Iranian Leader Opens Up

Ahmadinejad Speaks Candidly With Mike Wallace About Israel, Nukes, Bush

(CBS) 
After Ahmadinejad answered the question, an assistant handed the president a note. Asked what he was telling him, Ahmadinejad said he had been told to rearrange his jacket.

"Why are they worried about your jacket? I think you look just fine," Wallace said, laughing.

"That is right. They have told me the same thing. They tell me that it's a very nice looking coat," Ahmadinejad replied.

Asked if he is a vain man, Ahmadinejad said, "Sometimes appearances — yes, you have to look your back… that is why I comb my hair."

"What do you do for leisure?" Wallace asked.

"I study. I read books. I exercise. And, of course, I spend some time — quality time — with my family," said Ahmadinejad, who is a father of three.

"How long has it been since the leaders of Iran and the leaders of the U.S. have had any conversations?" Wallace asked.

"Twenty-six, 27 years," the president replied.

Asked if he has a desire to resume relations with the United States, Ahmadinejad said, "Who cut the relations, I ask you."

"That's not the point. The question is would you, the president of Iran, like to resume relations which have been gone for 26, 27 years with the United States," Wallace pressed.

"Well, we are interested to have relations with all governments … and all nations. This is a principle of my foreign policy," Ahmadinejad said.

"I know that," Wallace said.

"Allow me to finish myself," Ahmadinejad said.

"Why don't you just answer, say yes or no?" Wallace asked. "Do you want to have relations now, after 26, 27 years, with the United States? What harm could come from that?"

"We are not talking about harm. The conditions, conducive conditions, have to be there," Ahmadinejad said.

Asked what those "conducive conditions" are, the president said, "Well, please look at the makeup of the American administration, the behavior of the American administration. See how they talk down to my nation. They want to build an empire. And they don't want to live side by side in peace with other nations."

"Who does not? Washington does not?" Wallace asked.

"The American government, sir. It is very clear to me they have to change their behavior and everything will be resolved," Ahmadinejad answered.

"I am told that your aides want us to wind up our interview. But you kindly promised to answer my questions," Wallace said. "And I still have just a few left."

"Well, you might have five more hours of questions now," Ahmadinejad said. "Well, I have other appointments to get to. It's time for the night prayer, sir."

"Last one," Wallace said. "You have a special unit of martyr seekers in your revolutionary guard. They claim they have 52,000 trained suicide bombers ready to attack American and British targets if America should attack Iran."

"So, are you expecting the Americans to threaten us and we sit idly by and watch them with our hands … tied?" Ahmadinejad said.

Asked if the Americans have threatened him, Ahmadinejad said: "I do hope that the Americans will give up this practice of threatening other nations so that you are not forced me to ask such questions. I wish you well."

[lightoftruth]

Quote: "The time of the bomb is in the past, it's behind us. Today is the era of thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges." End Quote

Tell that lie to the scores of innocent victims in both Lebanon and Israel- victims of a terrorist "army" of hate-filled men who utilize those people for human shields; an army trained, encouraged, and supplied by the government of Iran. I'm so sick of terrorists being given a venue in the American press, to promulgate their lies. We are finding out just how "unbiased" the major media are, after hundreds of doctored pictures, corpses being used as "victims"- just tell the truth. We can take it.

[steveg344]

Alright Mahmoud! Speak truth to power!

[obelisk07]

Once again, CBS becomes a paid lackey of terrorists and nuclear madmen. You've just provided a forum for this murderer and terrorist to speak on US TV.

Absolutely no negative questions were asked (nor would they have been allowed) so your integrity and journalist impartiality was non-existent. Well, from the station that gave us Dan Rather-gate, I would expect no hint of professionalism.

[siempreko]

Why would you give a terrorist the venue to share his "thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges?"

This man has the goal, desire, vision to destroy us. He has no desire to have true diplomacy.

I guess he is speaking to the crowd that continues to blame America for what happened on 9/11. And they are listening to him !

[nschwabe]

The Iranian President has repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel. How can a leader want peace and accept cultural differences when he specifically seeks to destroy his neighbor. All one has to do is look at the freedoms that are denied most Iranians to see that opression and violence are the only means Mahmoud Ahmadinejad can rule by.

[deydeydeydey]

must be something in the CBS water/food/donuts thats consumed there...

like Dan Rather sought Saddam, now Wallace seeks attention from a similar character - Ahmedijihad...

[charlesryder]

Looks like Ahmadinejad's been reading the Democratic Party's talking points again.

[azcomments]

I wonder who hates our president more - Mike Wallace or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Probably Wallace.

[haloguy81]

Granted, its a little too sugary to be received from any one ruler, but how much have we been spoonfed in the past 6 years? His perspective is correct, even if it may be false. The time of bombs HAS to pass, or else all the agitated, narrow-minded, selfish idiots out there calling for war are going to get it in spades. There has to be a way to communicate, people. The whole "bomb them" strategy only works if you're going to nuke the whole region. Because guess what? Those men out there blowing themselves up or getting blown up - they have children, and grandchildren. And those next generations are going to remember the BS the U.S.-Israeli government put them through. And then once they get old enough to act... you get the gist. It's never going to stop. So either WE stop, or blow it all up.

[marymapes]

Ahmadinejad denies the Holocaust while threatening to nuke Israel and "finish the job" that Hitler did.

Mike Wallace would have given Hitler an interview on the eve of World War II. Have you no standards Mr. Wallace? Stop prostituting yourself.

[nschwabe]

This guys is a complete lunatic. I suggest that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Kim Jung Il of South Korea get together and buy some more platform shoes so they can stand tall in front of the world community. Truth be known, they are desperately seeking self worth by thumbing their noses at the United States. I suggest supporting Israel just to upset one if not both of them.

[greendroll]

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaking to his base. Too bad that base includes so many Americans. It is curious that he criticizes Bush for the actions of the UN and complains about the tone of American diplomacy while he is busily negotiating with his enemies through the use of rockets. Why anyone would dignify this manipulative liar with a world-wide media platform escapes me. It is enough to read his drivel on the IRNA web site.
If he thinks the era of the bomb has ended (it has yet to begin actually) I wonder why his government is striving so mightily to obtain one. When the era of the bomb does arrive, it will likely be because this man has ushered it in.

[Krunch1]

This interview again shows the ignorance of the maintream media. This man has called for the destruction of Israel, has denied the Holocaust ever happened, has called for the death of all Americans, and now Mike Wallace gives him a platform to spew his venum. I'll bet Mike Wallace didn't challenge him on his comments about the Holocaust or the destruction of Israel and America.

[truth-911]

God Bless Mike Wallace!

The neoconservative movement has hijacked the Republican party and the United States of America. We've spread more terror around the globe than most americans can admit. This terror includes instilling unrational fear in our own people for political ends.

FDR - "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"

Bush Administration - "Fear Everything! Fear all the time! Fear because it gives us power!"

I am no longer afraid of these people. They deserve my contempt, not my fear. I really hope the media is seeing that the american people no longer believe commercial media, big business, and the govenment love triangle.

I applaud CBS News for this interview! I would rather have poor understanding than no understanding at all!

[cte37]

It is amazing how the facade on all sides are making things look terrifying. It seems as though there are agendas going on behind the scenes that are too secretive for the worlds political 'leaders' to reveal.

I don't want to think of myself as a bigot, racist, or anything such thing, however, enough is enough.
Muslims, Arab descent's, the religion of islam, and the middle east should be 'put in their place' once and for all!
That part of the world has been in wars for hundreds of years over religion. If they want to kill one another off, let them. Then, maybe we can all have a little peace. However, first, we must deport ALL Muslims, Arabs, and Middle Eastern Descent people. That sounds good to me! While they're at it, deport the illegal mexicans, and cubans. Let's not forget the illegal Somolians in Columbus, Ohio; the illegal Haitian's in New York; and the politicians in the US Government that promotes and supports the illegal invasion - all for the sake of globalization!
Each politician in the US government must be held responsible for the illegal invasion; just as, each middle-eastern should be held responsible for 9/11.
Let's just nuke the whole Middle East, but lets take our corrupt politicians there first.

See how ridiculous it all sounds? That's just like the interview with Mike Wallace.

[mnmichael]

Oh, I'm certain that Mike Wallace asked AhMad some tough, challenging questions that typically gets journalists thrown in Iranian jails.

[frankp_63]

Boy, Katie must be pissed. She had to be hoping
she'd get the big sitdown with the lunatic and show America just what a sensitive, reasonable guy he is (and cute!)

To get scooped by that brastrap-snappin' Wallace. That's gotta hurt...

[cmiller7979]

It's simply appalling that CBS News gives this Enemy of the World a mouthpiece. The sweet irony is that I'm sure the same 60 minutes will contain a segment about Mel Gibson being an anti-Semite. The real anti-Semite, the one who calls for the end of Israel and Jews, gets legitimacy in Primetime, while the ranting drunk, who hasn%u2019t killed one Jew by supporting Hezbollah with guns and money, gets ruined. Mel deserves what he gets, while Ahmadinejad gets pandered to. Typical CBS. Typical American media.

