Is The Office Of President Losing Its Dignity? [VIDEOS + POLL]

If memory serves me right, it started back in 1968. Richard Nixon, in a tight race with Hubert Humphrey for President of The United States, accepted an invitation to appear on the then top-rated show on television, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In.

(Humphrey got the same invitation, but passed) Nixon delivered a unique version of the show's catchphrase, "Sock it to me":
[PEOPLEMOVERTHEBAND/YouTube]

Nixon later claimed that six second appearance won him the Presidency.

In 1992, candidate Bill Clinton appeared on Arsenio Hall's late-night talk show. After a few minutes of chat, Clinton demonstrated a previously-unknown talent:

[corp588/YouTube]

(Clinton made no claims as to how much the appearance helped his campaign, but the visit was one of the most talked about moments of the campaign.)

Nowadays, it seems like a President, or a candidate for the office, has to be as talented a performer as a politician. Here's President Obama visiting Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night:
[nbc.com]

Don't get me wrong. I don't think there's anything wrong with a sitting President or a candidate showing up on a talk show, chatting with the host, maybe telling a joke or two at his expense. But I'm beginning to think all these "routines" with politicians are getting out of hand. How do you feel about it? You tell me: