It's Time For Conan to Pick a Fight with Rush Limbaugh

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Both Conan O'Brien and David Letterman have had their must tune-in, "are they gonna acknowledge the internet chatter" moments over the last two weeks, but the difference between the two says a great deal: O'Brien's buzz moment was about his set's resemblance to a video game, while Letterman's was a major, headline-creating controversy that involved child rape, a former vice presidential candidate, and Elliot Spitzer, somehow. Also instructive? Last night, Letterman refused to issue a complete apology over it.

We've got Letterman's daring, extended non-mea culpa below, and while it's interesting, it really makes us wonder whether O'Brien would be capable of a similar ratings-baiter. The Tonight Show (despite its safe, conservative reputation under Jay Leno) was often inherently political, and Republicans appeared on the program all the time, whether it was to announce their candidacy or to answer questions for Jaywalking.

We're not saying O'Brien should replace Andy Richter with gaffe-prone RNC head Michael Steele or anything, but...wait, we are. That would be amazing.



Comments

  • Seth Abramovitch says:

    The man's a genius.

  • Juancho says:

    Dave's next target: Sarah Palin's toenails.

  • JudgeFudge says:

    Seriously, Palin might want to be a little nicer to Dave. Although Letterman has always peddled a unique, brilliant, big-city snark, he has always been proud of his midwestern roots, and is much beloved by that wide middle swath of the country that Pailn courts.

  • HwoodHills says:

    In all seriousness, I think it was a genius move on Palin's part. It keeps her name in the air and might hopefully motivate people with children.
    But Letterman, being the guy he is, took 8 minutes to basically tell her, "Excuse me, Mrs. Palin?- Here's what actually happened and I'd like to invite you to sit down here so we can talk about it."
    This is far more interesting than the Fallon "Saved By The Bell" reunion.
    She won't, but it's nice to imagine after watching his interview with Bill O'Reilly.

  • Lorin says:

    This is master class work here.