Dean False Starts on Punch Line

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean got an early jump on the punch line on “The Daily Show” this evening.

When host Jon Stewart greeted Dean, the chairman held up a button and asked “How many houses do you have Jon?”

Stewart responded: “Mr. Chairman, you know we’re not on the air” as the audience laughed.

Stewart explained they were testing the satellite connection before actually taping the interview and noted: “It’ll be funnier the second time.”

Dean did acknowledge his gaffe when the official interview began. He taped the interview via satellite from the Pepsi Center.

Stewart asked Dean, given the media reports, if he was worried that former President Bill Clinton would start swearing in his speech.

“Only cable guys hope that,” Dean replied as Stewart winced. “The Daily Show” airs on Comedy Central, a cable channel. “I meant Colbert,” Dean qualified, referring to Stephen Colbert, who hosts “The Colbert Report.”

“The Daily Show” is taping from the Byron Theatre on the University of Denver campus this week for part of its “Indecision 2008” coverage.