ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, November 22, 1996 TAG: 9611220014
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRAZIER MOORE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Maybe we had Bob Dole all wrong.
During the presidential campaign, we media critics couldn't say enough about how Bill Clinton's Republican challenger was uncomfortable on TV, ineffective on TV, ill-equipped to be on TV, or, as Dole himself might put it: whatever.
But after shrewdly lowering our expectations with his lack of TV savvy on the campaign trail, Dole has caught many of us off-guard with his post-election guest shots.
During his Nov. 8 ``Late Show'' appearance, Dole proved an unexpected cut-up and, when asked about his future, kidded David Letterman, ``If you left, I might try to get your job.''
Then, last weekend on ``Saturday Night Live,'' Dole opened the show commiserating with cast member Norm MacDonald, who also is suffering from Dole's loss at the polls: ``I have this great Bob Dole impression and I got no place to use it.''
``If it's any consolation to you, Norm,'' replied Dole, bringing down the house, ``the impression isn't very good.''
Dole, however, does Dole better than ever, as any viewer can see. So maybe there's a role for him on television, after all. Maybe, at age 73, he is poised to launch a new career - not as president, but as TV performer.
Goodness knows programmers are looking for a new breakout star and a new breakout show - and fast.
For the second straight season, no network has scored with a new hit show. The reigning champ, NBC, is still in the lead, but there's little excitement to be found on its lineup, nor on any of its rivals'.
In short, the 1996-97 season so far is sort of like the 1996 presidential race - which viewers weren't too hot on tuning into, either.
Now, look to TV's ``Dole Man'' to add a little sizzle.
While Dole might not be playing to his strengths if he opted for sportscasting (you may recall his reference to the ``Brooklyn Dodgers''), he already has distinguished himself as a movie reviewer, particularly movies he hasn't seen. What about giving new life to a long-running series such as ``Siskel and Ebert and Dole at the Movies''?
Or team Dole in a daytime talk show with his wife, who wowed the Republican National Convention with her ``Oprah-style'' speech. Can't you just see it: ``Live! with Bob & Liddy.''
As Dole could say on the promos, ``Just don't miss it!''
Or what if CBS snapped up Dole for a comedy series? After all, that network is already banking on big names who, though recently tarnished by flops, are ripe for a comeback.
Imagine a sitcom starring the former senator as a cranky but lovable chap who longs to win back the job he spent most of his life doing, but who, now unemployed, can only hang around the house getting in the way, bothering the wife, standing up for what he thinks is right for America and - Oops, that's the premise for ``Cosby.''
Well, maybe NBC should consider reviving one of its earliest and biggest hits, ``The Texaco Star Theater,'' with Dole a natural to step in for Milton Berle as its host. On the other hand, with Texaco's recent $140 million settlement in a racial discrimination suit, the choice of a commercial spokesman for the show might need rethinking. Is Mark Fuhrman still such a good idea?
With the recent departure by David Brinkley as host of ABC's ``This Week,'' that slot is begging for another wry-witted Washington veteran. (Confidential from DB to BD: Resist the urge to call President Clinton ``a bore'' on the air three days before you hope to interview him for your show.)
And if the time ever comes for Andy Rooney to retire from ``60 Minutes,'' Dole could step into those sizable if squeaky shoes. Consider this sample commentary: ``Didja ever wonder why a candy bar is so much smaller than the packaging it comes in? Bob Dole wants a better America than that as we go into the next century!''
Or, as we go into the next century, just sign Dole up as a ``Saturday Night Live'' regular. Appearing on a show that seems even older and stodgier than Dole has ever been accused of, he was a breath of fresh air. So give him the ``Weekend Update'' anchor chair and let him impersonate Norm MacDonald for a change.
LENGTH: Medium: 79 linesby CNB