There’s a certain degree of fun critiquing an interview that you know is going to be tongue-in-cheek from the word go. We know that because when Jackson Browne sat down with Stephen Colbert, the irreverent interviewer started by saying “I’m a long-time, huge fan, which makes it even harder for me to do what I have to do right now, which is to tear you a new one.”

The rest of the interview was quick-witted and funny, mostly on Colbert’s part. But Browne did his best to straddle the fine line between seriousness and satire. On the show, because he is suing John McCain for using his song “Running On Empty” without his permission, Browne managed to discuss the real details of the case while still joking with Colbert, who kept lobbing mock insults and wild accusations.  At one point, while talking about the Iraq war, and who the real enemy is, Browne seemed to lose his concentration, staring blankly into thin air.  But, he was merely recalling the lyrics to one of his new songs, which he proceeded to speak to Colbert. Colbert quickly came back with “Oh, just because it rhymes doesn’t make it true, Jackson. I don’t have a rhyming dictionary back here!” After a short, wry, stare-down, Colbert asked if Browne would come back and rhyme with his guitar. And he did. And all was well.

When something looks too good to be true… sometimes it just might be. Such is the case with Cindy McCain. She made a visit to Jay Leno’s show recently and appeared nearly perfect – pretty, well-put-together, forthright, humorous, a little overly controlled… and even willing and able to make fun of her Presidential candidate husband, John McCain, saying “he’s not a very good driver” and admitting that he lied about his age when he met her (he subtracted five years). Guess what? So did she (she added five). They didn’t find out until they applied for the marriage license.

McCain talked about her medical problems (prescription drug addiction, a stroke), being a pilot (she flew hubby in his first bid for the Senate) and a race car driver (drift cars with her son) and teaching special education. I bet she’s a gourmet chef, too.

She did achieve what, I think, she set out to – conveying how fit and young her husband really is — he’s going to hike the Grand Canyon again this summer, without her.

Interestingly, Leno was compelled to behave. He had a few mild zingers but, perhaps because she could be the next First Lady, he treated her with respect. And, in all fairness, she was, as Jay said, a “great guest.” Only time will tell if she’s the real thing.

If John McCain doesn’t make it to President, he may have a future in comedy. On a recent Letterman show, in the monologue, Dave served up several McCain jokes:
“John McCain looks like the guy at the hardware store who makes the keys.”
“John McCain looks like the guy who’s always got wiry hair growing out of new places.”
You get the picture. Then, surprising the audience, out walks McCain, who proceeds to volley back several Letterman jokes:
“You look like the guy who smuggles reptiles in his pants.”
“You look like the guy whose neighbors later say ‘he mostly kept to himself.’” Etc.
Not only were his comedic timing and delivery spot on, but he did a great impression of Letterman, hands in pockets, to boot!. “Maybe a little too funny,” was Letterman’s comment.

When he made his official guest appearance on the show a few minutes later, he continued his comfortable, casual, comedic style. He used prepared jokes to deflect a few questions, something he’s clearly mastered after appearing on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart more than 20 times – he actually holds the record. He even admitted that “candidates are a little repetitious from time to time,” but he still delivered the humorous lines in a fresh, first-time-you’ve-heard-them manner. Even when the conversation turned serious, he remained confident and calm, thoughtfully offering his take on the future.

Whoever wins the election, it will be refreshing to know that he or she is in on the joke, not the butt of it. John McCain can laugh with the best of them.