I don't think our president should be going on late night talk shows. The United States needs to appear strong and have an air of authority, confidence, intelligence, etc. By appearing on Jay Leno the president comes across as just an average Joe or some Hollywood celebrity. This is not what our country needs right now. Obama, to me, is dumbing down the office of the presidency which is a reflection on us the American people. In these times more then ever the US needs to be strong and appear strong.
Grandma-P Blog 
I think he's doing it for the right reasons (being accessible, letting the average person–who is more likely to watch Leno than the evening news–know what's going on.
I think where the problem comes in is when he's all jokey and not getting that some people may get really offended when he makes Special Olympics jokes.
(But yes, you're the president in a time of crisis–have some gravitas, for the love of God! Enough with the NCAA picks and the talk show jokes–fix the economy and then have a good time at the expense of your bowling score.)
I think you understand my post. Believe me I'm rooting for him to succeed as president, if he fails we all fail.
Oh, I know. I think anyone with sense gets that, regardless of how you feel about a certain president as a person or his politics, it's still in everyone's best interest that he do a good job.
The NCAA bracket thing really irritated me. I mean, wow, how do you have that much free time when you're running an entire country? He had a whiteboard and everything!
It was a bit interesting and maybe unsettling. Like Kelly said, I think it was for the accessibility factor … still not the greatest idea in my opinion. At least it wasn't the Daily Show!
It doesn't seem like an expedient thing for a president to do for any reason. Our broadcast go around the world and a show like Jay Leno's just doesn't bode well for a presidential image. I don't need accessible, just do a good job for America. I rarely get political but this just touched a nerve. Not to mention the NCAA thing Kelly brought up.
I didn't see it–or the NCAA thing, but I did feel a little uncomfortable when I heard he was going on Leno. I thought–there is too much potential to just accidentally say something stupid in a relaxed setting like that–and sure enough I hear he made that slip about the olympics. When you are representing the USA, you might want to think through your public comments more carefully than an atmosphere like Leno allows.
So very true!
I'm right there with you on this!
I completely agree that late night talk shows are not a presidential venue. I could "almost" buy into it when it's a candidate for an office (but that still bugs me – as if they think everyone wants a dumbed down, sugar-coated comedy version of their principles and policies. We can go to JibJab for that stuff!). It was an odd choice, and contrast that with the blatant "tax as a weapon" punitive measures going on in Congress….this is turning out to be one scary ride.
We better fasten our seat belts and pray, pray, pray!
Few people (or political critics) really said anything bad about former President Clinton playing his saxophone on late night TV…that was looked upon as good clean fun. Bias against Obama, much?
Sorry, that last line was not a part of my post, that was edited out, but still showed up. I wish Vox had an edit button for posts!
I know everyone is different, that is why I chose the title, My Opinion, I don't want my president coming across to the world as just an average Joe. I want him to be above reproach, to be seen as an able leader, strong and not wishy washy. I have seen in my life time a change in how our leaders don't demand the respect they once used to. The police, teachers, parents, even the clergy are not held in high reguard as they once were. I'm not sure what the answer is but I am sure its not dumbing down but keeping the position or office held in high reguard and therefore being in a position of respect and authority.
Sis, you go girl, you are right on all counts,I couldn't have said it any better.
"I don't want my president coming across to the world as just an average Joe. I want him to be above reproach, to be seen as an able leader, strong and not wishy washy."
Also, forgot to add: I do believe President Obama is perceived as able, strong and above reproach when he's visited with foreign heads of state. That is my perception from things I've read, however I leave myself some room to be wrong.
Hey, thanks, as I said before. I usually don't get political but this just hit a nerve.