Obama and Jay Leno, October 25

Obama has some pressing, official presidential business to attend on Tuesday.

He's going to appear as a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

President Obama will appear on Jay Leno’s late-night show next Tuesday, NBC announced.

Obama, who has visited Leno three times so far, made history in March 2009 when he was the first sitting president to drop by “The Tonight Show.”

Obama also appeared on the show in December 2006 and October 2007, as a senator and presidential candidate.

As his approval ratings keep sinking, Obama is looking for any way he can to win over Americans.

I think he wants to remind them that they once liked him.

It's not an issue of liking or disliking Obama. His unpopularity stems from his policies and the consequences Americans have suffered.

Obama can talk with Leno and try to be likable, but it won't matter.

People are hurting. Obama schmoozing on national TV isn't going to change what a mess he's made of the country.

Of course, Leno will fawn all over Obama. And Obama will prattle on about bringing the troops home from Iraq and killing bin Laden. Leno will give him plenty of opportunities to diss the Republicans. I'm sure when talking about the 2012 election, Leno will mock the GOP candidates and Obama will sit back and laugh.

There is no way Leno is going to ask Obama anything remotely challenging. He's not going to pose any questions about the horrible economy or Guantanamo Bay or gay marriage.

It should be smooth sailing for Obama, BUT....

Obama's Tonight Show appearances haven't been too smooth.

The worst was his disastrous visit on March 19, 2009.

Obama made some terribly inappropriate remarks, making a joke at the expense of Special Olympics athletes.

It was horrible.

Here's the transcript of the infamous "Special Olympics" exchange between Obama and Leno:

MR. LENO: Now, are they going to put a basketball –- I imagine the bowling alley has been just burned and closed down.

MR. OBAMA: No, no. I have been practicing all –- (laughter.)

MR. LENO: Really? Really?

MR. OBAMA: I bowled a 129. (Laughter and applause.)

MR. LENO: No, that's very good. Yes. That's very good, Mr. President.

MR. OBAMA: It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something. (Laughter.)

MR. LENO: No, that's very good.

MR. OBAMA: No, listen, I'm making progress on the bowling, yes.

How could Obama possibly come up with that Special Olympics remark?

It was very revealing about his sense of humor and his sense of decency.

Yes, we know that Obama is not a good bowler. That's precisely the point.

Obama was attempting to use self-deprecating humor, but in the process, he insulted the accomplishments of the participants in the Special Olympics. His cruelty was really stunning.

Obama's other Tonight Show appearances also weren't shining moments for him.

Here's an account of Obama on the show in December 2006, when he talked about his drug use.

Here's an account of Obama as Leno's guest in October 2007, when he yapped about not wearing an American flag lapel pin.

Will Obama do a better job during this 2011 appearance? He should be relaxed. He knows Leno won't attack him.

Of course, the fact that Leno won't be hostile doesn't help Obama that much. He has a knack for screwing up without any assistance.