Late-Night Comedy's Effect On Voters

What affect do comedians have on the political process?  One person studying this issue says that "Probably the most important effect I have found over the past few years concerns humor's ability to issue harsh critiques of candidates or policies without the same kind of audience backlash that would accompany a serious critique.  When Jon Stewart or Jay Leno mock someone who you support, you are less likely to dismiss it out of hand than if that critique came from a journalist."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081031162819.htm