Is it necessary to put down one’s fellow countrymen (and women!) in order to make a point (I try not to indulge anyone’s stupidity—-not even my own)?

When I was growing up, late night TV seemed to me to be the height of sophistication, humor and wit, and I could hardly wait to tune in to the likes of Jack Paar, Steve Allen, and Johnny Carson. I still feel connected to the late night scene (even though I now catch it online instead of waiting up for it) and my current obsession is the zany Craig Ferguson. Letterman never fails to tickle my funnybone, and I like Conan, too. (As a red-head myself, I have to support him! His debut was promising this week, and I’ll keep tuning in. Leno has a different appeal - blue collarish and middle-brow and comfortable, and he is a good interviewer who always seems to have done his homework. I like his easygoing manner, and wish him well in his new time-slot!

Dianne, I also feel at times that hosts and guests who "indulge stupidity" (I love that phrase!) are going for the easy laugh. And that’s when I wish for the days of Dick Cavett, who spent time on an interview in depth with ONE guest, allowing that person (usually someone very literate and a fabulous conversationalist) to unfold his or her personality over a half hour or so. Wish the current late-night lineup still had room for this approach - thank God for Charlie Rose, eh?

For those of us who live alone, there’s something comforting about late night TV, whether it’s Jay, Dave, Conan, Craig, or the two Jimmys. They are, of course, different from the earlier talk shows that conveyed sophistication and gave this Hoosier a sense of New York out here in the hinterlands. Both now and then, they gave/give us a perspective on the day’s events. We made it through a rough day, now it’s time to relax; we’ll get through the night and another day. For me, David Letterman’s first show after 9/11 brought about a healing effect after one of the most horrible events in this country’s history. For the humor, comfort, and sometimes wisdom that they give us, they are worth what they’re paid. I, too, think Conan has made a promising start on The Tonight Show. It’s going to be hard to choose between him and Dave. Thank goodness for the remote.