Obama O'Brien, O'Brien Obama

This past week, Conan O’Brien has done his show from Chicago. The change of venue was a typical sweeps lure.

Friday’s installment included favorite son Barack Obama, junior senator from Illinois.

The interview was a relatively brief segment.

They talked about soul food and barbers and hair.

O'Brien also brought up the keynote address that Obama delivered at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. O’Brien commented on what a terrific job he did and what a gifted speaker he is. Obama joked that his four-year-old daughter thinks he’s boring.

Obama seemed very at ease. He was self-deprecating and pleasant.

Then, he took some rather mean-spirited jibes at President Bush.

While discussing what it’s like when addressing an audience and it’s not going over well, Obama said he just keeps talking until he finally says something that appeals to the crowd – sort of like what the President does.

People applauded and laughed at the remark.

O’Brien asked Obama if Bush has a nickname for him.

Obama quipped, “I can’t tell whether he’s trying to give me a nickname or whether he just can’t pronounce my name.”

That also got a laugh from the audience.

What’s ironic about Obama’s joke is that his Dem colleague Ted Kennedy really can’t pronounce his name. Who can forget how Teddy butchered it -- “Osama bin … Osama … Obama”?

As O’Brien kept fawning over him, Obama said that his wife keeps him humble, reminding him that he has big ears.

When O’Brien asked about Obama’s political future and ambitions for higher office, he joked that O’Brien should be his running mate.

The End
__________________________________


Obama seems likable enough, but he I think he's overrated.

He skates by on his likeability, but there's not a lot of depth there. Outside the realm of late night TV, Obama doesn't measure up.

In serious interviews, Obama’s shallowness and lack of knowledge become painfully clear.

He may be good at delivering prepared speeches, but he's not good at thinking on his feet when more than entertainment TV banter is required.

Obama is not ready for prime time.