Jay Leno had a tough act to follow. Johnny Carson almost defined late-night television and served as host of “The Tonight Show” for 30 years. “He-e-e-re’s Johnny!“ earned a place in the national conscience, as did Carson’s post-monologue golf swing. Leno succeeded Carson and recently left the show after 17 years. He had a good run. He will be moving to prime time, or so we hear. His late-night tenure ended without the fanfare accorded his predecessor for the simple reason that times have changed.

We didn’t really need to give Jay Leno one more for the road, because his career is merely taking a different route in a few months.

NEW YORK An appraisal of a veteran talk-show host and comedian should have lots to say about his funniness. Let’s just credit Jay Leno with persistence. Today, Leno surrenders his job as host of NBC’s “Tonight Show” after 17 years. It’s a job he won against stiff competition. Then, early in his run, it’s a job he defended against NBC bosses who were having second thoughts.

WASHINGTON—In a career studded with historic firsts, President Barack Obama is preparing for yet another: hitting the late-night comedy circuit to pitch his economic recovery plan. It’s hardly a laughing matter, with the United States in its worst economic shape in decades. But, by taking a seat Thursday night on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,“ Obama will become the first sitting president to appear in such an unlikely venue.