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Shallow Nation

September 22nd, 2009 at 1:13 am

Obama Letterman Video 9-21-09

Here is the Obama Letterman video, transcript and photos from September 21, 2009. President Barack Obama made an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman as the sole guest; it is his sixth time overall as a guest and first since assuming office. The appearance is historic in that it is the first ever on the show by sitting president.

He delivered a memorable line while addressing the strong reaction that health care reform has received, which former President Jimmy Carter suggested may have roots in racism. He said: “It’s important to realize that I was actually black before the election.”

Other notable moments include the Letterman Top 10 reasons for Obama to appear on the show as follows:

10. Heard the lady with the heart-shaped potato was gonna be here.
9. Thought it would be fun to watch someone else get heckled.
8. Something to do with that whole Cash For Clunkers deal.
7. Every president since Teddy Roosevelt has done it.
6. Someone offers you 600 bucks, you take it ladies and gentlemen.
5. We told him Megan Fox would be here.
4. Needed some time to hang out before check-in time at his hotel.
3. I have no idea.
2. Said yes, without thinking, like Bush did with Iraq.
1. Wanted to congratulate Dave on the big Emmy win.

In a response, Obama said, “The main reason I’m here? I want to see that heart-shaped potato.” The potato was then tossed to Letterman, who gave it to Obama who said, “This is remarkable.”

On a more serious note, the President additionally addressed health care reform and financial reform during the hour long interview. Regarding the economic recovery he said: “We’re not going to recover overnight. Unemployment is still going to be a big problem for at least another year.”

See also for more details and transcript:

The video is below.