Carson was the leftist. But for a couple of decades he simply the guy in my living room, telling good and awful jokes, hosting a wide variety of interesting guests, and keeping my company in late night.
I made it a point to watch his two farewell episodes. The last one was amazing as he just sat alone on stage.
Nothing beats this, though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9i6A6LGwa4