Johnny Carson, at 11:30pm, takes cards from the audience. One of the questions relates to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Carson reads the question:
"How do you feel about doing a show after what has happened?"
Johnny Carson: " And I'm sure you are referring to what's happened the last four or five days."
Johnny Carson continues:
"I don't think any performer who performs is a little reluctant to come out and do a show especially when a show is built around comedy and live entertainment after something like this. But, I think it's like anything else. Things go on and nothing anybody can do or say can change what has happened. It is history and as a performer and entertainer, which is what we are here, you come out and do a show the best you can. You go right ahead. So, that's the way I feel."
It is interesting to note the next question Johnny reads from an audience member breaks the seriousness of the former question and response.
Johnny Carson: "Do you Kiss with your eyes open or shut?"
Carson responds, that he kisses with his eyes shut.
It is also interesting to note that his was the first show back after it was preempted November 22, and 25 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Unlike the first return broadcast after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy resuming a typical entertainment format broadcast, that scenario was not to be after the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy June 4/5, 1968, which was a serious round table discussion with journalists, Johnny Carson moderating and participating.