Obama has a true connection to the American people. Although he realizes the "conservative" politico still looms large, he is unabashed at appearing before the citizenry in a less-than-formal format. Good for him...and, good for us!

Comedy and tragedy share common ground "feeling"

As a non-American I am seriously getting more perplexed and bewildered at the America I live today. The dismally alarming trouble America is facing today with its rapidly eroding economy and a Presidential team clearly still in swaddling clothes attempting to throw sweeties willy-nilly to ride the tide is appalling. "Change we can believe in" – I don't think so Obama. What America desperately needs now and which is blatantly missing, is COMPETENCE, not change. Whats more, a President who can take time off to go do a JAY LENO show because he really wants to be a Star rather than roll his shirt sleeves up and deal with the challenges of being a good President is depressing. We all criticised Reagan and Arnie, but thank goodness they got the wanting-to-be-a-celebrity-thing over with first

From what I have seen, President Obama has a great sense of humor and enjoys to laugh at himself at his own expense.
I for one seek out a sharp and honed direct laugh no matter what. It lightens tension and in some cases reinvigorates focus and gives a much needed relief, comic relief.
It doesn't fix anything or maybe it does, the Jon Stewart TV battle has been some wicked awesome viewing and it has changed some stuff...and I laughed at every step...
If you don't think it's a good idea for the President to be on Leno, don't watch. However you'll be left out on what everyone else will be talking and quoting about tomorrow.
I will be watching and laughing and enjoying a moment that will be part of the historic pantheon of television.

So ture-–comedy and tragedy are join at the hip--and when danger approaches--just sing.

Jay Leno is awesome.. I try to catch his show every time he's here

when i laugh, be it nervous laughter or genuine "from the belly" giggling,
it gives my soul a reboot

I am a 13 yr. old. My freinds and I were talking about this yesterday. Even if Obama fails he will go down in history as not only the first African American president but also as the first president who really connected with the people. He is not only getting to the older generation but he is also connecting with the new generation of people that will no doubt make him one of the most loved presidents in the history of the United Staes of America.

I am a Canadian and we had our election at the same time and let me tell you that was some good stategy from Stephen Harper. We had the lowest voter turnout in the history of Canadian elections, because we were too busy being in love with Obama. That's the type of impact that he have.

I know that I still love Obama and I'm sure everyone else does too.

Forever and Always,
Chelsey

President Obama is appearing as out of touch as AIG executives and other bailout recipients by going on late night comedy TV and spending time releasing his NCAA bracket. We didn't elect him to provide comedy relief or for his sports forecasting.
You're not a rock star Mr. President, you're an elected representative of the people, and as such, we expect you to fulfill your promises and stop taxing us to death for your personal pleasure. Get back to work on the pressing issues facing this country and try not to become a punch line for stand up comics.

I believe it was Don Lemon who conducted a panel discussion earlier in the week and a comment was made by Stephanie Miller regarding the criticism Michelle Obama has received about sleeveless dresses from conservatives. Her remark (I apologize for not being exact) was something like "that is the most talk of arms control from neocons she has ever heard".

Darn. Maybe it was the media watchdog Kurtz on "State of the Union" Sunday. I remember the only one not laughing was Tucker Carlson. Hopefully I came close to the facts – I suffered a "Doddian moment".

I really dont think its right to go on a late night comedy show to talk about serious things. This is not funny stuff we are going through. Its not a joke. Talk is cheap. This is a distraction. Not to mention the amount of money it costs us to pay for the fuel airforce one needs and all the travel exspenses for sending Obama all over the country. No one is even talking about that. I have no desire to watch our problems made into jokes.

Humor does wonders for tragedy----but it is only a temporary escape-–and reality will eventually bring us back to the economic tragedy.

What is wrong with laughing and having fun even in the midst of these turbulent economic time? I think Obama should be as upbeat as he feels. His being able to laugh shows people that he is confident. Helping the audience ,in studio and over the airwaves, will help us release tension and remind us to be postive about the the recovery of our economy. Most healthy minded people know that nothing as damaged as our econmony can rebound significantly over night, days, or months.

Hmmm. I wonder if Jay will be respectful to the President? Will he treat the President differently than...let's say a President McCain or President Bush? I will be watching...and so will Rush Limbaugh.

Scott Lara
jaxbloggers.com

Republicans are mad...President Obama has worked harder in the 2 months than Bushed worked in the last 2 years! I think they are mad because President Obama is going to the people. President Obama has been making the hard decisions in the best interest of the people and not Washington. The people are going to have access to him and he is making sure of they do. Go President Obama! See you on Jay Leno tonight.

As for the language in the stimulus, they knew if they completely stopped the bonuses, the government would be sued and cost us even more money. At least the language in the stimulus allows a clause to attempt to legally, claw back the money. The Obama administration inherited this mess, we should be grateful that we have a hard working, multi tasking, Harvard Lawyer working for the people.

When will the hard right wing realize that it is time to on board the American train and help President Obama fight our way back to prosperity?

Humor works best when we struggle hard just to exist and through humor we survive.

"good for us" Are you serious Ms. Pacicca?

Have you taken the time to sift through a multitude of other media over the past week whether it be from the left, right or in-betwixt???

Have you no real sense of the numbers – growing daily -
of people who voted for this farce of a candidate only to now
regret having thrown their votes away so frivolously?

In their own words – not mine or yours –
in chat rooms, game rooms, on blogs, in threads and replies.

I honestly believed people who voted for him would become and remain anoyingly smug through 8 years of this puppet's reign...

Unbelievably surprised to be wrong in that more and more of them
have regained conciousness from the star-struck comas they were in
and it looks like there won't be but 4 years of enduring having to bear witness to this country being completely ripped to shreds till it's brought to it's knees and then restructured in a socialist decor.

Bush did some things that made me shake my head, most presidents do. But "O" did not "inherit" the mess he is making right now soley and wholly on the actions of the Bush administration.

What he did inherit was large enough – but he had to go and within a mere pittance of under 3 months absolutely BALLOON it out of control – along with the help of many of the same individuals who were in congress during the Bush administration plus some newly seated "fun lovers" ...

So you watch Leno and you laugh.

Enjoy yourself – watching the character who now lives at the White House and cannot even utter a single sentence without the ever present "UH" in between nearly every other word.

I don't find him amusing,
Don't find his decisions amusing
and cannot wait for this 4 years to be over with.
It will seem like a lifetime to many of us but none more so than those who now see what they did vs what the could have done.

I, personally, do not want to see any president on any talk show. I think a president has no place or purpose on Leno or any other show.

Ya, I have a pretty rigid way of how I want my prez to behave.

I think it brings the presidents down to human level and right now, we have all the human we can take. We need a leader, not someone who can joke and talk trash on the circuit.

Are we living in a "Third World Country" where our President has resort to "laughing at our history's most serious crisis that we have faced beyond the great depression?"

If you think it "raises the world's respect" for our President to make a "fool" out of himself, you need to check your stash... you need to get a fresh stash to keep your mind in a fog.

Do you think the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom are laughing? I think not... wow.. how disrespectful..

I'm sure all the "pot" heads who are attending the Leno show are taking their last puffs right now....

Jay needs to do some 'What did President Obama do today?' segments, as he does with President G.W. Bush.

For what it's worth. P. Diddy said the most interesting thing on his twitter today. He said he is not going to take a part in the recession, (he's been affected by it) but he's not going to take a part in it. And that got me thinking. Is it really a choice? Do we really have to be so dismal in these times, or can we lift each other up? Meaning just because there is a recession, doesn't mean that the President has to put on a sad face. Quite the opposite. The one person who should be postive, optimistic and reassuring is him. Positivity breeds healthy thoughts. Thus far stimulus hasn't made times better, it was the consumers right and rational thinking that made it possible for AIG to have to return the money (etc.) and it will take creativity to create jobs or takeover dead beat companies. Therefore as the Presidents unofficial life coach: Smile, it's ok.

GLOBALHIKER are you serious. about your comment " President who can take time off to go do a JAY LENO show because he really wants to be a Star rather than roll his shirt sleeves up and deal with the challenges of being a good President is depressing", like you those comments are UN-AMERICAN, he's not out to be a star, and if you haven't noticed lately on the news he's been out since DAY 1 trying to fix this economy, hes the President of the U.S.A, not GOD so don't expect him to be some overworked hiding in the white house-jumping from one state to the other-perfect president. If you can't already tell he's DIFFERENT he actually takes his time and explains the people what he's doing and what needs to happen (kinda makes me wonder why there is still a White House Spokesperson-hmm just curious). The Change that he talked about is happening and unfortunately he's working with the scraps and the recession he was given since being sworn it remember mister Non American he's becoming a president during hard times, i.e., Economy Sucks, War in Iraq and Afghanistan. So please take your ignorance and your negativity that won't fix what ever problems thats happening in your life and save it because the rest of us needs a little sense of humor during hard times because that my friend is AMERICAN.

HOOAH
Army Strong

President Obama always been with the masses, before his election. It would be very bad if he changed it. Take part in a TV show is proof that he has not changed. Good talk!

So what you are saying is that Jay Leno is going to have Obama on his show! Not gonna watch it!

Its great watching this buffoon fiddle while Rome burns...You wanted him, you got him America...

Who cares!

Why is the President going to appear on Jay Leno? Hasn't he had enough airtime recently and how much extra security are the taxpayers getting billed for his Hollywood appearance?!

You maybe could call it the de-mystification of the master.
Nothing more experimental and good, than to see democracy at work.

Full force!

Shouldn't he be busy firing Tim Geithner right about now instead of appearing on Leno? Disgusting!

"the first president who really connected with the people. " sorry kid you nedd to study history a bit more, and perhaps start to not look at what is "cool" or who Diddy says you should vote for but who can really do the job. Regan connected with the people, look him up. As far as Obama I think Coach said it best today when he said "the president has more improtnat things to worry about the college basketball", skip Lenon get a good nights sleep and fix our problems..... Are we still in Ira I haven't seen a protest lately.

This man is our president why is he doing late night shows like he is some movie star? His latest "upcoming release" concerns every American and the well being of our country. Stop the charade – we don't care about your picks for NCAA Basketball, or the quips you will make on the Tonight Show. We care about your policies. If you're going to be up late you should be fretting over your policies not up late on TV. And some "environmentalist" you are. Great idea: lets burn 40,000 gallons of jet fuel to fly you across the country in Air Force One so you can do a TV show? Bush may not have done a great job but at least he took the position seriously. President doesn't equate to celebrity. Your approval rating is in the 60% range, we already don't like you that much anymore.

I love Leno and have tremendous respect for him.
I have tremendous respect for the President as well, so long as he sticks to the job we put him there to do.

To Mourning a nation...........

After 8 years of "I'm the decider.....I can't think of any mistakes......The Democrats did it.........", not to mention making up his own words, butchering the English language, taking us to war on a base of lies, I ,for one, am so glad to have an intelligent, responsible, transparent,thoughtful,connected man in the White House. As for taking time off to be on the Leno show, have you heard of the Crawford Ranch? I didn't hear any of you complain when W spent endless weeks at the "ranch". A sense of humor is sometimes the only thing between surviving a crisis and being overcome by it. You Republicans need to loosen up and get with the program!!!!!!

