I like Dennis Miller. Idiots don't understand and therefore don't like him. However there is another segment that understands him and still hates him. I've no one who thinks he is so-so. Any theories why people love him or hate him?

Oh, as an author, his books are too short for the money.

Me, I just appreciate Dennis as the unique cultural phenomenon he is.
I mean, I once watched Miller as a guest on an ESPN sports show. He spent twenty minutes rattling off (among other things) obscure players and stats from ancient Pittsburgh teams nobody's ever heard of. All disputes about his comedic talents aside, the man is quite obviously gifted mentally.

And, as you say, I think that's the main reason some people hate him - he's an unapologetically intellectual comic. A generation raised on the hip-to-be-dumb ethos of Beavis & Butt-Head et al. may resent having to think about the punchline.

Compounding the problem is the 'unapologetic' part - his emotional distance from his audience. Most comedians make some effort to tap into their audience's psyches, earning their identification, appreciation, coolness points etc. By contrast, you either get Dennis Miller or you don't...and quite frankly he doesn't care either way. For a lot of people, the basic reaction to that attitude is the desire to 'wipe that *&^%&#&%$* smirk off his face'.

But hey, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong...

Kerriem,

Babe, I loved that tag line.

I think Dennis Miller is the best thing Monday Night Football could have done. If they get another jock or sportscaster and they get saddled with two 3-9 teams people will see what else is on. With Miller at least some will watch to see Dennis (some will watch NASCAR for the crashes too

I guess I should say something about his books. (An on topic post once in a while keeps you from doing a Richie Vest.) Unfortunately I have no nits other than they are too short.

Well, that's my post. I am outa here.

William, I agree about Dennis and MNF. He provides what has been sorely lacking ever since Howard Cosell left.

Cosell didn't talk down to people either. And once again, either you loved him or you hated him (or you loved to hate him ).

William, I'd say it's because people who are knowledgeable in different areas, even if it's simply a matter of knowing trivia, are looked upon as nerds, pretentious, annoying, etc. Think Cliff Claven from Cheers.

Miller's comedy is a very specific type. It's not as broad in appeal as others, but he does it well. I have one of his tapes (The "Off-White" album), and it's very funny.