That was then... this is now. (MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show)

With the ascension of Al Franken to a Senate seat and the appointment of Kal (Kumar) Penn to a White House post, the media has been focusing on politics getting funny.

But, to listen to these funnymen, maybe there’s something else going on: maybe the comedians are getting serious.

Al Franken’s first statement as Senator was sober.

“A lot has been made of the number 60, The number I want to focus on is 2, I’m the second senator from Minnesota.  Minnesotans are very practical people...Minnesotans want a rational health care system, that’s affordable; Minnesotans want an economy that works for working families...I’m ready to get to work, thank you.” (CNN)

That mirrors the tone he set in his campaign and that newsy identified last week.

NYU Media Theorist Neil Postman warned against entertainment corrupting politics in his 1985 book Amusing Ourselves to Death.

And, The New York Times revisited that theme in depth in 2003 when Governor Schwarzenegger crossed over into the political realm when he took office in California.

''Politics is now being conducted within the frame of show business. There's no longer any blurry line between show business and politics.''

In fact, it seems that the political realm may be shaping the actors, not vice versa.  

This is how Kal Penn described his decision to shift into public service.

“I enjoyed being an actor, but there’s a time to be fun, and a time to be serious. And I think now’s the time to be serious.” (Maddow)

Kal Penn has even reverted to using his birth name Kalpen Modi.  Modi’s demeanor now is different than his on-camera roles. Much like Jon Stewart during his infamous appearance on CNN’s now defunct CrossFire.

“Please stop...you’re hurting America...I didn’t know serious news organizations looked to comedians for moral leadership.”

Michigan Daily indicates that there are trust issues percolating about handing the reins of leadership over to those who make us laugh.

“While Franken provides another chance for a celebrity to succeed, any success of his will only encourage another knucklehead to become the next celebrity politician...The U.S. voters need to stop falling for these gimmicks and elect those who truly can serve our nation.”

Will the jokers change the system, or will the political landscape shape them into leaders?