There's nothing as healthy as a good laugh. Let's hope that our President can laugh a lot and stay healthy for the next 8 years plus many more.

I am an Independent voter that regrets my vote. This is just another bad choice. Do the job we,as taxpayers, hired you to do.

take a hike buddy!

This is just another way that he is trashing the office of the Presidency.

I just wonder when in the world Obama is going to stop running around giving speeches & TV/ media ops & actually do some work.
Leno is not the place he needs to be now- he needs to be in the White House fixing the economy, dealing with Iran/ Iraq/ Afghanistan, healthcare etc..
I suppose it's possible that he really won't ever do the job & is more of a puppet & a "face of change" instead of a real president.

I think it's great that Obama takes time off from his presidential duties for things like this. If he were to worry about presidential matters 100% of the time, he would get burnt out fast – he is human, after all. Nobody can fix the economy overnight, but Obama's at least giving people confidence in their government again, and a leader they can like again.

If the president gets angry enough, he might change to "The Rock" Obama.

I think it's great that Obama is making an appearance wtih Leno. I also think the hypocritical, whiny GOP's who are making such a fuss over this and think he should be "focusing on more important matters" like AIG and the financial crisis," should remember all those little trips President Bush took to Camp David or who knows where while this country sat through one crisis after the next.

America,

Since taking office, the Nasdaq is at it's highest rate yet.

If you had invested in the market with Obama had said to invest on March 3rd, you would have made an 11% profit.

Wake up people.

So far, he's addressed housing, addressed getting some assistance via the stimulus and now stress tests are virtually complete and we will know the results. This along with the private/public partnership to buy up the bad assets from the few insolvent banks will be unveiled shortly.

This guy is amazing. Keep it up Obama.

Do you think Big O will mention his $100,000 bonus from AIG?

Heyy 13 year old...ask your parents or grandparents about another chrismatic president the people loved. He took on Russia and won. Unfortunately, his adminsitration lasted 1000 days. This president has never been to Hell and Back!

And as for an 8 year term, I doubt it! The guy tried to screw with the veterans. We NEVER forget what we fought for!

I voted for President Obama and am still glad I did. As an earlier poster said, he does have a great sense of humor and can laugh at himself. He also connects with the American people and they with him. And, he has had his sleeves rolled up plenty. He is smart and articulate and can explain things so everyone can understand. He is never condescending either. Unlike George W Bush, President Obama can walk and chew gum at the same time!

To All work and no play..........

Perfect and to the point! You Rock!

God Bless America!!!!

Mr. Obama lacks the maturity needed in the Office of President. He acts like this is a game. He needs to bring some class & tradition to the White House, especially when it's so evident that he doesn't know what he's doing and neither does anyone around him..Those shows are o.k. during a campaign but now, grow up!

He's a clown, he should be funny... Having him as any kind of leader is not funy though...

Obama is outraged that AIG execs got bonuses, but he can throw tons of money out the window to travel across the continent to appear on a late night show? Do you know how much money it takes to move the president from one location to another? How about this invite Jay Leno to the White House on the network's dime to do the show, wouldn't that make more sense (and the network will still make money off the show in advertisement time).

And remember while he is using money to travel for no good reason he is telling combat wounded vets that they need to start helping to pay for their service related medical expenses. Impeach him now!!

His ears are funny.... to look at.

Obama has a great sense of humor. I think he'll be fine.

i can not belive this man he is everywere but the white house who is running the country why he is out on tour i sure am happy i didn't vote for him and can't wait to tell everyone who did i told you so he is taken our country to hell in a hand basket god help us,

All work and no play, hats off to you!! One thing we need here is something a little more uplifting. 60% of the market is state of mind and if everyone is all doom and gloom then we'll never recover. To take a quote from a decent comedy. "Don't take life too seriously or you'll never get out alive."

Come on, what is the last president that appeared on a late show. Obama is not a movie star, he needs to be in Washington taking care of his idiot pick for treasury and the other problems we have. not trying to be cool with the american people.

Glad to see that the President is going to be on Leno.

He needs to stop being Nancy and Harry's puppet and imagine he could do the job.

First of all- we have no idea what the president will say or do on the Leno show. Perhaps he will take it as an opportunity to address the nation more in a "fireside chat" sort of way instead of dictating from behind the bully pulpit. I did not vote for George W. Bush, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt for more than a year after he was elected, and that trust was INDEED mis-placed. I'm MORE than willing to give president Obama the benefit of the doubt for at least his first TERM after the mess that Bush and Co. left us with. George W. Bush is doing one thing right- he said "Obama deserves his silence." meaning that he will not armchair quarterback the new president at this point in time. Which is more class than Bush ever showed in office, I think the Republicans should follow that lead...for now.

Laughter is always the best medicine. America knows our economy and our nation are not laughing matters yet the feeding frenzy and media moaning are hilarious!!! We went from disgust, to outrage, to denial, to remorse faster than children caught in a candy jar!!! Not me Daddy is the phrase of the day which the President can expound with Mr. Leno upon his arrival by invoking the infamous male code of conduct, deny, deny, deny and when caught in the act use the old "Do want to believe what you thought you saw or what I'm telling you now???" Just the AIG mess is worth 10 minutes of laughter!!!

Here is a concept... maybe America should stop acting like a house divided and work together to fix the future. This never ending squabble with conservatives and liberals will be our downfall if we cannot find a "means to an end" in our present economic situation. I am a independent and fully support President Obama, because he represents the people. If we dont support him then we are not doing our part as responsible citizens of this country. Wake up America.

20% of the country remains Bush loyalists and dittoheads. They are a very vocal 20%, sometimes their voice is louder then their actual influence.

Hopefully Obama is able to separate signal from noise, and ignore the stubborn unpleasable blowhards who, after a mere 2 months (and indeed, after a mere 1 month, after a mere week, even before inauguration), call him the worst President ever and a tyrant socialist.

Over the next 4 years they'll either sputter out or become utterly irrelevant.

As a FORMER Hardcore Republican(REAGAN REPUBLICAN), President Obama is going to do great. I really admire him for his courage and ability to connect with all of us. The corruption in our country is worse than Mexico, the drug cartels can't hold candle to the Hundreds of Billions being stolen right from under us.
President Obama and his personal demeanor are going to be a HUGE HIT on Leno tonight.

I sure am glad our President has time for NCAA brackets and The Tonight Show while our economy, just to name one thing, is going down the toilet.

Hey All work and No Play, As another member of the military I'm going to say can your comments to flobalhiker. He's entitled to his opinion just as you are. You are supposed to be fighting FOR his rights not telling him his opinion doesn't matter. Guess you need to get out of the military and stay out since you've forgotten what YOU are fighting FOR. As for Obama he has managed to sneak in new excise taxes since taking office but I guess a moron like you hasn't figured that out yet and probably never will.

I love when people try to make a point and then forget to spell check, it always makes me take them a bit less serious. Last I checked we wern't in the "Ira" and we didn't "nedd" anything.

I love the venom this has inspired from people. I love how they quote that Nero played a fiddle while Rome burned. As if this fire started on January 20th. I love that this is the top story on a NEWS website.

I don't really care one way or another about this, but I will say, if you wanted to address the nation in one fell swoop and still make yourself look human this would be the way to do it. How many people saw BIll Clinton play the sax on the Arsineo Hall show. That got him the youth vote. How many of you turn off your TV's when you see a message coming straight from the oval office? I give him credit for trying to reach out and explain his actions.

I don't care if he is funny, I care if he can fix this country, and I (unlike many who have already posted) understand that this could take longer then 100 days to fix. The man said it himself. If he can't fix this country in 4 years then in 4 years he probably won't be re-elected.

YOU WANT SOMEONE ELSE?
Try not to run an election with the moose murdering mom as your back up to the geriatric guy who doesn't know what the internet is.

This is the best president we ever had. we love him...To all of you O haters – we elected him and we love him...best president ever...go Obama, may the force be with you...

Our country & freedom is going to hell in a handbasket and we care if Obama is going to be funny???? What president goes out stumping when he should be leading? The problem with this bozo is he doesn't know how to be a leader. This so called president should be impeached!!!

So what if he's following the NCAA Tournament or appearing on Jay Leno! He is in touch with the American people. He's human and he does not view himself as a God. We all need a good laugh. . . especially now. Laughter has and always will be good for the soul.
President Obama is a breath of fresh air.

Please give our new and sincere hard working president a break! President Obama has done more work in the short time as President than Mr. Bush had done his last several years. He has inspired this citizen due to his cander and constant communication with the public explaining what he's doing and not keeping us in the dark. I love the ideal that he is appearing on the Tonight Show. He shows he does not have a stick up his back end and gives this citizen the perception that he's running a transparant white house and not resorting to the Washington business as usual we have had for the last 8 years. Good for you Mr. President!!!!

He needs to focus on his job and stop playing the "pop star" and making the rounds. Campaigning is over, Mr. President. Shouldn't you get to work?

damn you guys need to relax. yeah hes our president but hes also a human being. hes allowed to voice his oppinions like any american and, yes he is even allowed to make jokes

Let's just say this – if President Bush went on Leno to discuss the war on terror, I would have been horrified. So if President Obama goes on to discuss the financial crisis, I'm horrified at that! He doesn't need to go on this show to "speak to the American people". If he does this show, might as well do SNL. And maybe Sesame Street, explaining to the kids and muppets how he's saddling them with the burden of the "redistribution".

He is ruining this country. He needs to get off the tele-prompter and the late night shows and get is butt back to the White House and do some work. Frankly, he is the one that crammed this spending bill down everyone's throats with-out allowing people to read the bill. How many campagn promises can one man brake? I almost passed out when the tele-prompter told him to say "I am going to go line by line and get rid of the programs that don't work". Is he kidding me? He just signed an omnibus bil that Bush threatened to veto due to the pork, so the Democrats held the bill over so Obama could sign it.

People wake up before it's to late 'THIS IS NOT CHANGE" This is the same liberal party of Tax and spend- and trust me the taxes are coming!!

Obama is the best thing that has happened to the American ppl in FOREVER!!! He is doing a Great job in keeping us safe and sane...The problems we are facing were left to us in the aftermath and exiting of THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION!! All BUSH did for our country was lie to us ...steal from us...got us into a horrendous war for the wrong greedy reasons.. and HIDE from us!!! You didn't EVER see him getting out there and being a REAL person! He was always HIDING behind big fat Chaney and his other pupeteers. He had NO GUTS!!!! He was in it to make his friends money at our expense
Now would you want to follow in that limelight???......or do you think we can give a little credit to a man that has stepped up to the plate and is giving his best and most sincere effort to getting us up and back on our feet as the courageous and strong nation we are!!!

Dont forget your binky Barack, ya know, your teleprompter.

Can we say empty suit Manchurian Commander in Chief?

It is just so refreshing to have someone who is competent, smart, and really educated and knows how to talk to the people in the office of president. Along with all of that he has a great sense of humor. So, if he can get a good word in or a great point accross in this trouble time by going on JAY LENO than more power to him.

