Johnny Carson's politics: A liberal in the morning and a Centrist at night

[BrklynLiberal]

This morning Al Franken interviewed a friend of Johnny Carsons' from his production company. He was still very close with him. When Al asked this guy what Carson's personal politics were, the friend said Carson was a flaming liberal.
Just now, Chris Matthews was interviewing the CEO of Universal TV, who also claims to be a close friend of Carson, and who traveled with him a lot in the past few years. Matthews asked this guy where Carson stood politically, and this guys said Carson was right in the middle politically.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm Did Carson's politics change due to who was asking the question and where it was being asked, or who was answerng the question?

[MissBrooks]

1. We'll never know now....

[ashling]

2. He tended to be more liberal

I remember in 1968 when I answered phones for the telethon the
democrats had to raise money. He appeared on the show.

[complain jane]

3. So the RW smear should begin any time now I guess.

[Zen Democrat]

4. I heard one of his friends say last night that Johnny hated Nixon.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

5. From Newsmeat.com

CARSON, JOHN W
LOS ANGELES, CA 90067
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE (D) $10,000
primary 05/23/96

CARSON, JOHNNY
LOS ANGELS, CA 90034
COMEDIAN CARTER, JIMMY (D)
President

CARTER/MONDALE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE INC $1,000
primary 01/30/80
CARSON, JOHNNY MR
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024 KENNEDY, EDWARD M. (D)
President

KENNEDY FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE $1,000
primary 12/07/79
CARSON, JOHNNY
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
N B C-TV BROWN, EDMUND G JR (D)
President

BROWN FOR PRESIDENT (1980 PCC) $1,000
primary 12/03/79
CARSON, JOHNNY MR
LOS ANGELES, CA 90024 REAGAN, RONALD (R)
President

REAGAN FOR PRESIDENT (1980 PRIMARY PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE) $1,000
primary 10/17/79

[atre]

6. Looks good overall, but Reagan?!?

I was gestating within my mother's wound during that campaign. Was there a perception that Reagan was a fringe type who wouldn't be electable? Or did he simply receive a lot of support from Hollywood types? Or was Carson just hedging his bets?

[yankeedem]

7. Carson I'm sure knew him personally

and donated based on that. Also notice it was to his Primary campaign, not in the general election.