You know what we need? Another Johnny Carson.

[Canuckistanian]

Someone who's watched and trusted by millions, yet with eminently sensible and moderate views.

And a sense of humor wouldn't hurt, either.

[hlthe2b]

1. Since the advent of cable, I'm not sure that is even possible...

(to have one individual develop that kind of following...)

[Canuckistanian]

6. Yeah, I know it's not possible anymore

TV has been splintered into hundreds of channels and subchannels.

I just thought it might be good to have SOMEONE that everyone could agree with and respect - at least partially.

Now, everyone's either "Right" or "Left". Or they've been "pegged" into one of those two categories.

I don't know what I'm trying to say.

[customerserviceguy]

11. Yep, there was a golden age of TV

Between 1960, when a majority of American households had a TV, to the absolute splintering of the television audience in the era of 500 channels (I think it really got going around 1985) there is this time and place where an entire nation shared in a group consciousness that simply won't come around anymore.

I suppose you might have said the same thing about a golden age of radio, that's when FDR used the medium to its highest purpose.

[spanone]

2. i'll take another walter cronkite...

[ProgressiveEconomist]

3. Even better: another Steve Allen. He integrated philosophy and music into comedy

routines that went over big with millions of viewers. One of his favorite on-air sayings would today cause even the most ardent Fox "News" zombies to stop and think for themselves sometimes:

"Most people who don't know, don't know they don't know."

[Bluebear]

7. One of the smartest, talented & wittiest men to have ever lived. nt

[Canuckistanian]

10. Yes, even better

He was definitely a better philosopher than Carson.

He made you think WHILE you were laughing.

[Motown_Johnny]

4. Jon Stewart?

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. We need another Carlin, IMHO.

Fortunately, there IS Stewart and Colbert.

[Canuckistanian]

8. Carlin wasn't for everybody

In fact, he was quite "counterculture".

And counterculture doesn't sell. Ergo, he never saw much mainstream coverage.

[blaze]

9. Who would be a contender?

I was too young to remember really.... but I don't think Carson was particularly political, was he?

He was just funny. And he could be funny without all the sexual innuendos that Leno throws in....

I'd like another Carson too.