I love how everyone talks about how the "hard right" hates Obama and isn't giving him a chance. I voted for Obama and I am deeply disappointed that the country is going in the EXACT SAME DIRECTION as it was under Bush. Whats worse, its like the new administration put us in warp speed to the ultimate destination... bankrupcy. We are still spending more than we have, and the new administration has done nothing to promote the free market or the economy. He has done a lot to make us fearful of the government though: creating new tax laws just to punish (see AIG), promoting smart grids to help "regulate" energy (i.e. RATIONING), wanting to tax healthcare to push those of us with private insurance into the open arms of government welfare, wanting to force those injured serving their country to pay for their own healthcare... I can go on. He's also proven to be completely incompetent when it comes to foreign affairs (there's a list too, but do your own homework).

The only thing he has proven to be good at is being personable and likeable, which is why he's going on Leno to try to sway us to his side again. It won't work for too much longer so I suggest he go all out. Once America wakes up, and we will soon, he will find himself without any support in Congress once the 2010 elections come around.

Its time to stand up and speak out for your rights. WAKE UP AMERICA!

Apparently Obama doesn't realize that he was elected President. Apparently, he thinks he won American Idol. He sees himself as some type of star as opposed to the supposed leader of the once greatest nation in the world. Bad move, bad politics. The economy should be his focus...not flying about the country pretending he is everyone's friend. He is just too immature for this position and way to narcissistic to realize it is not about him.

Time for Barak-star Obama to become President Obama. Stop mugging for the cameras while filling out NCAA brackets and for Pete's sake, stay off of late night TV.

I think it is great that President Obama is going to be on Leno tonight. I will watch it because I like him. I didn't like President Bush when he was in office, so I didn't watch him when/if he was ever on tv talking to ANYONE. Why don't you members of the "Hate Obama" fan club do the same and just not watch the show!!!

This will simply be a "theatrical" appearance, will Obama will be an actor, playing a presidential role, telling people what they want and expect to hear.

Sounds a lot like a campaign appearance......doesn't it?

I personally like the fact that the man is human. While he has a great responsibilty towards us the American people, I think we can afford him a few hours to record with Jay Leno and some time to pick his NCAA bracket. Do you think past presidents only focused on the Presidency 24/7/365. What a miserable existence that would be.

A history lesson for all the right wingers complaining that Obama shouldn't be joking at a time like this, or that we didn't hire him to be a comedian or a sports analyst:

Anyone remember George Bush putting together a spoof of himself looking around the Oval Office for the WMD in Iraq (the ones that didn't exist) while Americans soldiers were in-theatre being killed while trying to do just that?

You're going to tell me Obama is the one who isn't serious about leading this nation? Or that he's the one who wants to be a comedian?

Please. It's spelled "h-y-p-o-c-r-i-t-e". The Tonight Show is a perfect place to connect with average Americans and be a *leader*, not just a bureaucrat. That's what we elected.

Why is there this "disgust" (to borrow a phrase from one of the comments) about Obama appearing on Leno? First, if he's funny, great - people seem hell-bent on taking the term "depression" literally. Lighten up and maybe you might start seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and working towards that.

Whether the time is filled with laughter or tears, when the spotlight goes off we are left with the same problem and the same apparent lack of a solution.

Rome is burning and Nero is just tuning up...

Hmmm, let me guess. The people not wanting to see Obama on Leno did not vote for him. The people that do want to watch did vote for him.

Are we surprised?

Look at all the bitter repubs on this board. How quickly they forget who got us into this mess!!!

Who was in charge the last 8 years?!?!?!?!

Yeah, that's what I thought. Time for the repubs to sit down and shut up.

The people will always be behind Obama because he is doing the best job he can with a catastrophe he inherited.

I don't see why people are upset that he is appearing on Jay Leno. Even if he doesn't appear the economy is still in shambles. It seems to me that everyone is bitter about their job situation or just simply upset. What can you do??? A T.V appearance or simply making comments about everyday events are not going to make the economy worst. He is a person like you and me.

As far as I'm concerned his action to remedy this AIG Bonus thing has been great. Bush would not have acted this quickly and has never. So lets just be realistic. He is doing his job, and he is a good president.

Everyone else take a chill pill.

AWANP, thank you for your service, and for your response to globalhiker. Besides Bush's own incompetence, his other biggest rival was the lack of support from the American people. He couldn't get anything done, because people didn't like him, didn't trust him, and really didn't know what the hell was going through his head.

The Obama whitehouse, on the other hand, is promoting transparency, and intentionally giving the media and the American people access to the president. This has been a proven boon for Obama, because people can more easily get behind a president who they know is actually aware of how the regular people are feeling. To those of you who disagree and would be happier with him acting like George W, isolating himself from the people, growing the power of the executive body growing the bank accounts of his friends, you are misguided.

A president's duties are as 1) the chief executive, 2) commander-in-chief, and 3) as a figurehead for the american people.

Back to "All work and no play," from your experience, when in theater, don't soldiers tend to make morbid jokes to make the situation more bearable? Please correct me if i'm wrong, but from what i've heard from the people i know who've been there, a lack of humor would drive a man insane, or indicate that he's already losing it.

Tyler, you're the only one talking about smoking pot in this conversation... too bad there's no "off topic" thread where your comments might be somewhat relevant. He hasn't even been on the show yet, but you are already assuming that he's going to "make a fool of himself." Maybe the reason he's willing to put himself in a vulnerable position is that, unlike his predecessor, he can actually intelligently defend the decisions he's making, and wants an opportunity to do so for the benefit of us citizens. It's true that our fallen soldiers (who were bravely fighting for Iraq's freedom, not ours) are not laughing, and i'm sure their family's aren't either, but so far, nobody is making jokes at their expense, so i don't see why that has anything to do with the current topic. Spread your unrelated propaganda elsewhere.

What I think is hilarious about many of these comments is the assumption that the president MUST have a ONE-TRACK MIND. Yes, he has one of the most important jobs in the world, but he cannot be consumed by work constantly. Do all of you work 24/7? I highly doubt it. It took me all of five minutes to do a bracket; I'm sure he didn't spend a helluva lot of time drawing one up either. So many people claimed to love Bush because he was an "Average Joe" and "one of us." Well, so is Obama – so what if he enjoys sports and has a sense of humor? Get off your effing high horses. Some of you will never be pleased by anything he does.

A non American commenting about American culture. Talk about the outside looking in...
Keep laughing America. It keeps the stress level down.

.
At this time I'm saddened to read so many comments from people who seem to have so little moral character, it's as if thought they were never raised in a home that taught right from wrong, but more on how to swindle, manipulate and to be out for yourself. It's a concern that amongst these people what are their children going to be like?

They live as though life is no more than a sport or game and driven only to win and know you deserve what you have. They clearly see themselves as better and more deserving and that other's without a job, without a retirement account, without a home, or health care, a better education, police protection, clean water, are no more than examples to show us why they're more deserving and others not. To them it's survival of the fittest, at any cost. That if those without, the have nots, that if they were smarter, better educated, worked harder, prayed to their God and belonged to their faith, they they'd have more and not be where they are at today. It’s an old-fashioned cast system, abandoned out shame and because it was wrong, but acting out and born again in America. This makes me wonder if reincarnation does exist because I can’t figure out where these people come from.

Tonight I will proudly watch our President as so many others around the world and personally smile while enjoying the moment.

Obama doesn't need to go on Leno to become famous... I am pretty sure he already is. He isn't going to a talk show to become a celebrity, he is going so he can't speak directly to the American people in a non-formal setting where he can try to lift our spirits. That is also the job of the president, to try and give us hope. And for those ready to criticize I remind you that out last president took WEEKS of vacation while this country was at war.

I think it's o.k. for him to be on Leno. A little laughter is good for the soul. He needs a break from the sh--t that Bush left him to solve. All you Conservatives have obviously forgotten what was dumped at his doorstep prior to him entering.

Oh! how easily those Rep. forget!!!

Leno is contributing his time to two free shows in Michigan in response to the dismal economy there (and everywhere). Obama, in the course of his Presidential visits to parts of our nation meriting a visit, happens to already be in California. So, he's not flying haphazardly about the country not paying attention to the crisis we're experiencing (as some Neocons would like to paint this) and it's perfectly appropriate for him to visit with Jay Leno as both a venue to connect with us as Americans and to honor his (Jay's) contribution to getting us through these hard times. George Bush didn't go on talk shows because he was, and remains, completely inarticulate and unable to "talk" – at least in the English language with which I'm familiar. I find it odd some of you don't want this man (Obama) to be a . . . man. You go on and on about how he is an elitist when our country needs (in your view) some kind of "every man" and then when he exhibits signs of humanity – anger at AIG, sense of humor, opinion on NCAA tourney, etc. you brand him some kind of slacker who is being inattentive to his responsibilities as President. Get used to it Neocons, your guy couldn't get it done (even though we gave him eight years to do so) and this new guy has already shown that he can multitask and address his duties as President and have some humanity to boot. Maybe it has something to do with not taking so many vacations while all hell is breaking loose . . .

I think this is ridiculous that Obama is going on TV. Fix the economy and get back to work stop screwing around. My President is Ron Paul. I for one DID NOT vote for this guy!

So much hate on this board....Obama has been in office about 50 days more or less, and some people on these boards are ready to fire him already. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! What original idea do rethuglicans have? More tax cuts? Maybe another $600 early tax refund check??? Please!! Those ideas don't work, never worked, and definitely wont work in this instance.

Give the guy a chance. As an earlier poster pointed out the guy is not God, and he certainly going to need more than 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, possibly even 1 year to sort the mess that is the bush administration out.

In the meantime, I hope the politics of hate and fear – republican party- get sufficated and killed off for for good!

Wouldn't it be great if those pushing the sour-grape cart would shut up a moment and take a real look at what the President is doing...he knows exactly where north is and going on Jay Leno is simply one bright step in his brilliant way of reaching out to the populace.

Another venue for discussing AIG. Congress had an opportunity to halt any "bonuses". They, and Obama failed. However our government is doing quite well at its tranisition to socialism.

Dear Barack,

How about not spreading the wealth. Mainly because there isn't any, right? I'm not going to give away money to a bunch of "yuppie hobos" when I haven't the money to spend, neither should our government.

I am also a taxpayer. Come on, give the president a break . . he is working and he is not "Bush" (hiding behind the bushes.....LOL)

There are things about Obama I don't like, but his penchant for getting things done and keeping things moving forward is not one of them. Whatever changes he's bringing about, be they good or bad, they're changes that people can concretely see and evaluate. If some of them don't work, I have confidence that those issues will be dealt with, not swept under the rug and left to fester.

Obama's appearance on Leno is in the spirit of true democracy - direct conversation between the people and their leader. The majority of news that we get from Washington comes through the filter of pundits, commentators, and other media outlets - not all of it is spun with an intent to connive or to push a specific agenda, but nonetheless, it's filtered. Obama has made more effort than could have been expected to speak for himself, to take responsibility for his actions and the actions of his administration, and to connect with the people he represents. There are demographics in this country who, frankly, don't watch "The News;" they get their current events from other sources, including late night TV. This is generally a bad thing - as with the mainstream news media, news on comedy shows and the like gets filtered, usually much more heavily. What is so awful about our president making an effort to reach Americans who can't be bothered to pay attention to credible news media?

