Leno Snags Obama Interview
It appears that President Obama is headed to "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
POTUS 44 will appear on the late-night variety show this Thursday, per the New York Times.
This is an interesting move, to say the least. It's not unusual for Presidential candidates or big-name political figures to appear on the major talkfests, both morning and evening.
However, it is exceedingly rare for a sitting President to make an appearance on a show like Leno's. In fact, I cannot think of a single past instance of this happening. As the Times article mentions, President Bush did make a taped appearance on "Deal or No Deal" once, for a soldier who had served three tours of duty in Iraq. However, I cannot recall a sitting President appearing live on a "non-serious-news" TV program. (I am working from memory here; any examples to the contrary would be greatly appreciated.)
I doubt he'll go on and be completely serious, but it's going to be a delicate balancing act to not be too humorous, given the gravity of the situations he must deal with in Washington.
Your thoughts, please. Is the President exposed to political risk by appearing on "The Tonight Show"?
No matter what he does, he's assuming the mantle of political risk.
I think he's trying to reach out to those who may not otherwise be given 'exposure' to the POTUS, etc.
He's keeping his promise to be a different kind of President, more concentrated on the middle class.
I say good for him.
March 16, 2009 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your first sentence, really, is true for any President.
I don't disagree with the idea of going on Leno. But, as I noted, it's definitely not normal Presidential exposure. Then again, these are not normal times.
Personally, I don't think it's a bad move. But I was curious as to what others thought. Thanks for sharing your comments. :-)
March 16, 2009 11:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
When I heard the news, my first thought was that it seems a little below the dignity of the office. But communication is certainly the president's "thing". For me at least, he's always manages to hit the right notes. Except that cringe-inducing time that he called a reporter "sweetie."
March 17, 2009 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink