Close observers of the president said they were impressed by his ability to show his American audience a very Western side.
"I think he's the first Chinese leader who presented Western humor," said Tam Wai Yi, deputy China editor for TVB News, a Hong Kong television station.
"He's trying to create a different image--more open, more friendly to American-style democracy," she added. "In the past, you could just not imagine a Chinese leader on stage in front of an audience answering questions."
Robert S. Ross, a research associate at the Fairbank Center and a professor of political science at Boston College, said he was impressed that Jiang had willingly entered "the lion's den."
"Deng Xiaoping would have never answered questions," said Ross, who was also a member of the faculty committee that selected Jiang's questions. "This is a new type of leader."
But others said that they were disappointed that Jiang had fielded only one question from the audience.
"I think he wanted to hear more students. He wants to hear what Americans really have to think," said Abigail L. Hing '99, who said Jiang's speech took place in a very "sheltered environment."
"The questions weren't anything new," Hing said. "I'm sure he had the answers ready."