He didn't go out of his way to go on the show, he's in the LA area for town hall meetings and decided to stop by on the show since it was convenient.

It's called multi-tasking and it is a useful skill to have.

He'll probably be at the studio for 1 hour or less between stops. It's not an all day thing.

People really need to focus on the circumstances surrounding his visit instead of making blind remarks on him going on the show.

I'm guessing this story about whether or not Obama will be funny on Leno was originally rejected by TMZ as too much of a "fluff piece" so CNN decided to run it?

I think Mr.President should connect with Americans thru other means. They are many who watch late night television that do not follow ALL the b.s. we have on our evening news. Great choice Mr.President to reach to other Americans.

He will certainly be funny. What is not funny is all of those who want to critique him: Do you even realize we have two other branches that make up this government? Ever hear of the Judicial Branch or Legislative Branch? Come on, you people are trying to compare the guy to people (other Presidents) who had completely different challenges at completely different times in our nation's history. Give the guy a break. Nobody works 24-7. Not only that, but he has only been in office a mere 58 days. What do you expect? Since Rome wasn't build in a day, don't expect the US economy to be rebuild that quickly either.

President Obama should reach out to the people in as many ways as possible – Leno is just another platform. The people objecting are afraid that his real message, unfiltered by media, will be heard and the people who elected him will remember why they voted for him in the first place. The media is crisis oriented – everything becomes a crisis and the Republicans are front and center creating these upheavals. It will be GREAT to see our president speaking directly to us in our living rooms without the pomp and circumstance of an official briefing – and without congress critters hedging and explaining themselves into a black hole.

GOBAMA!!

Obama is COMPLETELY out of touch and is clueless to what the masses are going through! Ron Paul is my President!

Caramba! such passionate negativism! You would think it's the first time a President appears on popular TV. The President's frequent UH's are not because he's dumb, it's a speech habit and does not detract from the depth of his message. The anti-Obama people are grabbing onto every little thing they can to detract from his efforts to straighten our economy and help our country. These people think they're patriots and speak for all of us? Obama is NOT GOD–he is a human being blessed with special gifts from God to lead a nation. YES, HE WILL MAKE MISTAKES, AS ALL OUR PRESIDENTS HAVE. But don't forget he was elected by Americans from all walks of life, races and creeds. Get with the program Americans and support your President by helping your neighbor and community. Conserve energy and gas, love each other, listen to good music. GET A LIFE!

It's too bad too many sit in judgment. Better to write about the problems than get busy doing something about them – the negative comments have got to stop – the positive actions have started... too many watch as "life as we know it" is slipping away and do not choose to be proactive – be proactive – be supportive – move mountains – open up – American problems cannot be solved by grumbling about "what he should or shouldn't do", problems are solved when people begin to take action, brainstorm, try something, anything.... by doing nothing but stating your personal opinion creates neither ideas nor solutions.

JUMP ON THE AMERICAN BANDWAGON AND BEGIN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING THE DIRECTION OF THIS COUNTRY – BECOME A CATALYST FOR CREATIVE, INNOVATIVE IDEAS THAT WILL CHANGE THESE STATES INTO THE UNITED STATES!

Too many people in charge of this nation missed the ethics 101 class, however, I think Mr. President didn't miss a thing – he's a leader and should have every true, real American's support.

I hope rush limbaugh doesn't get JEolous.
I know RUSH is super RICH, with his owm private plane, eat the BEST meat in the world and lives a multi multi million dollars mansio but he is ALL ALONE except for the MAIDS and yes RUSH limbaug has 30,40
million listeners but nobody invites him to talk shows.

well, that what republicans wanted, to give positive newss and no more gloom doom.

I believe PRESIDENT OBAMA will steal the show and have record breaker in ratings

Comment #1 You are OUT OF TOUCH! I completely disagree with your comment! Ron Paul is who I voted for not this dude!

People don't understand that Obama did not created this economic crisis. I think he is doing everything he can to fix this problem. He is a open president who have some connection with American people and he only have few weeks in the office.

Obama is a joke so, yes he will be funny tonight on the Leno show.
Bad joke I must say.
Sarah

"skip Lenon get a good nights sleep and fix our problems"

They tape those shows at like 12 PM...I think he can still get a decent night sleep. If you critisize Obama's 20 minutes of college basketball brackets and 1 hour of Jay Leno, what were you thinking about Bush's constant Texas "Ranch" visits, etc....I guess you people expect the President to be a 24/7 robot? Maybe if everyone else in the US worked that hard, they wouldn't be worrying about the economy.

I'm already laughing at all of the conservatives coming out for a bashing. It's like an appetizer before my course meal

why are people so upset he's going to be on Leno? He's not promoting a sitcom, he will be addressing the state of our country. That's what presidents do. So what it's on Leno. And you want to talk about presidents wasting time? Let's talk about the MONTHS that Bush spent on vacation.

Why is the President of this United States going on Leno? I guess he doesent think he has better things to do, or he doesent know what to do. GO TO WORK Mr. OBAMA!

Hey idiots! Look here! Obama has not raised your taxes yet!

And he probably won't!

You are foolish if you think your rising taxes have something directly to do with him.

Here's an idea! These taxes your talking about are most likely state and local taxes, things the federal government has no control over. So...how about getting off of your couches and confronting these people about it! Stop whining to a level that is the most visible, but has little to nothing to do with you! Stop it!
Just stop it!

Now!

Also, idiots, the President has the time to go on Leno and be President at the same time. What some of you naysayers and dummies don't understand is it's CONGRESS. Let me say again. CONGRESS who passes bills and can really get things done. And they have working hours! The President's power is limited via checks and balances. What do you expect him to do, sit in his office wringing his hands. No.

That's what the GOP does. God knows they have little else to do.

While he has this celebrity (which is what ALL presidents have, being head of state should give you celebrity status, if not, you are very,very bad.) he should at least use it to reach people.

President Obama – no matter what you say or do, you will have some who agree and some who disagree. Do what your instincts tell you to do – it's worked pretty well so far.

And for all you idiotic anti-Obama-ites out there. So he enjoys a joke and a good time every once in a while. If he were like Bush he'd have already spent one out of his two months on the job on VACATION!

I love the incompetency of the American public.

If he wants to go on TV I think there are more dignified venues for a sitting President like w/ Bob Schieffer or Chris Wallace but not Jay who I love

Can't wait til I hit 35 in about a decade or so. I'll run for president and show you all what it really means to be a president. Regardless of what color obama is, or what gender his political party opponent is or how out of touch his republican opponent is he's still the same person as them. Don't let his words fool you. He's got the same upbringing and class status as the others. It's nearly impossible for a working class person to run for president due to the popularity neccessary and money required to run. Thankfully the internet is becoming a more important tool for campaigning and that's what I'll have to use.

And when did everyone forget the jokes about how politicians lie? They still do and all under the guise of it being for our security and safety. Since when was keeping a secret that directly affects people 'safe'? It really feels like they're in a back room someone saying things like, "Hey the country is on fire, we better not let anyone know or they might get mad." I'm in the military and I know certain things need to stay secret, but if someone is wrong people need to know so they can make plans.

Who cares! He's a bafoon, and we are all paying his airfare. Get rid of the bum ASAP.

Just look at all the Repubicans and the grumpy old folks who had to put somthing negative on this page.
My goodness, so all of you just like to me miserable and sad all day?
Although the recession is down, the President is doing his best.
It is folks like you, who end up killing yourselfs because you cannot and do not want a smile on your face. You all just love to be down.

Take a look at Chelsey Edwards. She is a young child, who have more common sense that any of you with your negative views on the President. This world, and especially the great U.S.A. need more young individuals like her. It is taking the young people to show you old grumpy folks how to love one another, and not hate each other.

Chelsey, you ROCK

All you Haters need to get a life. But then who would want to be bothered with you.

By the way, can anyone tell me why there is so little coverage of Natasha Richardson? Cable news is stuck on AIG, and they don't realize that Richardson is an important story. Besides those who knew her as a performer, the circumstances of her death are noteworthy, worth being observed. People are starting to get sick of the developments surrounding AIG, how special members of Congress are starting to look bad, lying in public. I know it's a disgrace, but I could've used more coverage of the tragic life of Natasha Richardson. Why is everyone so quiet?

So basically what most of you are saying is that a president does not have the right to a personal life and should be working 24×7? Get real. If he chooses to play basketball or watch NCAA games on his personal time who are you to judge? Do you think that all CEOs work 24×7? I don't think so, they are out playing golf and using their Blackberry devices.
Everyone expects miracles. It hasn't even been 3 months! give President Obama a chance to work and get things accomplished before you start passing judgement, or should we judge you 3 months into a job to decide whether you should keep your job?

Please lighten up all those who are bad-mouthing this appearance.
Barack is fortunately-for-us the leader we need in these troubled times. I am looking forward to this government setting its sights on the unconscienable stream of garbage passed off as the media that has dumbed-down and fouled up our young and old, right after the financial 'wizards' are gaffed.

Oh yes, I'd like to see our President on Letterman sometime also

Laughter is the best medicine. People who take themselves too seriously rarely find things to laugh about. A mature mind knows the benefits of laughter and comedy and as well as the praramount responsibilities that awaits after the light moment ends. The benefits of laughter are intrinsic. Trying to find anything more in laughter is like looking for peaches in an apple tree. A person's life is mutlifaceted just like the presidency. I say, more power to the President to take time to share a light side with the people. A lot of us can use a little laugh at this time.

He is not a celebrity – have some respect for the office that was bought for you and some dignity for yourself, Nobama. Get to work at the Oval Office and do something for us than just for yourself. What a worthless, self-centered waste of votes!

Dear "Taxpayer":

This President is not out of touch at all. He knows too well how bad things are. He inherited a disaster from the most incompetent president we've had in our generation!! But there is more to life than AIG, including the NCAA , the Jay Leno show, and other daily events. I see you had no problem with the BILLIONS in bonuses given to Merrill Lynch and BOA employees, but those were given under Bush. You didn't scream then. The moment this President decided to take away some of the tax breaks Bush showered you for 8 years, and is giving it to the middle class who trully deserve a tax break, you started screaming. Do you know that the average income grew for every decade since the 60s with the exception of this decade? It was negative, but I bet yours was not. This President is working harder than Bush ever worked.. Hmmmm... how quickly we forget. Katrina was flooding New Orleans and Bush was at a fund raiser in Phoenix... But, that's OK... those were never "his" people anyway...

Obama Supporter

So when is someone going to tell this guy that the campaign is over and now it's time to get to work.

why did he as president of the us wear a necktie!!!!!!!!!

One of America's best traits is the ability to laugh at adversity and then get up off the floor and move on, hopefully learn for the next problem that ( eventually ) arises, and laugh again then solve THAT problem. Lets not forget our sense of humor will catrry the day. I know its hard but it will.

I hope he makes us laugh! We all need one in theses hard times...

