Contrary to my previously expressed inclination to read a book, I couldn’t help myself. I watched Dennis Miller’s debut on CNBC. This just is not going to work. Now, I loved his HBO show, but here’s the thing: you’ve got to either deliver (a) comedy, (b) drama, or (c) news in order to survive on television. If his interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger tonight was any indicator, there will be neither comedy nor drama – only the obsequious stroking of a nascent senior-citizen intent on applying his ambidextrous tongue to…bootlicking. Consider this reflection from an old Media Life article:

Did we learn anything from the Dennis Miller debacle on ABC's "Monday Night Football?"
Fans did. They learned they didn't care much for the gridiron rantings of an ex-cable talk show host. When it comes to TV football, fans prefer their commentary from insiders, either ex-players or on-air talent.

True dat. Likewise for those of us who are fans of politics and, well…facts. As for real news, Mr. Miller is a self-proclaimed comedian, hardly a source of journalistic integrity.