Listen, we’re not going to mince words here: we’re not big fans of the former “Man Show”–turned social justice warrior/late night host–Jimmy Kimmel. While poking fun at politics and politicians have always been the open fare of late night comedy, Kimmel has turned the timeslot into his own personal soapbox and gratefully, the steady decline in his ratings from disenchanted viewers have only fueled his liberal ire. Nevertheless, it does bear noting that recently, Kimmel was instrumental in not only shining a sizeable spotlight onto the personal watercraft industry, but the desert oasis town that continues to claim itself as the sport’s “world capital.”
As some of you will recall, Kimmel recently hosted the most recent Academy Awards (ie. “Oscars”) wherein he joking awarded a costume designer with a brand-new 2018 Kawasaki Ultra 310LX and a 2-nights day at the Day’s Inn in Lake Havasu, Arizona, all for ending the evening with the show’s shortest acceptance speech. The gag was all made in good fun, but many “civilians” felt that Kimmel’s “Price Is Right” shtick was done at the expense of both jet skiers and Lake Havasu residents simultaneously. Although a calculated promotion with Kawasaki Motor Corp. USA and the comedian, many felt the joke was in poor taste all in an effort to levy the show’s record low viewership.
Thankfully, actor (and pretty decent dude) Josh Duhamel showed up on Kimmel’s nightly talkshow shortly thereafter to discuss the giveaway in further detail, noting the possibility of Kimmel’s down-putting of the location. A Las Vegas native himself, Kimmel admits visiting Havasu often with mixed feelings (while Duhamel showed significant excitement and personal familiarity for the riverfront city). It’s a good interview and worth watching.