[willhunt22]

Mike Wallace, are you kidding me? You sell you journalistic soul for access to a madman? This is the same lunatic who openly speaks of the anniliation of Isreal as the solution for peace. You are so weak as a journalist if you can't ask a single question about this pathetic man's support of terror and his sponsoring of muders of innocent women and children. You give him a stage to slam our president and you pose not a single question that exposes the thug that he is.

Give us all a break!

[Cardinal Fang--2008]

I hope Mike Wallace is in Iran in Ahmadinejad's office when we ever get around to bombing those fu"kers. Then again, what would one expect from a half-assed outfit like CBS?

[siglaw1893]

I wonder if Ahmadinejad knew that Mike Wallace is Jewish?

[cavscout2838]

The time of the bomb is in the past, it's behind us. Today is the era of thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges."
If Ahmadinejad honestly believed this statement to be true, then why the pursuit of a nuclear weapon for his own country

What about all the bombs we are sending Israel? What baout the bombs and weapson we gave to Osama, Sadam, South American revolutions, etc. It is easy to accept the views you are fed on your TV screen that everyone else is an evil terrorist, but it is better to look much closer at the matter. Iran gives bombs to Hezbollah, we give bombs to Israel. How are these that different? Just because you are told Israel does not conduct terrorist acts? Well they do. I believe Israel should exist in peace, but that in no way gives them a clean slate for killing. Neo-Cons and radical muslims are very much the same. We must first worry about the neo-cons here. They are radicals who want power to force what they think is right, just the same as radicals in the Middle East. Why do the radicals in the Middle East hate us? Probably because they want to keep the Neo-Cons from forcing their beliefs on their nations.

Nothing is cut and dry, but one thing is for sure, our government needs reform. How many civilians have been killed by our government? The numbers are huge, we have condoned many a cope and Iraq is a grave yard of civilian deaths at America's hands. Everyone shouts dribble about evil terrorists who kill civilians, well what about our administration? How many civilian deaths have they caused with carelessness and greed? Does that make Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice and so on, terrorists or heros?

[garygaru]

We as a Nation we need to be carefull how we view the words of this Iranian leader.
His actions do not square with his words.
His nation is the lauching pad for terroism with a world wide islamic goal to dominate and control.
If he could he would behead Mike Wallace as an infidel.
The USA does live at peace with it's neighbors.
The only power in History that seeks to free those who it conquers in Battle. With no desire to dominate anyone.
I hope the People of the World can see the difference.

[one_american]

"Rulers and heads of government at the end of their office must leave the office holding their heads high."

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should leave office with his head held high - by someone else, and separated from his shoulders.

Sawed-off Islamo-nazi punk.

[truth-911]

How about WATCHING the interview before making up your mind about it's contents. That's too much thinking I suppose.

One great solution to a lot of matters is the desctruction of religion. No, I do not favor a forced destruction. I can only hope people will open their eyes one day.

[meruhl]

Ahmadinejad is losing support in his own country, so here he is trying to appeal to the water-brained Left in ours. What's really sad is how eager they are to buy it.

[mad_maxx1972]

Let us see here.... Here is CBS again doing a fluff film on yet another Islamic Extremist ruler that wishes to destroy Isreal and USA. I am seeing a trend here - where is Dan Rather? Also - what is more amazing is that these shots of the IRAN NAZI leader is taking at Bush are not far from what you hear from Hillary Clinton, Kerry, Kennedy, Murtha Pelosi and/or what is being taught to our kids in school. Next thing you know CBS will be doing a film about how Iran is going to cure the world of global warming, cancer and hunger but BUSH is standing in their way for that too. I bet Al Gore and Moore are working it right now.

[aemzmrz]

Simply ridiculous!
A prostitute is what you are Mr. Wallace.

[edwinrowe]

I unfortunately met Mike Wallace personally at the box office at a concert in Central Park, NYC. He had no compunction in pushing ahead of me in line, which sort of sums him up.

Ahmedinejad is a strong believer in psychological warfare, mouthing sweet words of understanding while initiating terrorism all over the world.

Mike Wallace is helping him spread his deceptions.

[liberaltxcat]

Bush has disgraced this presidency. It's no wonder he's hated around the world. Can't wait until 2008 to be rid of him!

[buffal01]

Ahmadinejad speaks of this being an area of intellectual thought. Isn't it time that Iran comes up with a theory, maybe a application or product that is actually worthwhile to the world. I mean what have they done for the last 100 yrs, develope and modernize the suicide bomber? Its a joke of any Iranian to think intellectually when free thought is forbidden there. Learn to light a BBQ mahmoud before you use such deep thoughts.

[soundhouse]

Certain tyrants in the past have referred to people such as Wallace as "Useful Idiots", then proceeded to murder these idiots once the tyrants' grip on power was firm. You people should be thankful each and every day that we have someone like Bush in the White House, who is wise enough to see through the propaganda that apparently your ilk can't see through, and who is willing to stand up against it.