This is democracy at its best. Being able to voice our opinions openly and without fear. This is what the United States of America stands for and this is what we all need to be afraid of loosing. Our freedoms, our constitutional rights, and the ability to choose another leader in 4 years. For the time being, President Barack Obama is our President, and as American citizens, it is our duty to support him and our government. We may not agree with him or any decisions he makes, but it is our duty to be respectful of the office he holds, and the country he leads. If you want to be a part of the solution, then be the very best American you can be. Speak highly of our country and our leaders. Show the world that Americans are strong, resilient, and respectful of the President that our democracy put into office. Show the world that democracy works, and it will work for the United States of America.

Taxpayer,

Give me a break!! The man is trying to show us all his human side when he takes time to show us his NCAA picks or appear on Jay Leno. He's in California anyway!!!! He's working is ass off you ungrateful jerk!!!!!

Cheers to the Pres! For some people who think that he is a robot and doesn't need some time to unwind and relax. I'm glad he can do things that I do (Bracket, laugh/comedy) then not show his face during these hard times.

Cheers to him!

Patience is a virtue. So is humor. You know, we are incredibly well informed thanks to the 24 hour news cycle– is there a chance that we are over-informed and over-opinionated? Just because you think it doesn't make it true. How about having a little patience, sense of humor and some frikking Christian charity for the man who is doing probably the hardest job on earth. Hate will get you nowhere. Sit in your darkened living room exuding your hate while the rest of America gets to take a lousy hour and laugh with their intelligent, hard working president. Everyone take a deep breath and put your pitchforks and torches away. How about taking a look at your own finances, intelligence and behavior and fixing your own problems before playing armchair president? Fixing America starts one household at a time.

Obama is your president, so quit bickering about the consequences of this choice. Deciding which forum the president choses to convey his message is not your decision nor should it be your priority. In these times of economic strain, be greatful that you still have the accessibility to type what you do on these forums and that your president isn't a sitting duck and actually trying to reach out to you Americans.

Perhaps the eyes of Americans should be focused on hope rather than blame and judgement?

I think its ok for Obama to do this. Times are hard, and Obama knows that. He is doing all he can to fix the economy, but it takes more than two months to do so, even if he does everything perfectly. Taking time to make this appearance in no way indicates that he does not understand that the economy is in bad shape. Nor does it indicate that he is insensitive to those hurt by the economy. Humor is ok at a time like this. What, is he supposed to walk around acting depressed all the time?

Republicans are just looking for something to complain about because their party has lost touch with modern America. The republican party is living in the past. Time for them to wake up and start to modernize their views. Obama is what America needs and his appearacne on Jay Leno is a good thing if anything.

Because our president has decided to appear on Jay Leno in no way means he'll be doing stand up PEOPLE!! its another way of coming out and speaking to and reaching out to the public in other venues and formats. Talk about 'thinking and operating out of the box'!!
He's done more in these past 2 mos than has been accomplished in the past 8 years. ...all of us need a break but he's still 'on the job' even on Leno.....good for him!!!

To "mourning a nation"

You have no one to blame but yourself. The Republican party knew it had to dig itself out from Bush's shadow to even be competitive. However, running McCain and not a stronger competitor was the fatal error. Blame yourself and all other Republican voters who couldn't put up a better candidate to challenge the Obama machine. Instead, you take the coward's path and blame others for not doing the job you should have.

I don't think he's there to be funny but
will use Leno's show to deliver a
updated mini state of the union message
in a more informal setting than the oval office.
But should he use a little humor to get his points across,
what's wrong with that?? Top 10 reasons why
AIG shouldn't be your insurance company....

I can't believe how incredibly impatient, petulent, irrational and deluded some people are in this country and how they expect eight years of disaster to be wiped away in the snap of someone's fingers?!! Get a grip people, this isn't McDonald's where things happen in a couple of minutes!! Anyone who has worked in federal and state government (me!) understands that regardless of how "quickly" the public wants things done, these things will take time even though I'm sure they're working as quickly as they can. Furthermore, it's interesting to read how some people think he's "doing too much" while others think he's doing "too little". Shows that no matter what Obama does, people will always find something to gripe about!!

My insincerest of apologies, but i failed to mention another important point. Many of you are talking about his appearance on Leno as though it's going to significantly affect how much time he has to do the rest of his job, but aren't you all forgetting that we're dealing with the most tech-savvy president in history? Hello, people, he can work on the road! One of the purposes of the presidential jet is as a mobile office. A president doesn't need to be physically in the whitehouse to do his job. I can go home at night and work from home...i'm pretty sure that the president has access to at least as much technology.

as for the cost of fuel, etc, you guys are seriously nitpicking aren't you? For one thing, the fuel consumption and secret service detail amount to such a small portion of the national budget, it's a drop in the bucket, a non-issue.

Maybe i'm being a bit harsh...after George W started a war, then almost immediately went on vacation (averaging over 50 vacation days per year) i can see why you might get a bit anxious about Obama spending half a day to appear on the late show...actually, no i can't; so can the alarmism.

How in the world is P.Diddy affected by the recession? This man makes millions and millions of dollars every year. If he's not making music, he's making Bands. If he's not selling clothes, he's selling Vodka. So I am really not concerned about Diddy's remarks. Obama, should return to Washington as soon as possible and get this thing straightened out. He wanted this job, now he got it. Stop whinning for him!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone ( Clinton, McCain, or The Easter Bunny) would have gotten the same mess as Obama got. This wasn't just made to happen so he could come in and save the day.

Mat: Reagan connected with the people yes. But he is solely responsible for repealling all the financial regulations developed in the Depression Era responsible for keeping our free market economy safe. Now insurance companies are tradingi companies are banks are savings and loans ARE THEIVES. Read YOUR history. Figure out just HOW McCain HELPED charles keating rob the last generation.

Obama is caught directing Senator Dodd to slip a favor to AIG in the stimulus bill to reward their big campaign contributions and his reponse is to go on Leno and pick winners in the college basketball tournament. Talk about fiddling while Rome burns!

CNN, please tell the whole AIG story!

Geez people...give him a break. Obama can only get so much sleep (referring to Mat's comment) and can only fix so many problems each day. I don't think it is going to harm any of us if he goes on the Leno show. So please, stop being big babies.

I can't wait to watch .. i think it is good to see the president upbeat and positive about what is to come... if the leader is showing a positive outlook it could have a positive effect and for "mourning a nation" who says that people are mad and re-thinking there new president... think again... i had confidence then and i have confidence now and so do most of those who voted for him... and if you are so upset about him being on there don't watch it... and who says t here is no room for comedy in politics... the Bush presidency and the McCain campain were some of best comedies i'v seen in a long time...

Geithner was president of the NY Fed, which has power over the NY banks and insurance companies headquartered in the city, in this case AIG.

This further weakens the argument of the President Obama that the government had failed to supervise the AIG. Of course I had – and has.

How does the government put all that money in a company and not want to know what is happening there?

Let's see what the President will talk about it ...

to :tyler March 19th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

....What the heck are you saying??..you are not manking any sense...
Going to a talk show makes you a fool out of yourself??..please take your head out of your butt and lighten up. At least Obama will not practice his golf swing while America burns.
He is a human. Not a dumb puppet we had for the previous 8 years. And I guess it kills you right wings to see him getting connected to ordinary people like us.
And no..men and women who have given their lives for our freedom are not laughing. because they don't seem to understand why Bush and chronies haven't been put in trial for war crime yet.
Be thankful that Obama is a decent man and educated man. So Mr. tyler just lighten up and have a cigar.

Of course he'll be funny ... his presidency is a joke.

This is today's version of a fireside chat–and in bleak times like these needed more than anything.

It is time for all the naysayer's to get on board and help restore this country instead of just being insulted by everything this new administration does while waiting in the shadows until 2012 when they can say "I told you so". People with that kind of attitude are usually the first to be laid-off and yet the most surprised by it.

I for one do not understand why the president continues to campaign. He won the election in November. It is time to be in Washington and especially at this time when there are so many problems. I do not understand getting on Air Force One and going all over the country. Can you just talk to the people from Washinton. You need to be at your desk and working with congress(god help us) thru this major problem of spending. Please I have no more money to give to the government. I have retired but might have to go back to work if you continue to spend. My mother said pay cash for it. If you have to take the money out of your pocket to buy something you will give it a second thought , and deceide you may not need that which was prized just a while ago.

"Mourning a nation", should be mourning himself. You obviously have too much time on your hands.

Why is this article even relevant, just let the man be the way he wants to be

I want to comment on the A.I.G situation, My comment is why after the big company’s make bad on their propsoals, why does the federal government feel they need to keep investing in them. The president stated that “it was the right thing to do to step in”. On the other hand he is saying we need to build from the bottom up, but with another breath says, that we cant let these banks fall. Is it not true that if you take some of these power houses out the way or in this situation let them collapse from there own wrong doing that it will pave the way for smaller businesses to get a peace of the economy by spreading these big businesses business to smaller businesses with the same discipline and at the same time mitigating the amount of money the government spends on bail outs but invest in inpowering these smaller businesses with the responsiblity of managing their communities lending. In return taking the net away, this allows the GIANTS to look down over their balcony a see where they will be if they miss represent themselves.

All a recession is, is a collective way of thinking. People are afraid on a national, if not worldwide level, to spend money. Having a little laughter and having a little confidence that things will get better is something that can go a long way towards changing the perception of the economy in people's minds. Like they say, laughter is the best medicine.

Yeah funny in a pathetic, "help I've fallen and I can't get up, sort of way.

What people?

You mean going to a town with 15% unemployment and promise to build a bridge.

What good does that do after it's finished? NOTHING

The administration and Congress better learn to follow the Constitution.

We have 2 states (Montana and Georgia) proposing bills that will force the federal government to pay the states in gold and silver. I don't blame them at all.

What people?

You mean going to a town with 15% unemployment and promise to build a bridge.

What good does that do after it's finished? NOTHING

The administration and Congress better learn to follow the Constitution.

We have 2 states (Montana and Georgia) proposing bills that will force the federal government to pay the states in gold and silver. I don't blame them at all.

Obama is wearing a little thin – Grand Plans – Big Talk – No Accountability.

It's out of control.

Hopefully Obama will declare a state of emergency in late night tv and Jimmy Kimmel Live will be canceled!

If you are in the Pelosi state you do what the natives do....pick tomatoes, cukes, peppers, strawberries (oops..wrong time of year) or you watch our comic prez avoid dealing with the mess he and his democratic filth have put us in...over two years in control ,Pelosi..dispute it. No, she would rather build her voting base of illegals.

impeach them all starting with every demo and half of the repub!

President is a man of the people. Those commenters that disparage this are so out of touch It is a pity. I feel sorry for them.

You people are pathetic who don't support this appearance. It's another outlet so he can get backing on his magnitude of decisions he's made since Jan. 21st.

Remember how awesome it was that Clinton appeared on SNL? Pretty awesome.

The AIG thing isn't his fault, it's called responsibility. Something Bush never had in his time in office.

Give Obama the chance he deserves. He's been in office for 2 months.

Through 56 years of marriage, four children, 12 grands and greats, we've worked out way throughy many financial disasters and other roadblocks to success. Laughter lightens the loads. So ease up on thePrez–he's just what we need. And like us, he works his tail off the rest of the time.

