President Obama and David Letterman discussed their upcoming retirements Monday on “Late Show with David Letterman.”
Maybe they should switch jobs.
Obama said he’ll take a month off when he leaves office in early 2017, and suggested he and Letterman could play dominoes and “go to the local Starbucks and swap stories,” according to the Washington Post.
Letterman countered that he plans to teach law at Columbia University.
“I’d be interested to sit in on that class,” Obama said.
Letterman wanted to know if the United States was the first country Obama “presidented.”
“It is I suspect the first and last country that I’m presidenting,” Obama said. “Unlike late-night talk show hosts, I am term limited.”
According to CTV News, Letterman marked the president’s eighth appearance on the show with “Top 10 Questions Dumb Guys Ask the President,” including, “Will you be a guest on one of my last shows?” and “Will you show us your birth certificate?” Referring to the recent drone landing on the White House lawn, No. 1 was, “When will you return my gyrocopter?”
That was probably the Secret Service’s favorite.
Letterman complimented Obama’s “very funny” performance last month at the White House Correspondents Dinner. “I’m a pretty funny guy,” Obama countered.
At least half of Congress doesn’t think so.
“You have guys writing that stuff?” Letterman asked, causing Obama to throw his hands in the air and throw a look of disbelief toward the audience. “No,” the President deadpanned. “I came up with it all myself.”
The two got serious, discussing the riots in Baltimore. Obama said too many minority communities don’t trust police.
Letterman asked if racism was the reason, to which the President said there’s still residue from slavery and segregation. But he did say progress has been made.
“I’m a testament to that,” he said, prompting applause from the audience.
Obama said he and the first lady will get involved with a number of causes upon leaving the White House, including climate change, military families, and disadvantaged youth. He also paid tribute to Letterman’s career.
“After a tough day at the office or coming home from work, knowing that you’ve been there to give us a little bit of joy and a little bit of laughter, it has meant so much,” said the President. “You’re part of all of us. You’ve given us a great gift and we love you.”
Letterman’s last “Late Show” airs May 20.
Tony Hicks writes celebrity commentary for the Bay Area News Group. Contact him at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/tonyhicks67