No, it's not Obama. It's Big Bird, silly!

Barack Obama: The first Sesame Street president.

The Biggest Bird opened the TV critics' day with a little chat. OK, he was there on tape. OK, it was pre-recorded. I think President Obama must spend at least half an hour a day in the White House studio.

Obama was not there to plug bailouts or health care or the benefits of diplomacy over sabre-rattling. But there was a big emphasis on kindness and understanding and trying to get along with people who are different.

Obama kicked off the session on the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street, saying how the show helped him so much when he was a kid, and how it still helps his family today. And if you're feeling a little old -- if Woodstock and the moon and all the other 40th anniversaries haven't gotten to you already -- don't be sad. Remember, Obama is the fifth-youngest president.

"There are many adults that can stand to learn again the lessons that Sesame Street offers," the president said. And he wasn't talking about all the things you can do with the letter "S." 

A little truth in advertising: President Obama didn't take time out just for the critics. The segment was taped last spring for a big Sesame Street fund-raising gala, said Miranda Barry, executive vice president of content of Sesame Workshop. "He was moved to do it," she said, "because he feels Sesame Street was so important to him growing up."

The numbers: Sesame Street's 40th birthday is Nov. 10, and the four youngest U.S. presidents, in order, are: Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Ulysses S. Grant.