Press Release--March 22, 2004
Late Night Jokes Jab Democrats More Than Bush
WASHINGTON, DC—More jokes have targeted the Democratic
presidential field than President Bush on the late-night talk show monologues
this year, according to a study conducted by the Center for Media
and Public Affairs (CMPA). The study also found most punchlines
aimed at a candidate’s intelligence, personality and stance on gay
marriage.
This study is the latest report for CMPA's "Laugh Track"
project, which has tracked political comedy on late night talk shows since
1988. It includes "The Tonight Show," “The Late Show with
David Letterman,” “The Daily Show” and “Late Night
With Conan O’Brien” from January 1, 2004 to March 9, 2004—a
week after Super Tuesday. For full tables and examples, click
here and
here.
MAJOR FINDINGS:
Presidential Wannabes In the Crosshairs: 249 jokes targeted the Democratic candidates-36 more than President Bush’s total of 213-on the late night talk shows through the week after Super Tuesday. Despite having failed to win the nomination, Howard Dean attracted more 31 more jokes (84) than nominee John Kerry (53).
Kucinich: Last in Polls, Third In Laughs: Despite repeatedly
falling last in primaries and caucuses, Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich
has been the third most frequent target, with 43 jokes. John Edwards came
in fourth, at 25 jokes.
He’s Got The Look: Due to headlines about a rumored
Botox injection, nearly 9 of the 19 jokes mocking a candidate’s appearance
(47%) were aimed at Senator John Kerry.
It’s the Stupidity, Stupid…Honestly: 61 of
the 65 jokes (94 percent) pertaining to intelligence focused on President
Bush, as did 16 of the 18 jokes (89 percent) regarding political honesty.
Dave Gets Mean on Dean: Of the four talk show hosts, David
Letterman hit Howard Dean the hardest. Letterman was responsible for half
of all the jokes made about the former Vermont governor. (42 of 84 jokes)
