WASHINGTON — In a career studded with historic firsts, President Barack Obama is preparing for yet another: hitting the late-night comedy circuit to pitch his economic-recovery plan.
It’s hardly a laughing matter, with the U.S. in its worst economic shape in decades. But by taking a seat Thursday night on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Obama will become the first sitting president to appear in such an unlikely venue.
The appearance will extend Obama’s habit of speaking past the Washington media and ditching the capital for events that distance him from the Beltway status quo.
It’s possible Obama will fall flat on the show, given the topic. Garth Brooks is the musical guest, and even the most heartbroken girl-done-me-wrong song might seem carefree by comparison.
But for Obama, the appearance is a risk worth taking to broaden his audience beyond cable- news junkies. Leno, as the top-ranked host in his time slot, draws 5 million viewers nightly.
The president has visited Leno before, making his first “Tonight Show” appearance in December 2006, when plotting his White House bid.
