In a clear reaction against the Colbert dust-up, the dinner opts to play it safe with the Carson-era impressionist. He even recycles his old Carson impression, along with the usual lineup of past Presidents. Appearing just a few days after the Virginia Tech massacre, Bush is subdued: "I'm not gonna try to be the funny guy." Many were still waiting for the funny guy at the end of Little's routine, described by a critic as "one of the longest half-hours in show business history."
— Richard Zoglin