Today Show: Jay Leno Guest Hosts for Katie (Is this Some Kinda Joke?)

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Jay Leno appeared as a guest host on The Today Show. In return, Katie Couric will be guest-hosting in Leno's place on the Tonight Show.

No, this is not a joke - it really happened. Given that he is a seasoned TV personality, it was surprising that when Jay first came on, he appeared rather nervous and out of place.

However, as the first half-hour went on, he seemed to relax and get into the swing.

The show played a taped interview that Leno had conducted with Colin Powell that focused on Powell's current peace mission to the Israel. Powell and Leno apparently know each other, and both were relaxed and good-natured, though Leno posed serious questions and obtained serious answers.

For example, in response to Leno's question as to whether Arafat would be excluded from the peace process, Powell said he thought Arafat should be excluded, and flatly added: "he is a failed leader."

Responding to other questions, Powell claimed that he and Donald Rumsfeld got along well, despite having strong opinions. No, they "don't play golf together", but Powell explained that he's not a golfer.

Powell concluded by mentioning that when he retires, he wants to pursue his love of cars, an interest that he apparently shares with Leno. Jay challenged Powell to a race: Powell's Volvo vs. Leno's Lamborghini. Powell accepted the challenge: "you'd be amazed at how I can soup up a 1966 Volvo station wagon!"

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I only wish Leno could permanently replace Katie. Records have shown that he has donated to Democrats in the past, but you sense that his heart is in the right place and that he is a patriotic American with no bitterness toward the Bush administration.

I would only ask that the show not put him in one of Katie's skirts to show off his legs!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

For those who want to check out his style, Leno will be interviewing Rudy Giuliani later in the show.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

ping

[WorkingClassFilth]

I heard on the radio that she was concerned that the exchange might damage her reputation as a serious journalist if she hosted the Tonight Show...

[ex-Texan]

What network is that 'Today' show on ?? I have not watched a network news show for about ten years now. Is it CBS -- uh, maybe ABC -- I just dunno . . . Help please !

[tuckrdout]

If they want to improve ratings on the Today show, this should be a permanent arrangement! Jay seems great! One does not get the feeling of loathing, one does with Katie, twords Republicans.

[Semper Paratus]

Her monologue will be the comic equivalent of Roseanne Barr singing the National Anthem.

[FreedomPoster]

ABC - Jay with Rudy is up after the commercial break. Going to refresh coffee.

[ewing]

Sounds like a funny interview, just the thought of General Powell racing Jay Leno in a 1986 Volvo Station Wagon is very humorous..

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I know, I know: "what network is the show on?", "is the Today Show still on the air?", "who is Katie Couric?", "I only watch Fox", etc.

The sentiments are all very understandable, and are almost invariably expressed when I post a report on the latest liberal goings-on at The Today Show.

As I always explain, I watch out of a combination of masochism and a desire to keep an eye on what the other side is up to and report back to FReeperland.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Actually, The Today Show is on NBC.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Exactly my thought. Jay is no Republican (though somehow I suspect his views might be trending that way), but he is comfortable around Republicans and doesn't conduct his interviews with them in that clenched-jaw style that Katie has made famous.

[FreedomPoster]

Doh! NBC.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Don't feel bad - all these liberal morning shows are essentially interchangeable.

[FreedomPoster]

I figured it out on my own ;-)

You can tell I watch the networks a lot. Not.

[FreedomPoster]

That's a pretty good summation of the situation.

[ex-Texan]

To tell the truth, I do not even watch FOX News locally.
What I see is broadcast on the web. Once in a while I will turn on a television show (very rarely). Kinda like 'The Practice' but even that show is loosing my interest. Used to watch the 'X-Files' but now I just watch videos. Watch videos and surf the web.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Jay is currently interviewing Rudy Giuliani about a book Giuliani wrote about leadership and vision.

There was a telling point. They were discussing quotes from famous men that are included in the book. Jay says to Rudy: "remember that quote from Stevie Wonder that you included?"

This drew a blank stare from Giuliani, and they had to flash the quote on the screen to refresh Giuliani's memory.

Sort of makes you think that Rudy relied heavily on researchers and ghost writers, and he did little more than to lightly edit and lend his name to the book.

[varon]

.............she was concerned that the exchange might damage her reputation as a serious journalist if she hosted the Tonight Show.

Now that's a laugh. Who in their right mind ever considered her a journalist, much less a serious one? She is nothing but a script reader at best and Al Roker's straight man at worst.

[dwilli]

CSI Miami is worth watching just to see the blond investigator and hear her authenic Southern drawl..