What a novel concept. The entire purpose of visiting Leno is, of course, to try to reduce some of the pressure on his administration. Obama reverts back to campaigning whenever things get difficult, hoping to charm people through softball interviews where an adoring audience cheers every word.

The problem is that campaigning during a crisis can seriously backfire. As Americans are outraged over AIG and Fannie/Freddie bonuses, worried about their dwindling 401(k)s, and seeing the Dow starting to take another downward turn, they might not be terribly interested in watching the president yukking it up with Leno.

BTW, 17 of 18 confirmation-required posts at the Treasury Department still require filling. Think President Obama could take some time off of the campaign trail to actually fill them?