On show, Obama talks about bowling, American Idol
LOS ANGELES: In his first appearance on a US late night talk show since his election as president, Barack Obama made a joke about his bowling prowess that fell flat.
Obama visited chat show king Jay Leno late on Thursday in an unorthodox sales pitch for his sweeping recovery and budget plans. Leno asked about the White House bowling alley - after Obama famously flopped at the 10-pin sport during his presidential campaign last year.
The president said he had been practicing. "I bowled a 129," he said to laughter from the Tonight Show audience.
"That's very good, Mr. President," Leno said sarcastically. It's "like the Special Olympics or something," the president replied.
The White House downplayed the joke. "The president made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics," White House spokesman Bill Burton told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Leno also tuned to topics including the economy and the perks of being president.
"In Washington it's a little bit like American Idol, except everybody is Simon Cowell," he said, referring to the TV music contest and its judge.
The president said that he was "stunned" to learn about the massive bonuses handed out to executives at government-rescued insurance giant AIG.
Leno pressed him on when daughters Malia and Sasha would get their pet dog. "This is Washington. That was a campaign promise," Obama replied to the pet question, drawing audience laughter. "No, no, no, no, no, I'm teasing. The dog will be there shortly."
AFP
(China Daily 03/21/2009 page11)
