President Obama Finds Humor in Race Controversy

09/21/2009 at 07:45 PM EDT

President Obama Finds Humor in Race Controversy
David Letterman & President Obama
Henry McGee/Globe, CBS
What's so funny about Jimmy Carter's suggestion that criticism of President Obama's health plan is rooted in racism?

Apparently, quite a lot, according to no less a source than the president himself.

"I think it's important to realize that I was actually black before the election," Obama joked, drawing roars of laughter during an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.

But the President's interview, airing Monday night on the CBS program, turned serious when Letterman asked questions about race, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the state of the economy, as he offered this sobering message: "Unemployment is still going to be a big problem for at least another year."

Your Reaction

Follow Us

On Newsstands Now

Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Oklahoma Tornado: Heroic Rescues
  • Michael Douglas on Catherine's Health

Pick up your copy on newsstands

Click here for instant access to the Digital Magazine

Advertisement

From Our Partners

Watch It

Editors' Picks

From Our Partners