President Obama to Leno: dog was 'campaign promise' and will arrive in April

President Barack Obama appears on Jay Leno talk show on March 19, 2009.
(AP/Gerald Herbert)

In a first for a sitting president, Barack Obama appeared on a late night talk show this evening-- the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

"We were also going to have Vice President Joe Biden come out and say a few words," said Leno during his opening monologue. "But it's only an hour show..." (Ouch!)

Sporting a dark suit, red tie and American flag pin on his lapel, President Obama displayed his usual easy manner and sense of humor.

Asked if he felt he was being judged too quickly just 59 days into his presidency, Obama said he welcomed the challenge but also said, "In Washington, it's a bit like 'American Idol,' except that everyone is Simon Cowell." 

"Wow," Leno responded, as the audience roared and clapped.

After talking at length about the economy and AIG's bonuses, Leno changed topics and his questions turned more personal--asking the President about bowling, basketball, and his pick for the Final Four. Then Leno had one last question--about the much anticipated First Dog.

"When is the dog coming? I keep hearing about the dog. When was the dog supposed to be there by?" Leno asked. "I thought it was as soon as you moved in."

"Listen," Obama said with mock seriousness. "This is Washington. That was a campaign promise.

"Oh, wow," Leno shouted, as the audience laughed and cheered and Obama broke out into a huge grin.

"I'm teasing," Obama said. "The dog will be there shortly. We have been laying the groundwork. I've got to go to the NATO summit. When I get back, the dog will be in place."
 

"Wow,'' Leno babbled. "It's, what, a Portuguese water head?''

"It's not that,'' Obama laughed. "It's not a "water head."

"Whatever they are,'' Leno said, "I don't know what they are.''

"That sounds like a scary dog,'' Obama joked. "Sort of dripping around the house.''

"I don't know what it is,'' Leno confessed.

"We're going to get a dog that is -- that I think the girls will have a great time,'' the president said. "I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with it. You know, they say if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.'' (Actually, it was President Harry S. Truman who said that; he gave his dog Feller away, so we hope Obama doesn't do that.)

"Mr. President, I must say, this has been one of the best nights in my life," Leno proclaimed. "Thank you very much."

And with that, the interview was over.