Candidate Obama's Sense Of Urgency

Dem. Says He's Not In A Hurry To Run, But Wants To Tackle Problems

(CBS)  One thing you can say with certainty about Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is that there has never been another presidential candidate like him.

He has a foreign sounding name that rhymes with "Osama," his middle name is Hussein, and he has admitted to using marijuana and cocaine as a teenager. Racially he is half black, half white, and in terms of political experience, green.

With just seven years in the state legislature, and two in the United States Senate, it would be easy to dismiss him, were it not for the fact that he is running second in the polls behind Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. On Saturday, 17,000 people braved frigid weather to watch him declare his candidacy in Springfield Ill., where correspondent Steve Kroft joined him on the eve of his speech.

---

"Three years ago, you were a state legislator here in Springfield. What makes you think that you're qualified to be president of the United States?" Kroft asks.

"You know, I think we're in a moment of history where probably the most important thing we need to do is to bring the country together and one of the skills that I bring to bear is being able to pull together the different strands of American life and focus on what we have in common," Obama replies

Obama says he has no doubts that he's ready to run. Asked where he gets all this confidence, the senator jokes, "My wife asks me that all the time.

As he gave 60 Minutes a tour of the old Illinois capitol where Abraham Lincoln served in the legislature and delivered the House Divided speech, there was much for Obama to be confident about. At age 45, he is one of only three black senators since Reconstruction, the first African-American President of the Harvard Law Review, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Chicago, and the author of two best selling books.

He is ambitious and just daring enough to invite comparisons to one of the few American presidents, who was elected with even less political experience than he has: Abraham Lincoln.

"He grew into the presidency in ways that I think no body would have anticipated," Obama tells Kroft.

"I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change," the senator told the crowd during his announcement speech.

On Saturday in Springfield he began a campaign that seems to have morphed out of his latest book tour.

Propelled by the media hungry for a fresh face and a good story, he has graced the covers of Time and Newsweek, the pages of Men’s Vogue, and has been endorsed by Oprah.

But it has also been driven by his personal charisma and an ability to connect with people, especially young people, that is rarely seen in American politics.

He has challenged the post baby boom generation to cast aside its cynicism of politics and engage the system. In a speech at George Mason University earlier this month, he evoked Martin Luther King.

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. It bends towards justice," he told the students. "But here’s the thing, young people, it doesn't bend on its own. It bends in that direction because you decide you're gonna stand up to a war that should have never been waged. It bends because you decide that we need a healthcare system for all Americans."

On the campaign trail he is routinely received like a rock star, a far cry from the way he is treated in the corridors of power in Washington, where he is 88th on the Senate’s list of seniority.

"I wanna read you a quote from The St. Petersburg Times. 'The world is too complex and dangerous for this likeable, charismatic, African American neophyte to practice on-the-job training,'" Kroft reads.

Asked why he is in such a hurry to run, Obama tells Kroft, "You know the truth is I'm not. We have a narrow window to solve some of the problems that we face. Ten years from now, we may not be in a position to recover the sense of respect around the world that we've lost over the last six years. Certainly, when you look at our energy policy and environment and the prospects of climate change, we’ve gotta make some decisions right now. And so I feel a sense of urgency for the country."

[faisalnkutu]

I am very excited by the fact that Americans will have high quality options from which to elect a leader.
Being an African American immigrant from Uganda, I know that the Luo people (from Barack Sr. hails from are very brave and extremely highly talented orators and politicians), I am quite sure that the Senator has inherited those remarkable paternal qualities that American are having a good taste of.

[jonster3-2009]

Michelle Obama is probably stating a fact when she says that, "as a black man %u2026 Barack can get shot going to the gas station," but I don't think it will go over well. Is she referring to a confrontation with a police officer, a white murderer, or black on black crime? I feel that Senator Obama is the good man in the middle, what with Biden's "clean" remark and other comments that are sure to be made. I hope his campaign doesn't get bogged down in a race card game. The 60 Minutes program should be very interesting.

