Obama discusses race issues on 'Letterman'

US President Barack Obama appeared on David Letterman's chatshow to discuss suggestions that reactions to his healthcare reform plans have been racially-motivated.

The politician was announced as the sole guest on the long-running series last week, which marked his sixth appearance on the CBS talkshow and first since taking office.

Obama joked with the presenter about recent swipes against him for one of his controversial new policies, E! reports.

"First of all, I think it's important to remember that I was actually black before the election," he quipped.

"Really? How long have you been a black man?" Letterman responded.

The host then used his Top Ten feature to present reasons why the president had agreed to appear on the programme, which included: "Thought it would be fun to watch someone else get heckled", "Said yes without thinking... like Bush did with Iraq", and "We told him Megan Fox would be here".

During his appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show earlier this year, Obama made comments about a low bowling score that upset Special Olympics organisers.