I do think in Washington it is a little bit like American Idol,” Mr Obama told the popular talk show.  After a pause, he added: “Except, everyone is like Simon Cowell.” Mr Obama repeatedly attempted to invoke humour into his talk show repertoire as he became the first president to appear on the NBC show. During the 40-minute appearance, he revealed that the First Family had finally c More..hosen a pet dog, which he said will be delivered to the White House following his trip to Europe in April. “When we get back the dog will be in place,” Mr Obama told Mr Leno, adding that his daughters, Sacha and Malia, were looking forward to the new arrival. He quipped: “They say if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” The president’s entrance drew deafening cheers from the studio audience as he waved to the crowd, smiling broadly before taking his seat. Sticking to his sporting theme, Mr Obama announced plans to install a basketball hoop for the White House tennis courts. When Mr Leno inquired as to whether people allowed him to win just because he is president, Mr Obama replied: “I don’t see why they would throw the game except for all those Secret Service guys with guns around.” Mr Obama also shared how much he enjoys travelling on Air Force One. “I personally think it’s pretty cool,” he said of the transportation, adding that his daughters are “just as impressed”. Turning to serious matters, Mr Obama said he was stunned that insurance giant AIG had paid bonuses to employees after borrowing taxpayers’ money. He said: “The immediate bonuses that went to AIG are a problem, but the larger problem is we gotta get back to an attitude where people know enough is enough and people have a sense of responsibility and they understand that their actions are gonna have an impact on everybody. “If we can get back to those values that built America, then I think we’re gonna be OK.” Mr Obama gave a sobering analysis of what he believed caused the country’s fi...