President Obama makes 'Tonight Show' appearance, meets Madonna

NEW YORK, June 9 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama's appearance on The Tonight Show marked two firsts: The first time he's appeared on the program since the departure of Jay Leno, and the first time he's met Madonna.

During taping for Thursday night's episode Wednesday, Obama answered Fallon's questions about this year's presidential race, asking whether Bernie Sanders will drop out and if Obama will endorse presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Despite his press secretary announcing Obama would make no formal endorsements during his interview with Fallon, the president did call Clinton "whip smart," "tough" and someone who "deeply cares about working people and putting kids through school and making sure we're growing our economy," according to Deadline.

He also said Bernie Sanders' grassroots campaign helped make "Hillary a better candidate." Obama is scheduled to meet with Sanders on Thursday morning.

On Thursday, Fallon tweeted, "Slow Jam with @POTUS tonight. First ever Presidential double mic drop.

Backstage, musical guest Madonna finally got to meet the president, after previously saying she was maybe too "shocking" of a celebrity to be invited to the White House. Alongside an Instagram photo of herself standing in front of the president, Madonna wrote, "For Once I'm Speechless...........President Obama."

In another photo showing her posing with the commander-in-chief, Madonna wrote, "A meeting of the Leo's!...A Cosmic Convergence!" referring to the astrological sign the two share.

Last year, Madonna said Obama was the person she most wanted to meet, according to Us Weekly. "When the heck am I going to meet him?" she questioned. "He just needs to invite me to the White House already."