Obama Tells Letterman: "I Was Actually Black Before The Election"

Besides admiring the heart-shaped potato an audience member brought in, President Barack Obama continued his media blitz by discussing various issues with David Letterman on the Late Show just now. For instance, when Letterman asked about former President Jimmy Carter's belief that some political attacks against the President (including Rep. Wilson's "You lie!") were steeped in racism, Obama joked, "It's important to realize that I was actually black before the election."

After Letterman asked him how long he's been a black man, Obma said it's not uncommon for people to be upset when a President tries to introduce change (examples: FDR, JFK, Reagan): "You know, one of the things you sign up for in politics is folks yell at you, but I think that what has been missing from the conversation is that the overwhelming majority of people, Republican or Democrat, I think they just want to see some common sense, they want to see some honesty and integrity in Washington. I think they're turned off by the shouting and the yelling, and they expect more from their public elected officials."

Obama also said, "The American people, I think, gave me this extraordinary honor. That tells you a lot, I think, about where the country is at." Also discussed: Health care (video after the jump; Letterman suggested, "The one idea I’d like to see right away are those death panels. If we could get those in place right away"), Afghanistan ("Afghanistan is a real difficult situation...[The threat remains] extremists who want to kill innocents"), and his daughters (they goofed off during their vacation).

The Top Ten Reasons Why Obama Is on the Late Show (full list after the jump) included "Said yes, without thinking, like Bush did with Iraq." And Letterman joked during his monologue that he hadn't seen the President since he was invited to the White House for a beer with Sarah Palin, referring to the talk show host's dust-up earlier this summer with the former Alaska Governor. Of course, Obama's previous Letterman appearance in 2008 sparked the infamous "lipstick on a pig" debacle.

President Obama explains why health care reform is important:

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

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on September 22, 2009 1:42 AM

Comments [rss]

rebelbelle

He's got the Hawaiian hang loose and the Chicago big shoulders. Essentially a thick skin and a mellow disposition. Excellent qualities for the leader of the free world. Now freaking do something.

Amanda Harletsch

the question is: what is the objective of this appearance?

to expand, explain, restate a policy, tehrefore it IS relevant for understanding who is leading the country.

No harm in this, unless you are one of the many in this country that prefer ignorance, half truths, and oversimplifications to "get it" the "policy".

ladyjane

it's awesome (yes AWESOME) that Obama would go on letterman. Let's be honest, it might actually be fair to say that more people in this country watch david letterman than they do the news. anyway the president can discuss issues that reach the masses is fine with me.

dwayno

agreed.

matty

I think what infuriates people who hate Obama is just how cool, calm and collected he is AND he has a sense of humor. It just makes those people look like terrible malcontents.

VanessaNYC

Matty,

Agreed. This is what makes him such an effective politician. It's one of the reasons I voted for him.

blondeinthecity

wait... so... hes like... a real person?

zodak

i'm all for him going on letterman, anything to keep him from ruining the fall season premieres with his damn speeches. (yes i voted for him but: tv shows > president)

verbal

Dave dusted off his knee pads so he could give that ass a good clean licking. He always got away with playing dumb; it was no act.

tri

why obama like that...i always watching obama from news.

aspiringrapper

I actually voted for Obama, but it sure would be swell to see him do something like govern the country & not be on tv or out on the town so much. Frankly, I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd hosted the damn Emmy Awards.

Mr Mel

Old business maxim: Nothing happens until someone sells something.

Nyctini11

Seriously?? Get your head outta your ass and stop saying the same pathetic comment every other racist hater out there says when they ABSOLUTELY NOTHING worth of importance to say. Really...this is the best you got when it comes to knocking Obama, must be because he's doing something right, can't find anything else to complain about.

Personally, i think it's wonderful how OUR president is opening himself up to us, letting us glimps inside their lives and taking down the curtain that has always seemed to mar the presidency with all it's secrets, and what not. Everybody prior to the election called him a liar, a this and that, because everything was so under wraps, now these same idiots, when he's doing just the opposite and giving you the chance to see him being candid and what not, you still complain???

Do us all a favor, jump in your time machine , cause this world is evolving and apparently you aren't.

aspiringrapper

Dear sir:

You are an imbecile. Did you not read the very first sentence of my post. I voted for the man. Questioning him & his policies does not make me a racist, any more than blindly swallowing every wad he shoots makes you intelligent. How is his going on Letterman doing something right? We elected a president, not a celebrity.

ides_of_march

That Kool-Aid must be pouring out your ears.

David

I actually don't mind his media appearances for now...

he's got very important things to sell to people who have an easier time making lots of noise than listening... you know, things like making the USA as caring, tolerant, and efficient as other countries. As good as them, if you will.