Obama and Ryan Seacrest share some small talk

Looking for a way to get young voters who helped him win the presidency in 2008 to help him stave off Democratic losses in Tuesday’s congressional elections, President Obama reached out to Ryan Seacrest.

Despite the problems facing the country, Obama said in a call to Seacrest’s radio show, “I am optimistic about this country because of young people, because of their energy, because of their enthusiasm, because of their ideas, but none of that will make a difference if they’re not participating.”

“In 2008, we had such a huge influx of young people getting involved,” he added. “I just want to make sure that everybody who’s listening understands we need that same enthusiasm and interest on the part of young people in 2010.

“The main thing I want everyone to remember is you can’t shape your future if you don’t participate,” Obama added in the call taped Monday for broadcast Tuesday.

During the nearly 10-minute taped interview, Obama shed light on life inside the White House bubble.

“I don’t watch a lot of TV,” he said when asked about campaign attack ads. Asked what his daughters wore for Halloween, he said Malia dressed up as a Sour Patch girl and Sasha as a turkey.

Asked if he ever got to hit the snooze button, he said, “No. I actually have it set up so the White House operator calls me, and if I don’t wake up the first time, they just keep on calling.”

Asked about Jon Stewart calling him “dude” on the “The Daily Show,” the president responded, “I promise you, as president, you’re called much worse than dude.”

Republicans have mocked Obama’s call to Seacrest and his appearance on the “The Daily Show” last week.

“Just when we thought lack of dignity in the Oval Office couldn’t drop any lower,” Republican National Committee spokesman Doug Heye said in an e-mail to reporters on Monday.

The interview is at RyanSeacrest.com.

richard.simon@latimes.com