Conan, NBC Universal Donate $100K To Newark Organization

In the second half of Conan O'Brien's interview with Newark mayor Cory Booker on The Tonight Show, the pair discussed Newark Now, an organization that works with recently released convicts to help them reintegrate into society and family life.

Though Conan had poked fun at Newark in previous weeks, he revealed at the interview's end that he and NBC Universal had each written checks to Newark Now for $50,000.

"It was one joke," joked O'Brien, "and, man, was it expensive."

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Comments

[Matt7]

Booker looks like a good guy and a rising star. I wish I'd seen this interview. But alas, I don't watch Conan. I've tried several times now, since he's been in that spot. But I just can't bring myself to do it. Sorry.

But it was great of Conan to do this interview, and for him to donate to Newark Now dot org, and for him to get NBC to match his donation, for a total of $100,000 to Newark's charity.

I love witnessing (and being part of) "points of light."

[Rollingballafire]

That was a great program for them to donate that much $$ to.
Sets another positive example.
A little, to some folks, is so much more to others.

[MtDavid]

Saying "man, was it expensive" shows that the "donation" wasn't really charity. To give from the heart one would never use the word expensive. As in, I went to church today and "man, was it expensive!"

[ubatuba]

dude, lighten up!

[ChelleAgain]

It was a joke and not meant to be taken literally. In any case, money went to a good cause.

[Jay Adler]

Throwing quips at Newark, New Jersey, essentially a poor and crime ridden area was never a good idea for Conan O'Brien, a struggling yet unusually wealthy former writer now talk show host. The format in which Mayor Booker and O'Brien were operating in and exchanging this banter makes little difference because I knew when it started, O'Brien just like Letterman was skating on thin ice. Dave Letterman, who is riding around with the "insult every night Sarah Palin" miscalulated behavior in addition to the "girls at the office" problem at least is in the #1 spot which gives him breathing room. Money cannot buy you everything. Jay Leno is loving all of this but his show at this stage of the game does not look like a likely winner. So that means in the history of Late Night television, the three major hosts all have issues simultaneously. I would just throw out Brand and Rock as possible replacements.

[Vivvy]

I have just watched the Brick City documentary about Newark and Cory Booker. Great leadership and example. Too bad other politicians can't follow his example. There is a great future for him.

[Tunghoy]

Cory Booker has done a great job in Newark, especially clamping down on corruption. I'm proud to say that he had early endorsement from the national Democracy for America as well as the statewide New Jersey for Democracy, which worked hard to get him -- and city council members on his team -- elected.

Earlier this year, DFA held a weekend-long election training seminar in Newark -- teaching grassroots activists how to get progressives elected at all levels. It was because of Mayor Booker's office that the facility was made available.