Correction You have this attributed to Jay Leno. Per httpwww.barrypopik.comindex.phpnewyorkcityentrypoliticsisshowbusinessforuglypeoplePolitics is show business for ugly people dates to at least 1991, when Texas political consultant Bill Miller used the phrase. Political consultant Paul Begala and comedian Jay Leno also used the phrase politics is show business for ugly people, but after Bill Millers 1991 use.