Barack Obama in a pre-election "Tonight Show" appearance. The President is scheduled to appear on Thursday's episode.

NBC announced that Barack Obama will make history this week, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to appear on a late night talk show.

The president is scheduled to visit “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Thursday. According to the network’s press release, his agenda includes a discussion of his economic plan.

Naturally other topics that aren’t part of the vetted, pre-game talking points are bound to pop up. For example oh, I don’t know, a few blush-inducing jokes about AIG’s multimillion dollar executive bonus payout?

NewsDesk partner AceShowbiz.com points out in its article:

“Even while campaigning, Obama has gained popularity as a celebrity as much as a politician. Thus, the appearance on the show will bridge the ends between news and entertainment where audience is not limited to political-oriented people. On being placed between the two, Brookings Institution expert Darrell M.West commented, ‘That’s the group he needs to convince that he’s doing a good job and his budget makes sense.’ “

In separate article from NewsDesk partner TVGuide.com, writer Anna Dimond reported, “When asked if Obama would be funny, an official promised he’d be ‘[a]s funny as the times allow.’”

But reaction hasn’t been universally rosy. An article in Obama’s hometown newspaper the Chicago Tribune called this development “every bit as calculated as a Hollywood studio’s campaign for a new blockbuster.”

The full episode will be available for viewing on the IMDb’s video page  Friday morning.

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