Obama on Gaddafi, Republicans and ratings

Barack Obama has said that the downfall of Libya's Col Gaddafi "sends a strong message to dictators" in other nations.

Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the US president said that Gaddafi had been given "ample opportunity" to allow a peaceful transition to democracy but had chosen not to do so.

Later in the show President Obama also revealed that he is not watching the debates taking place as Republicans look to select their candidate for the 2012 US presidential election.

He joked that he was waiting to see who was "voted off the island" and would pay attention when it was down to one or two contenders.

In another lighter moment the president looked relaxed as Jay Leno joked about his approval ratings.