I don't understand why people want a robot as their president. He's in California now anyway, he's not spending money on fuel for Air Force One just to go visit Jay Leno. And it's also important to note that the Tonight Show is taped earlier in the day, not live.

I agree that comedy and tragedy do go hand in hand. Being exclusively solemn about our grim situation won't do anything to help the economy. We might as well enjoy ourselves when we have the chance.

And to say that the number of people who regret voting for Obama is "growing daily" is utterly fallacious. I'd also like to point out that there is not even a hint at a source for that "fact" mentioned above. In truth, according to Gallup, Obama's approval rating is at 62% and on the rise, which indicates that not only do the people who voted for him still largely approve, so do a good deal of people who did not vote for him.

stop talking about basketball and comedy and start leading the country.

I dunno what u think about Jay Leno, but as i know. its not only about comedy or jokes, but more into critics and Information that u can get from it. there will be sarcastic jokes or words, and we know it. Those ciritics and Information will be served in the light ways and we can see the quality of this person handling the jokes.
So, if u think the Joke would be just pure joke?, i bet u guys arent that smart enough to think why Obama wants to be there.
Thats why Jay Leno is so famous, and most of educated people watch and love his "jokes".

Peace

If people only made worthwhile comments, this comment section would be quite empty wouldn't it?

This is truly embarrassing. I have a sense of humor... but with all the troubles the US is supposed to be dealing with... it seems this presidential clown has nothing better to do than worry about his image or rather... vanity. Sickening.

I find him and his policies quite humorous. Why would he be any differenty on Leno?

People are in love with the idea of Obama, and are blinded to the actual Obama. Already breaking many of his campaign promises, people will continue to be blinded by his glamour. If every stance, and political action that Obama has taken so far was done so by somebody else people would not care about that person, they would even see his follies.

I am so sick of all the Obama haters out there. He has been in office a little over 3 months and is trying to fix the mess we are in.

Trying things that are different is what we need right now. We have had 8 years of the same and look where we are. We are now spending money to make money instead of throwing it away – which is a good thing. To position ourselves to be the innnovative world leader once again.

Also, you all are talking like our president is going to do a comedy routine! He is taking a different avenue of addressing the American people.

As for you Global Hiker – Competence is a change from the former administration..

Part of what has made America great in the past is that our leaders acted like leaders, with the truly great leaders respecting the office they held. Appearing on an entertainment program cheapens that office and erodes the respect that the office is due.

When candidate Richard Nixon appeared on Laugh In in the '60s, he raised his popularity against his competition but lessened the respect that was due him. When candidate Bill Clinton played his saxophone on Arsenio Hall, he did the same thing. When both got into office, they found out what a lack of respect could due to you. On the other hand, Ronald Reagan even with his Hollywood background made sure that the office of the President was never cheapened.

This is no experiment in democracy, it is no 21st Century "Fireside Chat". It is a cheapening of the office of the President. Mr. Obama has no need to prove his egalitarian roots. He should have NEVER sought this venue to ingratiate himself to the American people. I don't want a buddy in the Oval Office, I want a leader.

Poor Little Heather: See what "libs" do to their young. This poor child doesn't have a chance to draw her own conclusions. She is being programmed by her parents.
Obama funny? Yeah, sort of like a divorce attorney is funny.
Or the "drunk" down at the Elks trying to MC the program.
No, he isn't funny.
The mess we are in is not funny.
Geithner is not funny
Burris and Kirk are not funny.
Frank, Pelosi and Reid are not funny.
McCain is not funny.
The only funny people, who are actually psychotic, are the American voters who put this "pretend President" in office and the other 500 in congress. Now, THAT IS FUNNY!!

Sure, there are plenty of things going wrong with this country today, but if you can't take a few minutes of your time to take a step back, relax, and laugh a little bit, then you probably have your prioritites a little out of whack. Leave it to the right-wing nut jobs to come into a story like this one and spout out their gloom and doom. Maybe they were the ones laughing when Bush ran this country into the ground. Give us some slack for wanting to return the favor while trying to rebuild everything he destroyed.

Hey look at me, I m black, cool, hip, and rich. Who cares if I don't know what I m doing. I can pick and roll with a sweet jumper and still smoke a pack a day, yo. I got all the old Clinton folks to do my dirty work so I m super slick with no nasty stick. Uh huh. I got all the Hollywood peeps in my corner and the Gays are all over me like white on rice. Did I say that?
You know I did. This President business is a piece of cake, because everybody loves me, except those racists over at Fox news, but as long as I got Oprah, man I can do no wrong. Ask any one about a handsome black man that can walk and chew gum at the same time. Its Oscar time baby! Seriously though, when I get with Hugo Chavez, then we'll really see some changes.

The county is in the deepest financial crisis since WWII, we are being embarrassed by the bailouts of companies such as AIG, unemployment is at all time high just to name a few of our unfortunate issues, yet our president thinks the best thing for him to do is spend a day with a sports reporter and then follows it up on a late show? Are you kidding me America? This is how we want our president to spend his time? I for one am disgusted at this blatent disprespect for the office of the presidency!

President Obama, I implore you to spend your time on the important issues at hand, our country depends on it. Your "popularity" will take care of itself if you can navigate us through the mess we have gotten ourselves into.

After visiting the states from Canada and hearing what people had to say about their economy, I find it truely disturbing that their president is going on Leno to be a star. Maybe if he spent more time focusing on the current problems and not his stardom he could fix your problems. Look at all the earmarks that were in the budget he made.
Its a joke. Good luck

Mr. Bush made a career out of claiming to be "like the common man", and a "guy you'd want to have a beer with", nevermind that he grew up in Connecticut with a silver spoon rather than in Texas on a ranch.

So now that Mr. Obama is actually sapking to the common man in a language and manner that is both respectful of his intelligence and has a common element, whether it be humor, sports, or outrage at the corporate corruption that Mr. Bush encouraged with a wink, a nod, and a look-the-other-way,people can't handle that??

The President of the United States should be revered for his or her office, respected for his or her integrity and intellect, and well-regarded for his or her ability to relate to all Americans, as well as the people of the rest of the world. And some people might even like him for his personality and good looks too, right?

The problem is that the last guy thought he could skip that "integriy and intellect" part. That didn't work out so well for the rest of us.

Funny?? Yes, When will Obama realize he has been elected and doesn't have to hit every pit stop in the country...Go HOME to the White House and save our country and the people out of work...Go HOME!!!!!

of course he will be funny- he thanks himself for a party, he doesn't know the contents of the executive orders he just signs off on and has to ask others of the contents upon questioning by reporters, he compares a 1908 car to an suv, common....this is funny stuff.

He claims he didn't know anything about the bobus loophole when his own guy put it in weeks ago. He says Washington is in a tizzy (he is above it) and he isn't going to point fingers (he inherited everything) and even though he had nothig to do with it ...it's his job to fix it- then we find out the truth- he is funny.

Almost too funny- he's my president.

Everytime I turn the news on, it just gets worse and worse. Wow, did you see what Michelle wore today, or the Obama girls got a new dog, or here is the presidents final four picks. Now this Leno crap. Whoever said he is acting like a rock star said it best.! America, start focusing on what really matters!

I'm amazed at everyone's opinions on something they haven't even seen yet. I'm starting to think that over-reacting is an American pastime. Obama's not a miracle maker, but he's also not bringing down destruction on the world. At least he's working. I'd rather him take one night off than weeks at a time working on his ranch.

I'm a supporter of President Obama, for now, but it really looks bad that he feels he has time to go on a late night comedy talk show. You people realize that when he eventually visits N.Y. he'll now feel obligated to visit Letterman. I agree with the fact that he is connecting without a very large amount of people and like it to some extent but Presidents are not supposed to be "just another regular guy" they should be someone that is better than us and whom we look up to for leadership. The tour should end at the Daily Show......now THAT would be interesting.

Chelsea,
One thing the mainstream media won't tell you is that Obama is extremely pro-homosexual and he's extremely pro-abortion. The man supports gay and lesbians and also supports killing babies. His policies may sound good on the surface, but they're going to drive this country into a depression that exceeds that of the 1920s and 1930s. Taxing the big money businesses to give to the poor is not the answer. The reason is the more you tax big business, the more they will lay off workers to make up the difference. The umemployment rate will only climb. Obama may be a good personality to the public, but deep inside his motives and intentions are evil.

To globalhiker: May I request you to take a hike? Ronny and acting went together – always. Same with sonny Bush. You don't remember all the pseudo-ranch-dude things, do you? Both settled in cozy white neighborhoods once the presidencies got over.

People are scared and we all know what fear breeds-more fear. Look at 9/11. Our country fell apart. Obama's face time is incredibly important to calm the hysterical masses. Unfortunately, in America, more people would watch Leno than a Presidential speech.
A brilliant move by our best President to date!

I love how you can tell the party lines here. I think Obama has done a surprisingly good job so far and he is likeable. Going on Leno isn't going to ruin his credibility as a world leader. Let me know when he ignores a devistating natural disaster for a few days, then i'll get appauled.

no im not a Democrat..jut not being blindly ignorant.

Obama and his liberal buddies, Frank, Pelsosi, Dodd, Reid and others of their ilk, are rushing so fast to give away taxpayer money that they can't even keep track of what they are spending it on, and are constantly backpedalling, –saying, "Oh, I didn't know that was in there". What kind of fools do they think the American people are? They are not funny..Not at all.

I know, some will say I need to lighten up, but I kinda like my leaders to act the part, and my President to act Presidential. After all, he is the leader of the most powerful country in the world. Yea, I bet he's a good guy, but once he agreed to run and take the oath, he assumed a big obligation. To me, having the President of the United States appearing on the 'Tonight Show' is more evidence of the 'dumbing down' of our society. Anyone ever see the movie 'Idiocracy'?

Who cares if Obama is funny, this is no laughing moment with so many losing their jobs and houses. I'm sure he'll state more lies. Yeah I'm mad....I'm mad as hell!!! And I won't be staying up to watch Obama, he makes me sick. He has lied more Bush and he's getting away with it!!!

Maybe I missed something...did this report actually say Obama was going to be funny? I don't see it. Regardless, I can't help but think that a little humor couldn't hurt. It's not as if he is going to do anything incredibly foolish on Leno. Maybe the melodrama that seems to have been a part of American politics isn't the only way to deal with our problems. I don't know...I just don't see an appearance on Leno changing our current situation for the worse.

This is very inappropriate for a sitting President – he should be spending time carefully choosing his cabinet and tirelessly working on the nation's challenges. He also has insulted being in Washington many times, which is very tasteless. Didn't he know the White House is in Washington when he ran for the Presidency? He also seems to need applause and attention. This is troubling. A true public servant should not need this, nor seek it.

One night on Jay Leno, is a lot better than multiple vacations to Texas as Bush did, when he shouldn't have.

Did grammar school get out late today? WOW!

They obviously didn't learn how to type or spell too good.....:-)

It may be the wrong format, but I think he's got the right idea. Speak to the people where they are most likely to listen. FDR did his fireside chats through the radio when most people had those, so why shouldn't Obama use TV as the mode this time? While being President probably requires a 60 hour + work week, part of his mission is to speak to the American people. He's still doing his job, just differently than we might expect from someone else.

