BURBANK, Calif. — President Obama told Jay Leno on Thursday that he was stunned when he learned of the bonuses that bailed-out insurance giant AIG was paying its employees.
Obama told "The Tonight Show" host the payments raise moral and ethical problems — and vowed again to try to recoup the cash for taxpayers.
"We're going to do everything we can to get these bonuses back", he declared.
Leno asked Obama what he thought when he learned of the payments, many made to traders in the very division that brought American International Group to ruin.
"'Stunned' is the word," Obama replied in a taped appearance on "Tonight." He said he found it hard to fathom how anyone would accept lavish payments in those circumstances. "People just had this sense of entitlement. We must be the best and the brightest."
People are also reading…
But Obama staunchly defended Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, who's increasingly come under fire for failing to block the bonuses.
"I think Geithner is doing an outstanding job," Obama said. "He is a smart guy. He is a calm and steady guy. I don't think people fully appreciate the plate that was handed him."
Obama added Geithner's carrying on "with grace and good humor. He understands that he's on the hot seat."
Too many in Washington are trying to figure out whom to blame for things — when they should be focused on fixing them, Obama said.
According to NBC, Obama was the first sitting president ever to appear on "The Tonight Show." He'd already appeared twice as a candidate.
Obama spoke with little challenge from Leno, who clearly was enthused about snaring the president as a guest and pronounced it "one of the best nights of my life."
Leno veered away from politics and into the personal toward the end of the 35-minute interview, asking, "How cool is it to fly on Air Force One?" and when daughters Sasha and Malia would get their pet dog.
"This is Washington. That was a campaign promise," Obama replied to audience laughter. "No, I'm teasing. The dog will be there shortly."
The White House bowling alley remains in place, Obama said, bragging that he rolled a 129 ("Like the Special Olympics or something," Obama said), but a basketball court is a priority.
