2012 GOP Frontrunners Compete with Late Night Circuit image: indierezoa.com
With Jay Leno back in NBC’s preferred timeslot the battle between Leno and Letterman for ratings has earned more than a few Entertainment headlines. The first night back, Leno won the ratings war between the two hosts - and as guests are such an important aspect of the “circuit” – a couple of “rock star” would be needed to compete for viewers.
An article in Politico’s entertainment section entitled “Much Ado About Ratings” noted that Leno booking Sarah Palin was followed by Letterman’s booking Mitt Romney. Both Romney and Palin are perceived as GOP frontrunners.
Since when are GOP Frontrunners for the 2012 Presidential Race considered to be top-rated guests on left-leaning late night shows? Apparently this occurs when the nation is turning on its heels to the right.
It is not so much that GOP candidates have not been on the circuit before; McCain and Barak Obama campaigned across every talk show available, but the reception for McCain was decidedly respectful in tone, the reception for Obama was enthusiastic, by both hosts and their respective audiences.
However, now that the reality of the Obama administration has set in, and the President is seen as less of a rock star and more as a one-term wonder (as in many independents responsible for his election, wondering why they voted for him in the first place), the general public, journalists, pundits and the like, including late night talk show hosts, are seeking the next “political rock stars”.
The Massachusetts Miracle, Scott Brown was the first to make appearances after his special election win, booking Brown was a Leno coup in his 10:00 pm slot. The blogs are still abuzz over a potential Scott Brown in 2012 bid as if the lessons of Obama have meant nothing. Yet, good looks, and a quick wit appears to be the newest qualifiers for candidates – a popularity contest if you will, rather than one based upon qualifications. Therefore, watching the late night shows (and that will include Saturday Night Live) can be somewhat predictive of which way the political winds are blowing.
More over, from the clips below (CBS Letterman with Mitt Romney and NBC’s Leno with Palin) one sees some of the handwriting on the wall – or the hand. It was enough that these two Conservatives in particular were booked as host, however, as to how serious the nature of the contest will be, one only needs to listen to Mitt Romney discuss Palin with Letterman to understand that, yes all joking aside, there is a contest building between the two. Romney’s warning to Letterman to back off Palin as “she has a gun”, is one of the first shots taken at a viable opponent. Romney of course, repeatedly says that he has not decided to run, however, indicators are strong that he will (PACS, Books and Late Night Appearance), the same for Palin.
Who will emerge next is difficult to say, as so many will be throwing their hats into the ring, but, the early bird(s) will catch the attention of the public, and right now the public is looking at the right in a more friendly, engaging manner.
The reception for both, from competing hosts as well as the audience (cue cards aside), was more in line with a former Obama appearance in 2008. The GOP frontrunners, or anyone remotely deciding on a run, will, in all likelihood, be hitting the late night circuit within the next two to three months.
Should Hillary Clinton start making these appearances, one can well imagine a contest of the century in 2012. The domain has been purchased, and Clinton fans abound, never having strayed far after the 2008 Super Delegate trouncing that the more qualified Clinton received.
Will the public never learn? Possibly not, as the most beautiful, and entertaining are the center of the public’s attention. One can only hope that some substance slips through ones of these political appearances, which will lend, at the very least, a negligibly intelligent decision by viewers to choose someone who has credible experience.
Therefore, the race for 2012 has begun, with two simple appearances on two late night talk shows, with hosts vying for ratings; they pull in the top of the tickets (so to speak) in order to compete. What would better serve the American Public prefer to late night appearance – most likely a reality television show – Survivor 2012.
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