The first teleprompter/speechwriter to connect with the American people is more accurate. Watch tonight and you will see if Obama is the same without the crutch, even with a joke or two written for him.

President Obama is a great guy and he is kind hearted to everybody and he WILL provide great leadership and be a great president during his term.

Mat, you'll sound more convincing in an attempt to talk down to someone if you use better grammar. Spellcheck, even.

Just keep trying, Repugs...someday you might actually find a valid reason to dislike the guy. Or you could take an economics class or two...

i'd like to laugh at the tragedy of the american south.

but deep in my heart i hope they'll see the light and become more of a part of moderate american society.

good luck, southerners !

Mat, give the kid a break. For starters, she wasn't even around to see anyone other than W and Bill. She's also Canadian. Chelsey, keep your positive outlook, that's what made our countries great. Political bile and vitriol from BOTH sides of the aisle achieves exactly nothing.

globalhiker, you are right that the president should "roll his shirt sleeves up and deal with the challenges..." but I would argue that he's already doing that. In fact, part of his job is to shore up the morale of his troops, both military and civilian. Appearing on Jay Leno may seem to you to be a waste of time, but I would argue that it is not. Besides, he can still get plenty of work done in Airforce 1 both on his way out there and back. Let's be realistic here.

Comedy contain a "sense of superiority" in it. The banana peel gag is funny only when it happens to others. We think: "I'm not that dumb to slip and fall."

Hence the popularity of racist, sexist, homophob, redneck and other jokes of dubious humor. "I'm better than that. Ha, what fools those (fill in the blank) are!"

BTW, Ackerman's joke was really, really stupid!
"I Can't Believe It's Not A Groaner"

Whatever Obama will do or will go through will be up for debate and microinspection. The country is in the ditch but before we Americans vilify or glorify the current President, we need to take a hard look at ourselves and learn something from the ground zero of the economy burned to the ground by greed and over consumption by the Americans, of the Americans and for the Americans.

We live in a society where politics, celebrity and entertainment are ongoing components of a great melange. It works because collectively we have made it all part of our daily diet. Most of the time it tastes good. And all of the time it never makes you fat.

What's wrong with the President appearing on Jay Leno? We had our own comedian in the White House for 8 years, and at least Leno's ratings were better!

As far as Coach Krzyzewski is concerned, I can't think of too may people that has Duke in the Final 4 anyhow, so don't get your panties in a bunch because the Dukies didn't get picked to go that far.

President Obama is getting criticized for every move that he makes, but no one is talking about the Conservatives who screwed up for 8 years and had no clue whatsoever, claiming that they have every solution under the sun now. just like Coach K's squad, their time is up (lol)!

I think you people are taking it to serious it's only a show, I am pretty sure the U.S. will stay in tact for an hour!

Yep, he's a laugh a minute. A real joke!

Mat – The "kid" you reference has better grammar skills than you! What makes you think Diddy influenced her vote? She said she is 13 years old. Did you know that you have to be 18 to vote? I think at 13 years old she has a good head on her shoulders. At least she is not afraid to voice her opinoin. If she promises to study history for you, will you study grammar for the rest of us?

Do you worry that "Our Dear Leader" will be given a hard time by Jay??

I saw all of those ACORN members lining up outside the studio at the break of dawn this am on television – ready to slobber over him!

I wonder if he will bring those Greek columns with him. It's good to be King.. "I WON!" So why don't you stop campaigning??

It's just another campaign stop for Obama.

Leno has been very diligent in attacking Obama's "enemies list" while avoiding any mention of Obama's gaffes.

Hopefully, someday the campaign will end.

Obama did one thing I can not recall any other president doing and I am almost 60. He took responsibility for the AIG mess up of the last payment even when he was not directly at fault. He realizes that he should have caught the contract wording and stopped it. Others would have tried to point the blame elsewhere. I greatly admire his decency in that.
I think we ALL need to take a lesson from him and STOP the partisan BS and work cooperatively toward solutions to build the country (and everyone in it) UP, not tear it down with bickering because we did not get our own way. That behavior is childish and helps no one.

Who cares! I think the whole thing is inappropriate. He is the president for goodness sakes not a comedian. He needs to do his job and quit acting like a celebrity and so does his wife. So far I am not impressed with either of them.

Next Up – Barry and the Amazing Disappearing Taxes!

I welcome humor...it has it's place....and right now humor can really lighten the load.

People relax, let the man do his job. Most people work and still go out to dinner and entertainment.

People, this is your fault you put the Bush...wakers, Cheney nites in power to screw the Country.

Cheney made huge amounts of money by investing against the dollar and American people.

WHO CARES!!!!!!!

He's supposed to be running the country not sitting drinking beer at basketball games, filling out his NCAA bracket, or making appearences on late night talk shows. I think there are far more important things for him to be doing right this moment.

I hope he isn't too funny.. the magic Obama performance meter (DOW) went down today so it looks like it's the end of the world again.

I know what you're going to say, that the Dow Jones is just a snap shot of the larger market featuring the value of a select number of elite businesses.. but you're all wrong, it's a magic Obama performance meter and I won't hear differently.

I personally look forward to what our President has to say. Bush would have done the same thing if he were capable of handling himself on such a show.

Some of the right wing comments on here are absurd. Lets not reference president Bush's 6 week vacation within his first year right before one of Americas worst tragedies. Hate to bring it up but do the right wings really have nothing better to do than come up with anything and everything to knock Obama. He's doing everything he said he would do and all of the references on the spending he has done in the "first 50 days" is absurd. We all new that would happen and now the right wings just use it as leverage. This is the same bill Bush was working on he just ran out of time, and quite frankly, Im glad. Half of these post Im sure are from racists and bigots who are clever enough to hide with rasch critisicm in other forms. Shame on all of you and give the man we voted for a chance.

Yukking it up on a late-night talk show is beneath the dignity of the Office of the President of the United States. Period. An important function of the President is to appear "presidential", and Obama is eroding the character and respect of the office.
Is this the same Obama who had those silly "Office of the President-Elect" seals on the podiums whenever he spoke after the election?
And before the flamers attack, I did vote for him. And am starting to regret it.

All of you who are criticizing Obama for his appearance on The Tonight Show....LIGHTEN UP!!!

I think it is admirable to see a President who strives to keep himself connected with the people of this country in a way that puts both himself and the people of this country on the same level. I don't see it as him trying to be a "rock star"....I see it as him saying to the people of this country, "I see what you are going thru...I see the struggles everyday people are facing and I get it".

People need to remember that Obama didn't create this mess. He has a long and daunting road in front of him and he needs support, not ridicule.

"mourning a nation," you need to calm down. It appears you are far too angry. I did not support Bush, but I certainly was not as angry as you are. Relax, there are tough times right now, but lothing your president as you do is not going to make anything better. Wish him well and success, and wish our country success. And for the love of God, stop listening to Rush! You sound like his puppet.

I see so many negative comments here... Don't you guys have anything better to do than to bash our Commander in Chief? Mr. Obama is taking a little time out to appear on Leno. What's the big fuss? I'm looking forward to it...

All you negative people amaze me, what happened to freedom of speech? Each person is entitled to their opinion, let everyone express their own opinion, and respect it as their opinion. I personally did not vote for Obama. However, I feel that he is the best person for the job, and if part of that job is increasing the morale of all the individual’s watching the show, and providing entertainment with insight for an extremely short period of time, so be it. He did not inherit this mess, we inherited it from the prior administration that could only focus on a personal vendetta with Sadaam Hussain (that he inherited from his father), that is why we went to war. He is by far the worst president in my lifetime (and I voted for the idiot). The inheritance that “we” have now, from the previous administration took a very long time; it did not happen in three months! I totally support him in this endeavor and wish him and the United States the best in what he brings to the table. I can tell many respondents have never, ever gone to a comedy show, or they would understand what he is trying to do to the morale. Trust me, he will get his message across through comedy, it does not have to be a stern message in order to relay information and get people to understand the gravity of our current situation. So don't watch, but I will be tuned in, that you can be sure. Remember, I too have freedom of speech.

If the President want to take a moment and get away from all the bull-s that was left behind for him to clean up, then he go for it Mr. President. I would like to see all you critics get a shovel and start cleaning; not so easy is it. Better still call Bush and ask him, how could he have left us with all this mess?

So much for being GREEN Mr. President. Burn fuel in airforce one, build a special stage for your tank limo, What a great carbon footprint to play on the Leno show. Are you listening to main stream America, we are not impressed. Rush is right.

All, you need to remember that intelligent, well educated people such as President Obama, have the ability to multi-task. I am sure that you all have extremely stressful jobs, with companies that are going through tough times. Do you focus 24/7 on your jobs? Do you not take time away from work to go out to dinner? I am sure all of you take time to do things that are not related to work, despite work requiring your utmost attention. Give our President a break. He has done more positive things in 3 months than former President Bush did in 8 years.

You can bet you would never see GWB doing this while he was in office. At least Obama is getting out and talking to the American people instead of holing himself up in Camp David.

Maybe he could host Saturday Night Live next, Connect with Geithners people in New York, You know the ones that pushed for the AIG bailout last year. Then maybe he can do the Dancing With the Stars and the Main Steam Media can fawn over him and elevate him into the heavens!

I applaud President Obama for appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. A great President will stay in touch with the people and keep us informed on what's going on with our country. I'm very happy with the Obama Administration and I can see us getting out of this recession faster than we would have otherwised. I agree that anyone that has a problem with President Obama appearing on the Tonight Show doesn't have to watch the show. Some people need to stop being so negative all the time. You're no different than Cheney and Rush Limbaugh. Optimism and a positive attitude is what this country needs and I hope you realize that too some day. Thank god for President Obama.

Remember it is our humanity that will see us through. Humor is one of the vehicles of humanity. There is something greater at work and our president must fulfill his destiny, as we should fulfill ours. How many of us have had the courage to do what we were sent here to do, no matter what. So I suggest, do your part and do what is right and you will amazed on how much can be accomplished.

I think Obama is doing well. It is clearly true that America is full of fools, so it is going to be hard to fix the problem. But most of the complainers on her are part of the problem, not the solution.

Obama can't fix anything by himself. It's going to take all of us. So, as soon as you crybabies get on board and start doing your jobs better, things will start turning around. Stop complaining and get to work. And, feel free to relax and have a beer or watch Leno in your spare time.

I'm a conservative, and I remember back around 2002 when George Bush finished answering questions about Iraq by inviting the camera to watch his drive on a golf course, liberals screamed bloody murder. How could he say something so frivolous when people were suffering, they seethed. Fast forward: we are in a recession, the Dow is in freefall, nearly 10% of the American workforce is unemployed, and in less than a month the administration has increased the national debt more than every other administration before it combined. And Barack Obama reacts to all of this by appearing on a freaking talk show and releasing his NCAA tournament brackets on ESPN...and the same liberals who criticized George Bush for his golf schtick are now gushing over how populist and funny Barack Obama is while the nation continues to plunge into economic purgatory.

The human being's capacity for selective anger, what we choose to get angry about and what we choose to overlook, truly never ceases to amaze me.

'De-mystification of the master' -I like that. To get change, Obama is going to have to go around Congress to talk directly to the people.

