Late night TV host Jay Leno wrapped up 17 years as “Tonight” host Friday with jabs at favorite targets, including politicians and his own network, and with an unusual touch of sentiment. “Now comes the hard part,” Leno said as the NBC show drew to a close. Leno said he had an answer to those who asked him about his “Tonight” legacy. He invited the audience to “take a look” at the children born to show staffers during his tenure, all 68 of them, babies to teenagers, who filled the studio stage. “When these kids grow up and they go, ‘Hey, mom and dad, where did you guys meet?', they're going to say they met on the stage of ‘The Tonight Show.”' “Welcome to the exciting season finale of `The Tonight Show,”' said Leno, greeted by a standing ovation. “I want to thank all the people who made it possible: Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton.” After noting that former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush were participating in a joint speaking engagement in Canada, Leno remarked wistfully: “I wish I had one more day.” He didn't refrain from mocking his network although he's moving to NBC's prime-time schedule this fall. He was offered the chance to buy his dressing-room robe for $40, he quipped, and then gave NBC a sharp dig over its slumping prime-time ratings. His new show represents a gamble, Leno said: “I'm betting NBC will be around in three months. That's not a given.” Leno also fit in a last shot at football legend O.J. Simpson, another monologue favorite since his sensational 1994 trial for the murder of his wife and her friend. In cleaning out his office, the comedian said, “I found O.J.'s knife. I had it the whole time.” He did his now-customary one-liners about the sour economy. Other than singer James Taylor, who performed “Sweet Baby James,” celebrities were largely absent from the final show, which favored by-the
