Acting more like a pop star promoting a new album than President of the United States, Barack Obama appeared on The Tonight Show last night:
BURBANK, Calif. — When late-night television features a sitting president, it’s usually as material for a stand-up routine. But on Thursday, President Obama toppled another barrier when he tried to sell Jay Leno on his economic recovery plan.
Mr. Obama held his own with the comedian, countering Mr. Leno’s thrusts about the executive bonuses at the American International Group by saying that “the only place where I think this might work is Hollywood.”
Mr. Obama did not explicitly endorse the bill passed by the House on Thursday that would tax bonuses paid to those whose companies got large amounts of federal bailout money, saying “the money’s already gone out.”
“I think the best way to handle this is to make sure you’ve closed the door before the horse gets out of the barn,” he said.
When Mr. Leno asked whether someone should go to jail for the economic debacle, Mr. Obama replied, “Most of what got us into trouble was perfectly legal.”
White House officials said beforehand that Mr. Obama would not spend his whole time joking with Mr. Leno, particularly given the nation’s economic woes.
It can be tough to be dignified though, when introduced by a stand-up comedian.
“A lot of people think it’s amazing that the president would leave Washington and fly 3,000 miles to come out here,” Mr. Leno said, “but you know, that’s what a lot of people do when their mother-in-law moves in with them.”
For Mr. Obama, the appearance on “The Tonight Show” is something of a gamble. The president himself acknowledged earlier Thursday at a town-hall-style meeting in Los Angeles that he was getting some flack from critics who said he should be spending his time fixing the economy and not going on late-night television.
Not to mention the fact that you expose yourself to risk of making a cringe-worthy verbal gaffe:
The first appearance by a sitting president on “The Tonight Show” may well end up being the last.
President Obama, in his taping with Jay Leno Thursday afternoon, attempted to yuk it up with the funnyman, and ended up insulting the disabled.
Towards the end of his approximately 40-minute appearance, the president talked about how he’s gotten better at bowling and has been practicing in the White House bowling alley.
He bowled a 129, the president said.
“That’s very good, Mr. President,” Leno said sarcastically.
It’s “like the Special Olympics or something,” the president said.
Ouch, how you gonna explain your way out of that one, Mr. President ?
When asked about the remark, the White House said the president did not intend to offend.
“The president made an off-hand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics,” White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton said. “He thinks the Special Olympics is a wonderful program that gives an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the world.”
Well, of course Obama wasn’t intending to disparage the Special Olympics. His little off hand quip was meant to compare his bowling skills to the people who participate in the Special Olympics.
Now I’m hardly big on political correctness — and I’m probably a worse bowler than the President — but does anyone seriously believe that a joke like this would be ignored if someone other than Barack Obama had made it ?
Anyway, here’s the full video of Obama’s appearance last night in case, like me, you missed it:
And, via Ann Althouse, here’s video of the last time a President appeared on a comedy show:
