Obama 'saves the US' on chat show

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Appearing on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, he called for a return to "an attitude where people know enough is enough".

He also talked about basketball and compared his first 59 days in office to being on TV's American Idol show.

"I do think in Washington it's a little bit like American Idol, except everybody is Simon Cowell," said the president, whose critics mock his celebrity status.

Mr Obama also said America was "going through a difficult time" but added: "I welcome the challenge."

"The immediate bonuses that went to AIG are a problem," he said.

"But the larger problem is we've got to get back to an attitude where people know enough is enough, and people have a sense of responsibility and they understand that their actions are going to have an impact on everybody.

"And if we can get back to those values that built America, then I think we're going to be OK."

The Tonight Show appearance could be seen as a soft interview option, akin to Tony Blair's decision to go on This Morning with Richard and Judy on British TV.

But experts said it was a shrewd idea. They argue Mr Obama has gravitas in abundance and will not be damaged by an appearance on a chat show.