Final answer:
David Letterman is an iconic American TV host, and television has played a significant role in both entertainment and politics, with infotainment shows becoming influential platforms for political candidates to reach voters and make an impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
David Letterman and the Influence of Television on Politics
Television has greatly influenced the landscape of American entertainment and politics. David Letterman, born in 1947, is a well-known American television entertainer and talk-show host, famous for his Top Ten List. In the realm of entertainment, television broadcasting initially posed challenges with live shows having to accept mistakes and bloopers. Shows like The $64,000 Question, I Love Lucy, and The Ed Sullivan Show garnered large viewerships despite these challenges.
When it comes to politics, television has become a pivotal platform for candidates to present themselves to the public. Soft news or infotainment shows such as The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight blend humor with news, educating viewers while entertaining them.
During election periods, candidates seek to appear on these shows to reach potential voters, especially the younger demographic. Appearances on shows like Late Night with Conan O'Brien or The Late Show with Stephen Colbert enable candidates to display their personalities and policy positions in an informal setting.
Furthermore, research suggests that viewers of political comedy shows might be more politically knowledgeable than viewers of traditional news programs. This strategic media exposure is crucial for reaching a wide audience, evident from past historical moments where political figures like Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton appeared on popular television shows to connect with the electorate.