That’s ridiculous but not even the most ridiculous part of the Los Angeles Times story on Warren.

Warren, good American citizen, tells the Times, about his nomination : “It took me by surprise, but I was deeply honored by it,” he said. “I think what I bring is leadership and a knowledge and understanding of the media world that we live in. I see this as an opportunity to give back and serve the country and do something for public broadcasting, which has a long and honorable tradition.”

The piece then continues:

He took a lighter tone last month in a blog posting after his nomination, writing: “I intend to open my confirmation hearing thusly: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, three words: No. More. Elmo.’ ” He added: “Other than getting rid of high-pitched-talking red monsters, I have no agenda.”
Bell said his comment was “completely facetious,” but his flippant tenor offended some broadcasters.
In fact, Bell said he is a big supporter of programs like “Sesame Street,” which one of his sons watched avidly when he was younger, and that he has been “blown away” by some recent PBS programs, including the “American Masters” series.

Warren makes jokes for a living, dudes. You get the impression “broadcasters” don’t watch TV.

One of the reasons I was attracted to Warren as a potential writer for NRO back in 2004 was (we connected via a mutual friend) a real sense I got quickly once getting to know him that besides being real funny he’s got a real civic sense (he’s as funny and charming in person, including to women editors with hispanic last names — see LATimes for those senatorial concerns). He cares about the stuff that happens in Washington — because he knows it has real effects on culture, family, the world at war and all the rest. That’s the kinda dude you want paying in a spot like that. And a dude in Washington now and again. That doesn’t come along all the often. Don’t let him go.