Former “Tonight Show”host Jay Leno has nothing against political talk, but too much is not good.
Leno, who was at the helm of the show for more than 20 years, spoke recently with David Trulio, the president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
The topic has come to the forefront of conversations after CBS announced the cancellation of the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Leno said political divisiveness is no place for late night shows, per Mediaite.
“I love political humor, don’t get me wrong,” Leno said. “But it’s just what happens when people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other. Why shoot for just half an audience all the time? You know, why not try to get the whole. I mean, I like to bring people into the big picture.”
Leno did not name any particular host in his observations, but did say it applies to all the late night show hosts.
“Now you have to be content with half the audience because you have to give your opinion,” Leno said.
Leno pointed out his friendship with Rodney Dangerfield, Rolling Stonereported.
“I knew Rodney 40 years and I have no idea if he was a Democrat or Republican,” Leno said. “We never discussed politics, we just discussed jokes.”
The audience wants to laugh, he said.
“I don’t think anybody wants to hear a lecture,” Leno added.
Other late-night hosts, such as Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jimmy Kimmel, have back Colbert since the announcement of his show’s cancellation.
CBS maintains the decision was due to financial reasons.
Leno’s interview was taped before CBS’ announcement.
