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| Liberian President Sails Through ‘Daily Show' Interview | |||||||
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NEW YORK – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a United Methodist and the first female president of Liberia, was poised, serene and smiling through national appearances on United States television even though her 13-year-old grandson gave her a "heads up" about one of the talk show hosts she was meeting. "He told me, ‘You are going to be meeting Jon Stewart. Grandma you have to be prepared,'" she said during her interview with the host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." Stewart, who usually plays for laughs, was nothing but respectful when he interviewed Sirleaf on the April 21 broadcast. Sirleaf is on a book tour promoting her memoir, "This Child Will Be Great." Stewart reflected on the memoir, pointing out her many struggles. He said he was amazed at the obstacles she has overcome to be the first woman head of state in Africa. "Reading this I couldn't help but think I am going to be meeting a woman who is 200 years old. What you have been through and what you have accomplished in your short life is amazing." "You sound like my competitors," the 70-year-old leader quipped. "They say you have been at it too long! It is time to call it quits." Sirleaf attributed her election to the voting power of Liberian women. "Women decided it was time," she said. At her election, Sirleaf said her role as a mother and grandmother gave her special insight. In an interview with United Methodist News Service three days after her inauguration in 2005, Sirleaf said, "My commitment of course, I believe, will make me have the chance of succeeding and excelling much more than my predecessors who were all men." She also was a featured speaker at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, where she was greeted with cheers, applause and "ululations' from fellow Africans in the assembly. General Conference brings together delegates from around the world every four years to decide church law. United Methodist Bishop Peter Weaver, Boston area, and John Innis, Liberia, presided over a prayer service for Sirleaf on the eve of her 2005 inauguration at her home church, First United Methodist Church, Monrovia. Weaver asked her at that time to consider addressing the 2008 conference. Laughing, she answered, "Bishop, I wish everyone requested appointments that well in advance. Of course I would consider the invitation." Sirleaf's sense of humor is evident in her interaction with world leaders, diplomats, children and talk show hosts. She presented Stewart with traditional African clothing, saying the show could not end before she made him a "chief." Watch the show online: http://www.thedailyshow.com/. |
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