[pepjrp]

I agree with Jonster3 that Michelle Obama's comments show some racial bias without the facts. Do the Obamas live on the south side of Chicago? Of course not So why is he likely to be shot? European-Americans and We Are European-Americans CBS, no matter that you always describe us as a color, yet all other races get the more descriptive courtesy, besides all that; According to the FBI files of 2005, a European American white person when of the 770,000 annual violent crimes committed between blacks and whites, the whites are victims in 85% of the cases. Another example of racial biased reporting in the media. Good job CBS.

[thezewes]

The only reason Obama could be nominated by his party, is because he is black but with characteristics of hispanic or white. In short looks would be the reason, as racist as that may sound. Blacks will vote for him, whites will vote for him and so will hispanics. The problem with Obama lies in his lack of expierence, especially in foreign policy (as was "W"). Can we risk it again? I'm afraid Clinton has the edge, although that is another desaster waiting to happen.

[elle82]

it is ridiculous to suggest that michelle obama is being racist by saying barack could get shot going to the gas station.crime happens everywhere; a criminal wont say, oh you dont live in a crime filled area so i wont shoot you, or your mom is white so you dont count as a black man so therefore you are not subject to discrminination...the point of the question, i believe, was that is he at more risk because of the color of his skin as well as his popularity..many other black people have been killed for less, and look at popular presidents..assasinated. if obama gets nominated, it will be despite his skin color and because he is who the people want...last i heard, this is still a democratic country!

[deaconse]

Ms Obama's remark about getting shot going to the gas station is not racist in the slightest, it's realistic. And she might be referring to a police shooting, a white murderer, or black on black crime, or a political assassin. All happen, all could happen, all might happen.

And until two years ago, Sen. Obama represented the 13th District - Hyde Park - in the Illinois State Senate, and Ms Obama works for the U of C. I sincerely doubt they've moved, so it's a very fair guess they still live on the South Side.

[jj40051]

I really hope Obama gets a chance to explain his platform and vision for America. I have read his book and heard a few things I like. I too think the race thing, especially his wife's comment, are a little over the top. Yes, there is still prejudice in the US but as a candidate for the president of the US he needs to move past that and talk about what is good for all Americans. Obama appears to be a very intelligent articulate man. He looks and acts like an average American. So far I can't say that about his wife. Based on this brief statement from the 60 minute's interview, as well as the way she is dressed, she doesn't look or act the part of an average American.

[carolschneid]

After Mr. Obama's speech, if the Presidental Election was held today we know who would win by a landslide !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carol Schneider- St Louis, MO

If we blow the opportunity embodied in Mr Barack Obama on racial grounds, then we justify the view of us taken by the rest of the world.
We prove without doubt that we remain an immature, if not an infantile nation --
one which does not DESERVE him -- dare I say one for which another George Bush style presidency is perfect karma.

[suzyqalso]

I am a 65 year old, white, upper middle-class woman -- was a life-time Republican until 2 years ago. I have NEVER been as energized or excited about a candidate in my life as I am with Mr. Obama. I believe that he absolutely has the potential to bring hope to this nation's population, and the ability to make his goals for healing our wounds and implementing fair and just programs for everyone come true. I will be getting deeply involved in helping him win the nomination and ultimately the election.

Having Mr. Obama and his wife in the White House would be the first step to regaining the respect this nation has lost in the world -- a pivotal moment in rescuing this country from utter disasster -- which is fast approaching. The fact that he is half-black is only a plus, for many reasons. Let's get busy!!!!

Sue Emmett

[xenaleathr]

Since when is wearing jeans and a pink top NOT characteristic of an "average American"? What did you expect her to wear anyway? A dashiki?

[xenaleathr]

Oh, and by the way, if Abner Louima can get shot 40 times while standing in the lobby of his apartment house, what makes it so surprising for a black man to be shot at a gas station? Or maybe you've forgotten the recent shooting of a black man on the eve of his wedding. And if you read Obama's books like you said you did, you'd remember that he wants to see the lives of ALL Americans get better.