God help you if you ever really get your way. Your heroes will make sure you're the first to go.

[mad_maxx1972]

After reading these post by some of these liberals that invest our country - my thoeries are true. To them Bush/GOP is the real threat NOT Iran. These losers are basicly saying the so called IRAN leader who wish to follow in the foot steps of Hitler - ir OK and better than Bush. Liberals could not leader a girl scout troop.

[dag8686]

"Those who refuse to accept an invitation will not have a good ending or fate".
Sounds like a threat to me.
I believe Pres. Bush did the right thing by not responding to his 18 page letter. CBS and everyone at 60 Minutes is so anti Bush, what else can they dig up out of the gutter?

[tallgirl5]

He is a leader of a country, not a terrorist. I don't agree with his policies. But, when he says 'peace' I take it with the same grain of salt when Bush says 'diplomacy'. Open your eyes, our president is just a fundamentally wrong as this guy is when it comes to war and peace. You idiots think waving a big stick will make the world better. Hate to be the one to tell you that Jesus didn't die on a cross for you and you are stuck here. So stop trying to create the end times. The end time is the use of the bomb, jesus won't be there for you. Open your eyes!

[haloguy81]

I agree - All religion should be abolished. Enough with all these stupid people making decisions based on tradition and completely unwilling to accept change. Caution is well and good, but we've come too far to reverse now.

[haloguy81]

I agree - All religion should be abolished. Enough with all these stupid people making decisions based on tradition and completely unwilling to accept change. Caution is well and good, but we've come too far to reverse now.

[steve3527-2009]

So typical. Wallace/CBS provide platform for Iranian thug to bash our President and ultimately our American way of life. But doesn't have the courage to confront this thug about his blatant support of Worldwide terror. Another glaring example of how out of touch the Media is. All of you so called journalists should be tried for treason and hung!

I am still searching for that comment where someone said that Ahmadinejad is OK. It has got to be around here somewhere, I mean you wouldn't lie would you?

[garygaru]

LETS BE CAREFULL !!!
We as a Nation need to be carefull how we view the words of this Iranian leader.
His actions do not square with his words.
His nation is the lauching pad for terroism with a world wide islamic goal to dominate and control.
If he could he would behead Mike Wallace as an infidel.
The USA does live at peace with it's neighbors.
The only power in History that seeks to free those who it conquers in Battle. With no desire to dominate anyone.
I hope the People of the World can see the difference.

[Schratboy]

Considering that Dan Rather, rather ignominiously, sat in front of Saddam Hussein and propped up this clown, now we have a Rather clone paying homage to the Iranian fool. You can always count on CBS to support the despotic underdog.

[BPittman2]

"The time of the bomb is in the past, it's behind us. Today is the era of thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges."

What??? I guess that's why they are developing a nuke of their own to destroy Israel. And I'm sure they are busy exchanging cultural ideas with various Jewish and Christian groups of the world. Wake up world, this guy wants to convert you or kill you, plain and simple.

[skyland--2008]

The U.S. Industrial Military Complex is out to RULE the WORLD!

[bdavis32]

I find myself speechless with anger - once again, a new low for CBS News and Mike Wallace - the sooner Wallace is gone the better. What a way to retire! Is it any wonder that the public see the media as an entity onto itself, totally divorced from the communities they serve? Mr. Wallace, you have to ask yourself, what were you thinking in giving this evil man a platform in which to spread his hate, lies and violence?

It is an all too familiar trend - the major news outlets are not what they once were, and do not broadcast in the public interest. Why the FCC allows these amoral entites continued access to the public airwaves is beyond me.

I wish you nothing but misery in retirement, Mr. Walllace.

[mlvikes14]

Why are we so worried about this madman? If the business of America was business, and not empire, this guy would be struggling to avoid revolution as his socialist economy collapses. Instead, he can rally the unwashed around the flag by pointing at US interventionism in the region. It's just not worth it. Markets, trade, no foriegn entanglements. Revolutionary ideas? Indeed. We founded a nation on them 230 years ago, but we've gotten arrogant and forgotten them.

[jack_asss]

The US doesn't just talk down to Iran, we talk down to all nations. This is because W believes that the lord Jesus Christ wants him to be president, and favors the US above all others.

God help me? Jesus was a peace loving, socalist (lots of christians seem to skip the New Testament). Jesus would be on the side of the left. Those asking for peace and to share your money with the needy.

[foxnewsrulez]

Mahmoud has successfully recruited Mike Wallace to be his personal propaganda filmmaker. Wallace is to Ahmadinejad as Leni Riefenstahl was to Hitler. Clearly a publicity coup by like egomaniacs Wallace and Ahmadinejad.