U.S. President Barack Obama has taken his campaign blitz ahead of the upcoming midterm elections to comedian Jon Stewart's The Daily Show.
The president's interview with Stewart, which was airing on U.S. television Wednesday, marks the first time a sitting president has appeared on the satirical news show.
Less than a week before critical congressional elections, Mr. Obama defended his agenda, and he said he hopes Democratic Party lawmakers who made tough votes will be rewarded with another term in office.
Despite the satirical nature of the show, the president made a serious pitch for people to get out and vote next Tuesday.
Political analysts have said Mr. Obama is seeking to reach out to young voters through his appearance on the comedy show.
The interview was taped in Washington as part of the show's run-up to the "Rally to Restore Sanity." Stewart is hosting the rally alongside fellow comedian Stephen Colbert's "March to Keep Fear Alive" on the National Mall Saturday -- as the satirists poke fun at recent political events.
Stewart and Colbert's rallies follow competing rallies held in August on the National Mall. Conservative commentator Glenn Beck hosted a "Restoring Honor" rally at the Lincoln Memorial focused on religious faith. On the same day, civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton hosted his "Reclaim the Dream" rally for social justice and racial equality.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.