Obama: Racism doesn't motivate protests

President Obama, appearing on David Letterman's show, laughed off suggestions that protests against him stem from racism.

Obama reminded Letterman that Americans elected him knowing that he was an African-American.

"First of all, I think it's important to realize that I was actually black before the election," Obama said, drawing big laughs from the audience.

But the President also struck a serious note when discussing the healthcare debate, saying that Americans expect a higher level of discussion from their elected representatives.

"I think [Americans] just want to see some common sense, they want to see some honesty and integrity in Washington," Obama said. "I think they're turned off by the shouting and the yelling, and they expect more from their...elected officials."

Obama lamented the "misinformation" that some were spreading about healthcare, but understood that Americans are afraid of big changes to their healthcare.

"They're afraid of the devil they don't know," Obama said, quipping "that's why I have to end up being on the David Letterman show."

Addressing the war in Afghanistan, Obama reiterated earlier statements that he will not make any decision about increasing troop levels until he has a chance to review the U.S.'s overall strategy.

On the economy, Obama said he expected unemployment to be a "big problem" for another year at the minimum.

In a lighter moment, one audience member gave Obama a heart-shaped potato after the President cracked a joke about it. (Obama had overheard Letterman discuss the potato with the audience.)

The Letterman taping capped a flurry of media appearances for the President, who appeared on four Sunday morning shows this weekend.


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