Leno: Kerry Breaks Glass Ceiling - First White Male Secretary of State Since 1997

January 31st, 2013 9:38 AM

Jay Leno made a very interesting observation Wednesday night regarding the confirmation of John Kerry as Secretary of State.

Commenting during his Tonight Show monologue, the host said, "John Kerry is the first white male to hold that job since 1997."

“The Senate has overwhelmingly approved John Kerry as the next Secretary of State,” Leno teased. “Well, in his farewell speech today to the Senate, Kerry spoke for 51 minutes. 51 minutes. So, apparently he does believe in torture.”

After some laughter, Leno continued.

“Listen to this: John Kerry is the first white male to hold that job since 1997. So, finally, middle-aged white guys with gray hair are breaking through the glass ceiling.”

“Look,” Leno added, “all we want is a chance. That’s all we’re saying."

For the record, the last white male Secretary of State was Warren Christopher in Bill Clinton’s first term.

He was succeeded by Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Hillary Clinton.