When I heard that President Obama was going to be on Jay Leno, I was immediately impressed. While some may think that it is unsuitable for the President to appear on popular television, I think that is the medium that will get him access to the American people. That is one of the missing links between the number of votes on American Idol and votes on election night. And, he had to get access to the people to explain what is going on, and what he can do for them.
Whether or not you agree with his politics, you have to agree that this was a brilliant political move, for 2 reasons.
a) approval ratings - If we can relate to our elected officials like we do our movie and television stars, we are going to like them, if he can be as smooth and entertaining on a talk show, we will feel more comfortable with him doing his day job.
b) As I mentioned before, it is the best way to reach out to the public that they are comfortable with. I admit that I haven't watched the presidential speeches, even when they are on 8 different channels, but I did go on Hulu to find this interview, because I wanted to hear him at my level. And press conferences may be happening almost daily, but as far as I know, there isn't a Hulu channel for those, and I don't think they would tell me what I, as a middle American, want to know.
Thus we see, I thought it was a brilliant move for the President to go on The Tonight Show to explain what is going on, and to show us that he is still quite similar to the man that sat in that chair just a few months ago during his campaign.
4 comments:
I don't know how I feel about it as of yet because you are much persuasive, or I am easily persuaded. I just heard some controversy talk of it on the news today.
I wonder if they paid him to come on the show.
I think it's great. I'm all about more transparency. Too bad I'm not a Jay Leno fan.
I didn't watch it, yet, but I agree with your analysis, Toni. A good leader has to talk to the people. It's also good he has nothing to hide.
Also, I doubt they paid him to come on the show. I don't believe talk shows are in the habit of paying any of their guests, because they get free publicity out of it. And certainly, the president is not strapped for cash.
Post a Comment