Barack Obama made his first appearance as president on the "Late Show With David Letterman," where he talked race and health care and traded a few quips with Letterman. (See video highlights, plus a recap of the top ten funny parts)
The most memorable exchange came when Letterman asked whether Obama's opponents were motivated by racial hatred.
"Was Jimmy Carter onto something ... was this unease or poor decorum rooted in racism, or is that just something to talk about?" Letterman asked.
"It's important to realize that I was actually black before the election," Obama quipped.
"Really?" said Letterman. "This is true," Obama said.
"How long have you been a black man?" Letterman asked. (Watch video clip)
There was also a gag about a woman in the audience who brought a heart-shaped potato to the show.
"The main reason I'm here? I want to see that heart-shaped potato," Obama said. "The potato was then tossed to Letterman, who gave it to Obama, who said, "This is remarkable."
Letterman, meanwhile, presented a list of the "Top 10 Reasons President Obama Agreed To Appear On The Late Show."
10. Heard the lady with the heart-shaped potato was gonna be here.
9. Thought it would be fun to watch someone else get heckled.
8. Something to do with that whole Cash For Clunkers deal.
7. Every president since Teddy Roosevelt has done it.
6. Someone offers you 600 bucks, you take it ladies and gentlemen.
5. We told him Megan Fox would be here.
4. Needed some time to hang out before check-in time at his hotel.
3. I have no idea.
2. Said yes, without thinking, like Bush did with Iraq.
1. Wanted to congratulate Dave on the big Emmy win.
The top ten segment was cut from the broadcast due to the length of the interview, but CBS made the video available online.
All in all, it went much better than Obama's first appearance on a late-night show earlier this year. Any time Obama makes a foray into comedy without having to issue an apology -- like he did after cracking a joke about the Special Olympics on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno -- it can be considered a win.
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