Wanda Sykes says Obama’s campaign inspired her to jump into late-night TV talk show

Sykes: Obama’s campaign was talk-show inspiration

PASADENA, Calif. — Wanda Sykes says she wasn’t interested in hosting a late night talk show until Barack Obama decided to run for president.

Executives at Fox had been courting Sykes, but she just wanted to do standup comedy, her movie gigs and her role on CBS’ “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”

Then came Obama’s campaign, and she realized she also wanted an outlet to discuss her views.

Sykes, talking with the Television Critics Association on Thursday, said her Saturday night series debuting this fall on Fox will address the week’s hot topics through monologues, skits and panel discussions.

Viewers shouldn’t expect many musical guests, Sykes said — unless former Vice President Dick Cheney puts out a hip-hop album. In that case, “we’re booking him,” the comedian said.