Sanders to appear on ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is making his debut on “The Tonight Show” early next week.

Sanders will discuss his 2016 presidential run with host Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, Dec. 8, NBC said in a statement.

{mosads}Sanders’s first visit to the show comes as he tries to catch up to front-runner Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democratic nomination.

The late-night talk show circuit has given candidates a chance to show voters their lighter side.

Sanders has in the past been reluctant to answer personal questions about his life. But in October, he joined Ellen DeGeneres on her show, jokingly answering questions about his hair and whether he wears boxers or briefs.

Clinton joined Fallon for a September broadcast and has appeared on other shows as well.

The former first lady’s campaign has made the talk show appearances a key part of their strategy to make her seem more likeable and spontaneous to voters. The New York Times reported in early September that aides are pushing Clinton to “show more humor and heart” on the campaign trail.

Clinton spoofed GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump during her “Tonight Show” appearance on Sept. 16. She also let Fallon touch her hair as they mocked Trump’s own distinctive ‘do.

Fallon also played Trump in a mock telephone conversation with Clinton.

“I spent my entire career fighting for women’s rights. … I am curious, Donald, what is your stance on women’s issues?” Clinton asked Fallon’s Trump impersonation.

“Look, I know a lot of women, and they all have issues,” Fallon responded.

Fallon’s fake Trump also gave Clinton advice for winning the hearts and minds of voters next year.

“You want to win, here’s what you’ve got to do,” he said. “First, yell. I yell all the time. In fact, this phone isn’t even plugged in.”

Clinton responded by holding up a glass of white wine while the comic rambled on during the skit.

Polls show Clinton well ahead of Sanders nationally.