Community | March 20, 2009 | 1 comment

President Obama on Leno’s Tonight Show: I’m Stunned By Those AIG Bonuses!!

source: http://disembedded.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/president-obama-on-lenos-tonight-show-im-stunned...

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Whenever a late-night television show features a sitting president, it usually comes in the form of material for a stand-up comedy routine. But on Thursday night, President Obama overturned another tradition when he appeared on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show to promote his economic recovery plan. President Obama held his own with the comedian, countering Mr. Leno’s jabs about the executive bonuses given out by the American International Group, saying, “The only place where I think this might work is Hollywood.” Obama did not explicitly endorse the House bill passed on Thursday, which would tax bonuses paid to those whose companies have gotten large amounts of federal bailout money, saying “The money’s already gone out.” “I think the best way to handle this is to make sure you’ve closed the door before the horse gets out of the barn,” he said.

When Mr. Leno asked whether someone should go to jail for the AIG debacle, President Obama replied, “Most of what got us into trouble was perfectly legal.” In his appearance with Mr. Leno, Obama carefully balanced his comments between projecting a sense of good humor and projecting a presidential bearing. For example, he momentarily appeared to look startled when Mr. Leno joked that the president had laid the problems of the banking sector at the doorstep of the Treasury Secretary, Timothy F. Geithner. “I love how you say it’s his problem,” Mr. Leno said. For a moment, President Obama gave a stone-faced look to Leno. Then he broke into a laugh, as if he suddenly realized that Leno’s put-down was meant as a joke. “All of this is my responsibility,” Obama said. “I’m trying to break a pattern in Washington where everybody’s always looking for someone to blame.”

This article includes a video of the full interview with President Obama on Jay Leno's show.
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1 comment // President Obama on Leno’s Tonight Show: I’m Stunned By Those AIG Bonuses!!

  • jaxllc
    • 0
      jaxllc  
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    • He has hurt many families in America. He needs to say he is sorry in the public, not to an organization.

      In addition, someone who claims to have experienced prejudice and stereotypes throughout life, and has written about them in great detail,
      should be more sensitive and refined from life's lessons.

      Furthermore, Obama claimed he was going to have the world think 'highly' of America again. Will this joke help?

      For someone who spoke of equality as a creed. Does this joke match that philosophy?

      For someone that said he would stand for all people. Does this stand up for those that participate in the Special Olympics?
      The fact is Obama claimed a higher standard. To much is given, much is required.

      Obama has just showed us that 'yes we can' destroy what a campaign stands for with a single joke.

    • 3 years ago
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