-Going on Jay Leno is a great opportunity to reach a huge cross section of the American Public all at once. Bravo, Obama, for your creative solution to 'business as usual Washington politics'! I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

..And about those 'uhs' someone criticized: That's because Obama is thinking about his response. None of that canned stuff we got from GW. -Not that GW could even get through his scripted interviews without embarrassing our country.

'Thinking' is change I can believe in.

Mr. Obama needs to be back in Washington straightening out the problems in his administration. Obviously, appearing on Leno will draw attention away from his mistakes and his hollow "blame me" strategy. He instead needs to step forward and start being transparent and straight with the American people as he promised. Usually people who are "responsible" for something bad suffer some kind of consequences - what's Obama's penance?

Brett
Dallas TX

common America slumber not in the tenth of your father for the world is advancing, advance with it. So tell me what is wrong if your president go to a show?. i thought you all are civilised. Please wake up oh America

Yeegads you nay sayers need to get a life! You are all pitiful "americans". HA!

I am shocked to read some of the comments. First of all, calling the president a bafoon? really? must come from the intelligent folk who voted for bush and we got 8 great years of an incompetent running this country. Second, a self proclaimed non-american whining about president obama's incompetence? Obviously you have no right to vote and choose a leader of this country? never thought i'd say this but don't like what you see? you can leave. President's desire to be on Jay Leno and continuing to reassure the american public is brave and I think smart. And it most certainly does not mean he is lazy or not doing his job. Just because the man can prioritize his time and multitask (unlike the prior administration that could not even complete one task), he should not torn apart. Although I cannot help but believe that those of you ripping the president to shreds over this never liked him anyway and would not admit to his successes if they were staring you in the face.

I cannot believe some of the comments in this section. Most of you are idiots. I would like to state that I believe that our President has the best interest of this country at heart. However, it does not matter whether He can handle going on Leno while taking care of the economy, our 6 year war, a massive debt that we owe to countries that also supply pratically everything Americans purchase, or the AIG bonuses. It does not look good. it does not look good to Americans or to the world. For those that think this massive bailout/stimulous bill is the reason the market was up four days last week , well you are idiots. His "plan" has barely been put in to place, and so far, it is not working. Yes, He inherited a bad economy and a war that most of you hate. (By the way, ask an Iraqi woman who can speak freely in her country and dress as she pleases whether she appreciates the USA or the merchants who can sell goods again, or the children who can go to school for the first time) Anyway, adding trillions to our defecit by granting a wish list to every senator in Congress is not best practice either. Keep in mind that while giving people an extra $13 a paycheck seems great, but the taxes that will be imposed on to businesses and then passed back on to you will take that away quickly. Here is an idea, allow businesses tax breaks who can use that money to put it back in to the business which will eventually create more jobs. They will receive a tax break if they can prove they reinvested this money into R&D or other programs besides salaries. Over 90% of this country is still employed. Thus, if you would act like it and spend, but spend carefully, our economy would revive itself, without causing our children to pay off trillions more in debt.

For those wanting Government provided healthcare, look at Canada and the taxes they pay. Our health care costs more because it is the best in the world. If the government owns that too, Doctors will not make money and the best and the brightest will choose other professions. You, then will be stuck with garbage.

Think before you speak and before you Vote and remember the old saying "If it seems to good to be true, it probably is." Choices have consequences. Take a look at history and other countries that allow the government to control business, healthcare, etc.

Here are solutions to helping our country save millions but will never happen:
1. Give those who accept welfare drug tests. I have to take a drug test to get my job, why don't those who stay home all days, smoking weed and having babies have to take one? We would easily save more then the test costs
2. Ask Congress why they need the money that THEY spend. I am not referring to pet projects. I am referring to their perks of the job. We could save millions by demanding a closer eye on the postage, transportation, and other executive "liberties" our electives choose to use each year.
3 Stop supporting illegal immigrants with the same luxuries we give to American citizens who pay taxes. The state of Texas spent over $750 Million last year on illegal immigrant healthcare. That is pathetic and it costs each of you money and security.

Remember how this country came to be great. It is because of the People, not the government. Capitalism makes the economy thrive, not the government. And for those who think America should mind its own business and not get involved in other countries' affairs, ask the millions of people whose lives have been saved by an American soldier if they feel the same.

I am done with my rant. Hopefully, at least one of you thought this made sense.

You know this whole election and presidency kept reminding me of something and it finally hit me yesterday. It is like a bad prequel to the movie Idiocracy. You know where the President is a wrestler and the election has become a popularity contest and no one in authority knows what they are doing anymore? We elected a pop star because he talked pretty and Hollywood was ga-ga over him. Sounds like a movie to me. Too bad we are living through this one.

dont u guys forget he is still first 100days.this guys is doing the right thing,but is idiot conservative are out touch... help our president your president get thing done....not no,no,no

I enjoy the President's sense of humor. My friends who have the best senses of humor are soldiers and firemen...people with serious jobs who are well balanced and mentally healthy enough to still laugh and have fun. Being a smart, optimistic man with a plan who knows how huge the mess we need to clean up is and still able to laugh is great.
Oh wait, we did used to have hilarious guys like Cheney who cracked us all up.

I think President Obama will handle being on Jay Leno very well. He will inject humor and also have an opportunity to reach many Americans and help them to see his vision and hopes.

AIG and wages and bonus's exposure.....it is overdue and time for all of these firms and CEO's (and Politicians) to own up to their salaries etc.

Obama is up against it....but he will handle it!....Just need to give him and his staff some time.

Maureen Wiggins, Marina del Rey, CA

America is the strangest country ever invented.
Giving up British values was the worst mistake ever.
(1) Good for Obama to take time to "connect" via Leno (who watches that anyway?)
(2) Deal with the gun crisis before more hundreds of your children are murdered for no reason. No one other than the Police and the Army should ever have a gun. Anyone who thinks otherwise is mentally ill
(3) The President has little, to no power, to "deal" with the economy. The states and the Senate do. Obama (Mr or President? I am confused by US TV) can lead by example and tinker. So far he is AMAZINGLY effective. Americans OWE $4000 to each and every Chinese person. You are bankrupt. You spend more than you earn. Have done for years. Your country is owned by China and Arabia.
(4) Peace is the only way forward. And ALL countries are artificial constructs

Good luck. Be fair. Care for theose who need caring. And stop explioting each other.

No it is not fanny credit cards cat our credit line with no reason we have 730 score , never been late with payments in 18 years and nobody cares about as we working hard to survive and the taxes in illinois will be increae by new gov. Pet Quin and we strogal to pay the bills.

More importantly. What does Letterman have to say?

Obama on Leno – I've never seen a sitting President appear on this sort of forum during their time in office. Obama must feel like he needs to talk to the American people in a less formal situation than giving a speech or a press conference. I'm curious as to what he will have to say so I guess I will watch Leno tonight. Obama is a game changer – and this is part of the game.....lets see how it works out before we condemn it.

Can one of you big media types take a look at the legal expenses surrounding AIG and the PR dollars being spent by AIG both direct and through the legal group??? It is outrageous!! I don't want them spending my $$ on their PR>>>

What better way to show the human side of a president? He is not the “chosen one”, “messiah” or a “Rock Star” as the right would have you believe. He is the first African American President and now the first setting president to go on Jay Leno making history.

The problem with the right is they feel left out because Republican Presidents have been too busy taking care of those in the upper 1% getting them tax cuts to have time to care about the rest of us little people. President Obama is a down to earth president that at least shows he is human like the rest of us; he just has a different job to do.

It seems to me those on the Right did not complain when Bush took his long working vacations in Crawford and where ever else wanted to fly off too to use his mega phone.
But let a democrat president do it and you would think they committed a crime by not sitting in the Oval Office 24/7 instead of getting out and listening to what Americans have to say across this great land of our.

How many town meetings did Bush do after he was selected? President Obama is chewing gum and walking at the same time by having town meetings in California and appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

The problem with those on the Right is they Obama envy because the only leader they have is talk radio host, Rush. Their Rush to failure leader of the GOP because they have no solutions only more of the same, we can’t do that, instead of yes we can do that mentality and that is the difference between sore losers and winners.

Obama is awesome in every way. The Republicans created this terrible mess, and Obama and his administration are busting their a$$es to try and fix it. Those of you who have nothing better to do then sit around and trash talk the President need to reevaluate your allegiance to the United States.

I believe that the Country needs to take a deep breath, drop the inept attempts to second guess our new President and give him the space he needs to operate, there will be plenty of time to attack him and his cabinet if he screws things up. But what if he succeeds ???

What is he doing on a talkshow? Last time I checked, I dont really care about the mental health of the president. To get worn down is in the job description. Laughing is good but Americans are not all that happy right now. He is one of the most important men in the world and i dont care about his personal life because he is not a man as president but an icon that doesnt have time for this bs. Use this time to get more sleep so he can focas on tomarrows task. WTF are we paying his 400,000 a year for. I say kiss my ass Mr . President, or was that actor, whats your job description again.

I really do not care if Obama is funny tonight or not. I do care that the people who got bailouts owe taxes. I do care that Fannie and Freddie are planning on giving out retention bonuses and no one is talking about that. The amount giving out is twice as much as it was last year. 1 million each to 4 executives. where is all this money coming from? I cant pay for this. I do care that amex is stringing people up with 29.9% interest rates and reducing peoples credit...I do care that no one has a plan to stop the credit card companies. Whether Obama is funny or not is not an issue with me.

This is infuriating. I do not understand how during this current global economic crisis the POTUS has time to jet off to schmooze with Jay Leno. Stop campaigning for your persona Barack, it’s now time for you to work – and work hard.

Congress forgot to tax (at 90%) the $ 4 billion in TARP money they received from banks and other firms lobbying congress for bonus loopholes. Until corporate lobbying is eliminated, the interests of the American people are not represented.

I think what the real problem is that with President Obama going on the Tonight Show is that the Right does not get a rebuttal his remarks. They do not want the fair use doctrine to be revisited so that both sides can be presented fairly. So they are now going to end up moaning and groaning that the liberal left media is not allowing them their equal time on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show.

They are just mad that President Obama out smarted them and is ahead of the game they keep playing against him. President Obama just happens to be a president for all the people, not just some of the people as some past presidents have been.

President Obama is willing to listen so you can’t ask more than that, than to have a president that is willing to listen, instead of ‘it is my way or the highway” from the past arrogance from the Right.

Tomorrow they will have a field day on talk radio, so stay tuned.

There is nothing wrong with laughter. We have elected a President that is able to connect with the people – at least the younger generation. And, his work in the white house has shown that he is capable to handle the tough decisions and STILL manage to spend time with family and other activities.

So, if it’s Jay Leno, filling out brackets at the NCAA Tournament, playing basketball, bowling and cleaning up the mess Republicans left in the white house….bring it on Mr. President.

I'm sure the jobless Americans who were up late last night truly appreciate the President's sense of humor and his knack for finding time to do things outside of work - the 'people's work', that is. Honestly, I understand that everyone needs to take a break and relax. But does the President really need to advertise his ability to kick back and have a good laugh on a late night comedy show? I mean, we're in the midst of a crisis, right?

Not funny.