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President Obama gives a star turn on American chat show

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President Barack Obama took the hot seat on Jay Leno's Tonight Show on Thursday to discuss, among other things, life in the White House, presidential modes of transportation, and the impending acquisition of a first family dog.

Gamely answering personal questions as well as addressing some serious economic issues, the US leader admitted he found it "pretty cool" to fly in Air Force One "because they give you, you know, a jacket with the seal on it".

He admitted, however, that his daughters were more impressed with the onboard treats they discovered on the presidential helicopter. "Our first time on Marine One and the Marines are saluting us as we board, and Sasha looks over and says: "Are those Starbursts?'."

As for a 'First Dog', the father-of-two revealed the new arrival will be in place after his planned trip to Europe in early April, then quipped: "They say if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog".

And cheeky host Jay also took the chance to find out how life for Mr Obama has changed since his January inauguration - in particular whether people he plays basketball with now let him win.

After a comic pause, the Hawaii-born head of state replied: "I don't see why they would throw the game - except for all those Secret Service guys with guns around them!"

Photo: Rex
During his interview with Jay Leno - the first by a sitting president - Barack Obama talked about flying on Air Force One and the impending arrival of a First Family pet