TV News and Reviews

Now that’s how a President does a late night talk show. Tonight President Barack Obama visited The Tonight Show and met with host Jay Leno for an informative, intelligent, enlightening, and entertaining interview. After all the news reports, rumors, editorials, and water cooler talk, Obama gave Leno and the audience a succinct and easily understandable summary of current concerns, including the AIG bailout and subsequent bonus scandal. For every issue, Obama gave an explanation of what caused it, what the result was, and what was going to be done to fix it.

It’s so refreshing to sit here and watch the President on TV, and be interested in what he has to say, and be impressed by his answers. The current President also proved he’s got a great sense of humor and great comedic timing. He proved that you can be clever, good-natured, and give and take a joke–all while still maintaining respect for the Office.

One of the points that President Obama made about the AIG bonuses is something that really hit home for me. He spoke of the long time trend in the financial district of a sense of entitlement–of individuals feeling they are all-important and actually deserving of these million or multi-million dollar bonuses. I think this extends far outside the financial district, into many areas of business in the entire country. There’s no sense of accountability, or responsibility for others or to the community as a whole. Rather than trying to do what’s best for the customer, everyone’s out to just make a buck, no matter what the ethics or consequences.

In the interview, Jay Leno asked Obama what it was like to ride on Air Force One, and they spoke of all the grandeur of the Office. While it was all done with a tinge of humor, you could tell that Obama was a little in awe of the privileges of being President. Rather than taking it for granted and not even noticing, or being cynical about it, he was respectful and appreciative.

When President Obama spoke of the economy crisis and other issues, he said ultimately it was his responsibility to make sure things got fixed. He didn’t put us in this situation, but it was his responsibility to fix it.

Obama said that one of the main things that needs to change in the country, in order to help prevent future recessions like this one, is the return to accountability and responsibility. It was also clear that being appreciative of what one has, rather than having a brash sense of entitlement, was also necessary. What makes his words meaningful is that he’s leading by example.

When it really counts, Jay Leno steps up to the plate and gives good solid interviews. This was one of those cases. He asked a good balance of serious and light questions, was respectful but also kept the President on his toes. The two had a good rapport and it made for an enjoyable TV event. I think if Obama went on The Tonight Show once a year, it would be a nice way to connect in an informal setting with the American people.

Watch The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC, weeknights at 11:35/10:35c. Here’s a clip of some highlights from tonight’s show:

(If you can’t see the video, go here.)

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PHOTOS: President Barack Obama and Jay Leno, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, March 19, 2009 screencaps, c2009 Big Dog Productions, NBC Studios.
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