Obama: from Leno to Tehran
Updated on 20 March 2009
Obama makes two rare televised appearances for a sitting president, one on the late night chat show circuit and one directly to the Iranian people.
President Barack Obama issued the unprecedented videotaped appeal to Iran offering a "new beginning" of diplomatic engagement.
"For nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained. But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together," he said.
"My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties," Obama said in a message released to select Middle East broadcast outlets timed for an Iranian holiday celebration.
Reaching out directly to Iranian leaders and their people, Obama said: "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."
He said the United States wanted Iran to take its "rightful place in the community of nations," but also insisted that Tehran do its part to achieve reconciliation.
"You have that right - but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization," Obama said.
"The measure of that greatness is not the capacity to destroy, it is your demonstrated ability to build and create," he added, alluding to Iran's contested nuclear program and its missile development efforts.
The White House distributed the videotape with Farsi subtitles and posted it on its website to coincide with Iranian observance of the ancient festival of Nowruz, celebrating the arrival of spring.
The lighter televised appearance
Obama's video message appeared shortly after another televised appearance.
In an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," the first by a sitting president, Obama talked seriously about his economic plans and voiced strong support for embattled Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
"In Washington, it's a little bit like American Idol, except everybody is Simon Cowell," he joked, before returning to a more sombre tone by adding that the American people understood that it will take time to get out of the economic situation.
