Jimmy Kimmel asks President Obama if he wished he were running against Donald Trump

Obama laughs on Jimmy Kimmel Live
(Image credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live)

"Do you ever wish you were running against Donald Trump?" Jimmy Kimmel asked President Obama on Monday's Kimmel Live, noting that Vice President Joe Biden said he would rather "take him behind the gym" than debate Trump. Obama laughed the laugh of a man who never has to run for anything again. "You know, I think Hillary is doing just fine," he said. "I am enjoying campaigning on her behalf, and also campaigning for Senate and House candidates, because look, we joke about Donald Trump but I do think that part of the reason you've seen Michelle passionate in this election, part of the reason that we get involved as much as we have, is not just because we think Hillary is going to be a great president, but it's also because there is something qualitatively different about the way Trump has operated in the political sphere."

"Look, I ran against John McCain, I ran against Mitt Romney — obviously I thought that I could do a better job, but they're both honorable men, and if they had won, I wouldn't worry about the general course of this country," Obama said, outlining the ways he thinks Trump is different. "Regardless of what your political preferences are, and your policy preferences, there is a certain responsibility and expectation in terms of how you behave, how you present yourself...."

"I've heard this speech before, believe me," Kimmel cut in, lightening the mood. When Obama went on, he added, "No, I didn't mean from you, I meant by guidance counselors to me." Listen, Obama said, "if you are willing to say anything and do anything, even when it undermines everything that has been built by previous generations, you know, that's a problem."

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Earlier, Kimmel asked Obama if he ever actually laughs at Trump, especially while watching the GOP nominee during the debates. "Most of the time," Obama said. Watch below. Peter Weber

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.