[dpg220]

to pepjrp-

Senator Obama and his wife actually still live in Hyde Park. Before you cast such dispersions again, I encourage you to actually bother to do some research. Just sad.

[zsazsa02]

Oh, please, Americans (journalists and readers/viewers)...don't get bogged down in talk of black or white, or black and white, and whether everything that will be said related to Mr. Obama's candidacy has some racial content....connected to him being part black. First of all, Steve Kroft's question is whether or not as a black man as president there is fear he may be killed...Ms Obama's response is as a black man he may be shot as an ordinary citizen. The BIG picture is, decisions cannot be made based on fear. That's it. That's all. And for the record, just for the record, Hispanic is not a race...it is a language based ethnicity and Hispanics may be white, black, mestizo (mixed white and indian) or mixed black and white (In some parts of the world still referred to as mulatto...to wit, most of the cubans, puerto ricans and dominicans in the US are mixed black and white - like Mr. Obama).

RUN, OBAMA, RUN.

[nuunu-2009]

I can totally understand what Michelle is coming from. I'm a white woman living in Hyde Park and I know the score around here Hyde Park is very mixed racially, but once you get beyond the neighborhood, it is a very different story. I went to grad school here at the University of Chicago. One of my classmates 12 years ago was an African American male from DC. He had a very memorable arrival in Chicago. He drove up here from DC in his Mercedes on a hot summer night, arriving at 2 am. He had all his windows down to keep cool, and having never been to Chicago before or having any knowledge of the neighborhood, made what seemed to him like the most logical choice of exit off the expressway, 47th Street, because it was closest to where he was going. In those days, the University of Chicago warned its students never to set foot north of 51st Street but he hadn't yet heard these warnings. This exit is closest to Obama's house where he lives now. My classmates had driven only a few blocks and was stopped at a stoplight, when a gang of thugs (also African American like himself) approached his car, and he suddenly realized that he had to step on the gas and get out of there or he would be killed for his car.

This is the reality of the south side of Chicago, not a stereotype. Michelle is just telling it like it is.

[nuunu-2009]

That last message of mine is so full of typos that it's embarrassing. That's what I get for posting before eating breakfast.

[connoje]

Having too long been ashamed to say I am an American, I intend to get behind this man's campaign and help anyway I can. I was watching Hilliary closely as I do believe she made a credible effort years ago regarding healthcare BUT this fellow seems to combine all the best qualities..youth, solid academic credentials, political saavy, commitment to people and community and the right of all to participate in government and the economy. I am more than willing to pass the torch to him and to his generation.

[jprescia-2009]

Sen. Barack Obama's comments regarding racial prejudice shows how strongly racial prejudice is in hiw OWN mind. You can live in whatever world you decide to live in. I don't deal with racial prejudice because I CHOOSE not to go there. I KNOW who I am and what I can do for society and I live off my strong suits. Sen. Obama's comments rank as low as Jesse Jackson's racial prejudice. What a copout to personal responsibility!

[chiefmanybrs]

Both of my parents and I were born in Puerto Rico. We moved to the mainland in the early 1950's to try to make a better life for ourselves. I have lived through many changes in our political system, from the hysteria of possible nuclear annihilation in the 50's, the upheavels of the 60's, and to the divisions of our society in recent years. I have been a Republican for years, but I too feel it is time for change. Senator Obama, in my opinion, offers the best chance for us as a nation to rejoin the world community as partners and restore our credibility. I am sad to see our government so beholden to special interests that it has abandoned the principles our great nation was built upon, equality for all, rule by the people, and finally a social conscience for the oppressed. The Republican part no longer stands for that, and that is why I will work to help get Senator Obama elected, and those who oppose his policies un-elected.

