Former âTonight Showâhost Jay Lenohas 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 âLate Show with Stephen Colbert.â
Leno said political divisiveness is no place for late night shows, per Mediaite.
âI love political humor, donât get me wrong,â Leno said. âBut itâs 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.â
Leno did not name any particular host in his observations, but did say it applies to all the late night show hosts.
âNow you have to be content with half the audience because you have to give your opinion,â Leno said.
Leno pointed out his friendship with Rodney Dangerfield, Rolling Stonereported.
âI knew Rodney 40 years and I have no idea if he was a Democrat or Republican,â Leno said. âWe never discussed Politics, we just discussed jokes.â
The audience wants to laugh, he said.
âI donât think anybody wants to hear a lecture,â 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 showâs cancellation.
CBS maintains the decision was due to financial reasons.
Lenoâs interview was taped before CBSâ announcement.