Amid the 60th Anniversary celebrations on Friday's NBC Today, co-host Matt Lauer declared: "Remember the ad campaign over the years that called us, 'America's First Family'? Well, we are honored this morning to have a message of congratulations from America's real First Family." A clip played of Barack and Michelle Obama praising the morning show as "part of American culture." [Audio available here]
Given the broadcast's consistent left-wing slant over the years, and love for the Obamas more recently, it's no wonder why the President and First Lady would join the party. Back in 2006, then-co-host Meredith Vieira pleaded with then-Senator Obama to consider a presidential run: "You know you are the equivalent of a rock star in politics....If your party says to you, ‘We need you,’ and, and there’s already a drumbeat out there, will you respond?" [View video after the jump]
Only minutes before the First Couple's taped message on Friday, news anchor Natalie Morales touted the First Lady's new Twitter account: "She's already racked up about a quarter of a million followers in just the last 24 hours and has been welcomed by the Twitterer-in-chief himself....She says she is looking forward to staying in touch with everyone..."
On Thursday, Morales gushed: "The Oval Office got a lot more glamorous last night. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stopped by the White House to chat with President Obama about Jolie's humanitarian work..." In reply, co-host Ann Curry fantasized: "You know, sometimes, you know, when I watch them, I think, don't you wish you were them [Pitt and Jolie]? I mean think about it, beautiful, talented, get to hang out with the people in the White House."
Here is a transcript of the January 13 Today anniversary message from the Obamas:
7:20AM ET
MATT LAUER: Remember the ad campaign over the years that called us, "America's First Family"?
ANN CURRY: Yeah.
LAUER: Well, we are honored this morning to have a message of congratulations from America's real First Family. Take a look.
MICHELLE OBAMA: So many Americans start their day right here watching all of you as they're getting ready for work and sending their kids off to school.
BARACK OBAMA: Over decades and across generations the Today show has become part of American culture. A place where millions tune in to see how their world has changed overnight. That's why we're both so pleased to join all of you in celebrating this remarkable milestone.
MICHELLE OBAMA: And we know you'll have many more years of success. But first, this is Today on NBC.
BARACK OBAMA: I wanted to say that.
MICHELLE OBAMA: Sorry.
