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Shallow Nation

March 20th, 2009 at 1:35 am

Obama Leno Video, Photos: Obama Jay Leno 3-19-09

President Barack Obama on Tonight Show with Jay Leno
President Barack Obama appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, on March 19, 2009. See photos and the full Obama Leno video and transcript here, after the jump.

Obama made history as the first sitting President to appear on the late night talk show. He had appeared on Leno twice during the campaign. In tribute, Kevin Eubanks and the Tonight Show Band played ‘Hail to the Chief,’ and Eubanks wore a suit. He began by joking about how security had grown extensively since his previous visit, quipping that the motorcade had not only an ambulance, but also a caboose, a dog sled and a submarine. (Not much of an exaggeration as this video of the Presidential motorcade leaving the Burbank studios reveals.)

The conversation quickly became an in-depth discussion (by late night talk show standards) on the economy in general and federal bailouts of financial institutions in particular. As Obama was the sole guest, aside from musical guest Garth Brooks, there was much time to devote to the discussion.

Obama addressed the current topic of insurance giant AIG awarding executives $165 million in bonus pay, in the aftermath of having been keep afloat by taxpayer dollars. It has been a controversial issue with some taking great affront and with Congress passing legislation taxing the bonuses at 90 percent.

He also defended his beleaguered Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, saying that he is on the “hot seat” but that he is taking the “right steps.”

Regarding banks that have received bailouts, Obama said the government was doing “diagnostics” on the banks to see which of them require more intervention to clear toxic assets from the books. ”
Barack Obama at a California Town Hall Meeting, March 19, 2009

President Obama speaks a California Town Hall Meeting, March 19, 2009. White House photo by Pete Souza

He also discussed his administration’s commitment to research and development of alternative energy sources.

The Obama Special Olympics remark has drawn widespread criticism. Towards the end of the discussion with Jay Leno, Obama said his bowling game had improved now that he has been practicing at the White House bowling alley. He noted that he had even bowled a 129.

‘That’s very good, Mr. President,’ Leno quipped sarcastically. To which Obama replied, it’s “like the Special Olympics or something.’

Here is video of the Obama Special Olympics remark. In responding to press inquiry about the remark, a spokesman offered a statement.

“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.”

Source: Obama on His Bowling Skills: ‘Like the Special Olympics’

President Obama speaks in Mesa, Ariz. on Feb. 18, 2009. White House photo by Pete Souza

President Obama speaks in Mesa, Ariz. on Feb. 18, 2009. White House photo by Pete Souza

On lighter topics, he responded to Leno’s question about Air Force One. Obama said wearing the flight jacket was ‘pretty cool.’ He said his daughters were less impressed, and that ‘they’ve got a whole other level of cool.’

He also talked about playing basketball, in general and in particular with his body man Reggie Love,’ who said never lets him win. He talked about his NCAA picks and his Bracket.

Regarding the White House dog, Obama replied, ‘Listen, this is Washington. That was a campaign promise,’ drawing laughter. He went on to stress that he was teasing and said that next month, after he returns from the NATO summit, the dog ‘will be in place.’

He did not reveal what kind of dog it would be, when Leno asked if the dog would be a “Portuguese Water Head.’ He said, ‘It’s not a ‘water head.’ That sounds like a scary dog. Sort of dripping around the house.’ He referenced the common expression, ‘If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog,’ saying he thought he would enjoy having the dog.

For more photos and commentary on the Obama Leno appearance, see: Obama to Leno: In D.C., everyone’s a Simon Cowell; and his bowling is ‘like Special Olympics’

See also Transcript Obama Leno: Full Transcript of Obama’s Interview on ‘The Tonight Show’

See full Obama Leno video below.

Video Link