So, Barack Obama is an arugula-nibbling, fist-bumping, liberal elitist, eh? Then how come he’s chosen Jay Leno’s sofa, not David Letterman’s, as the venue for tonight’s first-ever TV talk show appearance by a sitting President? You’d think Obama would be a better fit with the Late Show‘s more blueish demographics, but by going on The Tonight Show instead, Obama (pictured in a 2006 appearance on Leno’s show) is once again demonstrating a canny sense of showbiz politics. Leno’s program not only draws more viewers — it has been No. 1 for 15 years, since Leno took the lead with Hugh Grant’s famous apology appearance — it’s also a lot less risky. A guest spot with Letterman can be devastating to a politician’s health if the conversation goes awry, or, heaven forbid, gets canceled (just ask John McCain). The worst Leno will do is poke fun at the President’s ears. But what do you think, PopWatchers? Did Obama make the right choice for tonight’s historic TV event?
Mar 19
2009
11:43 PM ET
President Obama on Jay Leno: Better than Dave?
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1. He wants to reach as many people as possible.
2. He was planning on being in California anyway.
3. Jay only asks softball questions.
Let the B+++ing and moaning commence!
Dave would be far more entertaining, but Jay is much safer. Going to Jay is good for him, bad for me because now I have to watch a few minutes of Leno. At least it’s not Fallon.
Is there another late night show? I thought Leno was the only one worth wathching. So there is another one, huh?
Obama is being the consummate politician with this move. Leno has more Republicans watching. He has more viewers and he will have as bland an interview as possible.
He won the election by pandering to idiots…why stop now.
Funny my wife and I were just discussing this same topic. We will always prefer Letterman to Leno. But if it comes down to getting a message to the general public, I guess it should be done on the higher rated program (However depressing that might be).
If he wants to play it safe and not answer any questions then yes, he made the right call. Leno can’t interview a paper bag.
He’ll have to answer question about what he watches and his favorite ice cream by going on Leno.
I’m just pissed I have to tune into Leno now.
Jay Leno is entertaining, insightful, and funny — in a charming way. When he conducts his celebrity interviews he asks questions that the average person would ask. Jay does not try to impress everyone with how snarky he can be. I mean, we can all be mean and ask “gotcha-type” questions. But what’s the point? To show everyone how smart we are? Jay is an intelligent and charming interviewer. I saw him in person several years ago. He is very talented and genuine.
Considering Leno has had more viewers then Letterman since the beginning that obviously means more of us like Leno better then Letterman. I much prefer Leno’s humor and think Barack made the right choice.
Totally agree with you Jackie and Sean. Love Obama, hate Leno…he’s not funny and he rarely asks real questions. Me personally, I’ll wait for the inevitable clips on the Soup. I don’t tune in to Jay for anything.
Sure, Leno is safer but also very dull – this is an old criticism by now. Letterman (who Leno owes his career to – do your research) has for 27 years done the classier, funnier show, received the acclaim and countless awards (for important things like writing), and would do the better interview, rather than pile on and throw a pretty little pop party. But Leno is gee-gosh a team player and pat-everyone-on- the- back brownnoser, and he, jeepers, yes, he is the ratings champ in a country that puts junk at the top of the box office every week and took out loans that it couldn’t afford. And Leno’s set has always had prettier colors and his show does get technical awards every now and then. So good call, Barack. Between Obama’s earpiece and the Chin’s cue cards, we’ll have us some sharp shooting spontaneous fireworks, oh yeah.
I THINK OBAMA MADE A BAD CHOICE!HERE WE ARE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE MAD AS HELL! IN WHATS GOING ON IN WASHINGTON AND WHAT OBAMA IS DOING TURRNING THIS GREAT COUNTRY DOWN THE TUBES WITH HIS SOCIALIST AGENDA AND THERE HE IS OUR PRESIDENT MAKING JOKES ABOUT THE SPECIAL OLIMPICS?WHAT A JACKASS!!!
David Letterman is NOT FUNNY. AT ALL. His to 10 lists wouldn’t even make a 5th grader chuckle. Barack made the right choice.