 18, 2008 - 00:03 ET by RESTLESS 1I must object to this denigration of middle schoolers. ;>)
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
So now, telling jokes about Palin are off limits?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
September 16, 2008 - 23:49 ET byI saw Leno's monologue and along w/ the Palin jokes, he also told some Obama jokes. Of course in the deluded paranoid neurotic psychotic minds of many NewsBusters he didn't. Leno has a reputation for being an equal opportunity jokester when it comes to politicians. So this really isn't about "liberal bias". It's about protecting Sarah Palin.
When you criticize any late night comedian for telling jokes about ANY politician you're implying support for some seriously un-American principles. The implication of this piece, many other NB's posts, and opinions from many other conservatives/Republicans is clear- Palin is TOTALLY OFF LIMITS!
If the Republicans could make the following shorter and snappier it'd be their motto this election year.
"Don't you dare check out, scrutinize, ask questions, get answers, make jokes about Palin. In fact don't even talk about her. Do not even say anything good about her. How do we know you're not being sacastic? Free speech does not apply when it comes to talking about Palin, any more than the press/media has a responsibility to tell us anything about Sarah Palin. Just shut up, send your money to and vote for Palin and the guy she's running with, OR ELSE! YOU GOT THAT! "
I can't wait for the worst of NB and their ilk to take over America. Then we'll all get to find out what living in Nazi Germany & the Soviet Union was like. And, and no doubt, probaly much worse than "just" loss of freedom of speech.
One whiny little Leftist
September 16, 2008 - 23:58 ET by UnsaneThis from a whiny Leftist who will not tolerate even the slightest criticism about Obama/Biden. SNL, for instance, for quite awhile would not put together any presidential spoofs of President Clinton (at least initially).
And your comparison to Nazi Germany/the Soviet Union is shopworn and laughable. YOU and your Socialist friends are the true Stalinists, what with "political correctness" and the DEMAND than all who oppose your philosophies (such as NB) and even those you perceive to oppose them (Fox News) SHUT UP. If you had your way, all of our economic and political freedoms would be sacrificed on the altar of the state so that we can have a Nanny State that has complete micromanaging total control of all of our lives.
Speaking as one who has been both to the DDR and (technically at least) the DPRK, you wouldn't know a dictatorship if one bit you in the ass.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Unsane, You certainly are!
September 17, 2008 - 00:24 ET byThanks for putting a smile on my face. Every single thing you wrote about me is so ridiculously false, anything else you wrote is just plain crazy ranting. You never get tired of being wrong, do you? I know, I can't expect anything more from the demented mind of someone who is soooo UNSANE. Seriously! Dude!
Accuse the Right of what the Left always does
September 17, 2008 - 22:15 ET by UnsaneOnce again, you accuse me of doing exactly and precisely what you do. I wasn't the one comparing this website and its existence to Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, YOU WERE. (And I quite reasonably pointed out that I have seen more dictatorships than you have in all likelyhood, as the people who throw out such crap are by and large spoiled children who have no clue how good they have it here.) And by the way, what is wrong with NB criticizing the media? Are we just supposed to sit down and SHUT UP and just take everything we are getting fed? Seems to me that the very existence of this website enrages you. That doesn't sound very democratic, open minded, or supporting of free speech, does it?
I wish I could say you put a smile on my face, but once again you demonstrate that Leftists have nothing to say and are intellectually bankrupt. That doesn't make me smile at all. It makes me pity you.
I have yet to see you put forth any IDEAS here. All I have seen you do is vomit, whine, complain, bitch and moan and flail all around in attempts to be a smartass (instead of working at being smart). I would consider virtually everything you type to be "plain crazy ranting". On the other hand, I and my fellow Rightists constantly do so, that is, if you have bothered to read the posts around here.
If "every single thing" I wrote about you is "ridiculously false", please, by all means, prove me wrong. I doubt you are capable. You are just yet another vapid, hate-filled typical Leftist here.
Oh, and by the way, I'm not "Unsane" for nothing. Just ask anyone who knows me. I AM BAT S**T CRAZY!!!!
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
hello!!!! he is a
September 19, 2008 - 16:18 ET by patmac49hello!!!! he is a comedian...he tells jokes...people who are in the news are fair game..she has been pushed into celebrity status...comes with the territory...i hear him joke about everyone ...if people are starting to count how many times that each person is goofed on,they need to get a life