President Barack Obama's appearance on "The Tonight Show" Thursday was memorable for many reasons, including the way he compared life in Washington, D.C. to being on "American Idol" -- with everyone being Simon!
LENO: Now it's only [been], what, 59 days now, right?
MR. OBAMA: Yes, 59 days.
MR. LENO: And so much scrutiny. Is it fair to judge so quickly? I mean --
MR. OBAMA: Well, look, we are going through a difficult time. I welcome the challenge. You know, I ran for president because I thought we needed big changes. I do think in Washington it's a little bit like "American Idol," except everybody is Simon Cowell.
MR. LENO: Wow. Wow. That's rough.
MR. OBAMA: Everybody's got an opinion. But that's part of what makes for a democracy. You know, it's contentious and people are hitting back. I do think, though, that the American people are all in a place where they understand it took us a while to get into this mess, it's going to take a while for us to get out of it. And if they have confidence that I'm making steps to deal with issues like health care and energy and education, that matter deeply to their daily lives, then I think they're going to give us some time.
What do you think? Is America giving the Obama administration a fair shake? Should we be more Paula than Simon? Sound off below!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
We've all heard about Barack Obama's first 100 days. He's going to commence his grand plan to fix our economy (a $819 billion economic stimulus plan passed in the House yesterday). He also plans to hike taxes for those making more than $250,000 a year (including himself), along with a new energy policy, a revamping of the public education system, and of course, a bailout for automakers. And finally, there's the dog for his daughters. But wait: What did I hear yesterday? Murmurs around Washington about something even more vital to his kids' lives than a dog ...
Is President Obama going to eliminate snow days???
Read more...
Washington, D.C.
It felt so good to wake up this morning and put on T-shirt that read "The Good NEW Days." It's a sentiment that myself and it seems like the rest of the world felt since election day. Barack Obama had arrived.
Almost as soon as he was announced the winner, a heavy weight was lifted off of so many people's shoulders. Millions collectively felt "it is going to be ok now."
Arriving in DC this morning, you could feel that you were about to embark on something great. It is freezing cold outside, the traffic is horrendous, but the energy is so positive. The local barber shops, the clothing stores, the hotels, everyone is buzzing about Obama. All day text messages and emails have been flooding my inbox about his train tour. The people are so proud.
Read more...
On November 4 — which will undoubtedly be a momentous, historic Election Day, no matter the outcome — hardcore legends Bad Brains will be revisiting their own history. The band will be performing in their hometown of Washington, D.C., where, in 1979, the band found themselves the subject of an “unofficial” ban by many of the city’s clubs and performance venues (a move that inspired their song “Banned in D.C.”).
Read more...
