Obama was black before the election
Image from thewhizzer.blogspot.com.
There was a good mixture of seriousness and humor in the President Obama on “Letterman” video I dug up this morning. Last night Obama went to visit his old friend David Letterman.
Obama appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman” several times during his campaign, and I am glad to see that he doesn’t consider himself above Letterman’s show now that he’s been elected.
Changing society, changing rules
Things are changing in society. Short term loans are more common, workplaces are more casual and relaxed, people use the Internet to communicate more and they realize that some traditions hinder progress instead of helping. I think President Obama’s appearance on “Letterman” shows that he is in touch with this new generation.
It’s a generation that is more focused on results than on process. Other presidents before Obama, I think, thought it inappropriate or unfitting of their position to go on a late night talk show. However, the Obama on Letterman video shows he is more concerned with getting his message out and communicating with Americans on their terms rather than focusing on “proper” process.
Watch Obama on ‘Letterman’ video
Letterman also read a Top 10 List of Reasons President Obama Agreed to Appear on The Late Show, which you can watch at CBS.com.
President Obama’s message
A lot of the clips out there will only show you the jokes from the Obama on Letterman video. However, Obama did share a lot of interesting insights and messages about the economy, racism, health care and the situation in Afghanistan.
The society President Barack Obama represents is one that is used to instant, frequent communication. I think the more he talks to the American people — whether it’s discussing grave topics or cracking jokes — the better. He seems more in touch with regular people than past presidents have.
Responding to racism
Perhaps the most talked about segment of the Obama on Letterman video is the part in which Obama addressed whether cries of racism against him are valid. Former President Jimmy Carter and several others have said that Rep. Joe Wilson’s “You lie!” outburst was motivated by racism.
In response, Obama said to Letterman “It’s important to realize that I was actually black before the election.” Obama doesn’t seem to believe any of his hecklers have necessarily been motivated by racism. “One of the things you sign up for in politics is folks yell at ya,” Obama said.
Down to earth
Obama joked along with Letterman about his appearance on the show, and it’s nice to see a president who doesn’t take himself too seriously. He clearly takes his position and the issues he is faced with very seriously, but he focuses on getting things done and ignores distractions such as town hall and Congressional hecklers.
Obama on”Letterman” said he understands that people get all riled up when presidents push for big change. He reminded the audience that people called FDR a socialist and a communist, called Kennedy worse and were sure Ronald Regan was going to bring down the country.
I love the fact that President Obama has a great sense of humor. Amid this economic turmoil, he still has the ability to take a step back and share a good laugh. He is very mild tempered, soft and yet very firm when needed. Despite all the anger and hate directed at him, President Obama is still the sweet and encouraging person he has always been.