[whatithink-2009]

To Jprescia,

Oh please. You are living in so kind of fantasy world if you think that race is not a deciding factor in how people are treated sometimes in this country. Get your head out of the sand. All you have to do is look at the hate crime statistics in this country. Many people have been attacked because of nothing more than their race. Are you saying that if these people choose not to be attacked based on their race that the attackers would have actually cared?

[whatithink-2009]

To Nuunu,

I just wonder how you friend knew that these guys were going to attack him? My brother who is African American and a lawyer once saw a woman (white) being attacked by a man (white) late one evening. He walked up to them and got into a fight with the man. The police came shortly after and would have arrested my brother if the woman had not mentioned that it was the other guy who was attacking her. They immediately assumed that it must have been the black guy who was the attacker. They might have even considered him a thug because he was in jeans and a shirt that evening instead of a business suit. People make wrong assumptions all the time and it is probably the reason that many serial killers (like Ted Bundy) get away with murder for so long.

[herediainc]

I was very impressed with Mr. Obamas speech to run for President of the U.S. As a Mexican -American growing up poor I can relate to many things Mr. Obama said while he worked in poor neighborhoods. But, I belive and I am proof as are so many other people I know that we can be and do anything we want to become successful in this country. I believe that with the right leadership we can accomplish much without the rhetoric of war mongers and the lies that have led us into an unwinnable war for oil. Our war is to find Osama Bin Laden and his aides and to defeat terrorism with the assistence of other countries then just our few allies. We are not the World Police Department and we cannot force our values and culture by force based on lies. Mr. Obama may have litle politcal experience but, I believe he can lead. Like myself,I had no expierence in business when I chose to become self-employed and now I'm financially secured.
Any negative baggage that Mr. Obama has needs to be addressed fully and as soon as possible to avoid embarrassment and los of potential votes. Good luck Mr. Obama!

[spencess]

The so-called "race card" is not so much being played by Mr. Obama, the media, journalists, etc. as it is by you all, i.e. the complainers and whiners, essentially acting or serving as self-
fulfilling-prophecy" messengers. There are un-doubtedly any number of chronies of Clinton, of Republican wannabes, etc., licking their chops, observing blog exchanges such as this, ready to gleen selected exerpts from exchanges, for the sole purpose of arming competitor's negative campaigning arsenals. Well armed indeed.

[nuunu-2009]

Sometimes you don't have a choice because prejudice hits you without you doing anything. My husband is Egyptian-Arab and Muslim. Fortunately, he has never had any problems because of this, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been the victim of a racial attack here on the Southside of Chicago.

One night we were taking a bus around 11 pm to Midway Airport. It passes through a predominantly African American neighborhood before passing through a predominantly Mexican neighborhood. We were sitting silently on the bus (I was next to the window and he was on the aisle by the rear exit), not talking, not doing anything that would have identified my husband's real background. But he was punched in the face by an African American teenager passing as he got off the bus. The teenager obviously was able to get away but we realized that he had been the victim of a prejudiced attack. Not for what he was, but what he looked like. You see, my husband is always mistaken for a Mexican here because of his hairstyle and complexion, and he may have been wearing the wrong colors that night without even realizing it. He had been attacked for being a Mexican in the wrong neighborhood, even though he isn't Mexican.

Just as Obama said you are treated as a black man if people think you are, you are treated as a Mexican if they think you are too. Racists don't stop to ask questions first.

[nuunu-2009]

In response to the question about how my colleague knew, it's been years so I don't remember all the details but It think they had baseball bats or said something to the effect like "Get out of your car" that made him realize what was going on.

[nuunu-2009]

I just wanted to add that what almost happened to my colleague was African American on African American crime, and while that doesn't make the act itself racist, one could argue that the racial segregation in Chicago and its effects has driven these guys to engage in such acts, and indirectly, that could be seen as a result of racism. That particular area has improved a lot in the last ten years but I have been through there myself and I don't know where you live, but you haven't seen poverty and a lack of any sort of escape route in this country until you have seen a place like that. Half of the buildings boarded up, empty lots, the few businesses that exist are either fast food chains or locally owned fast food shops with hand painted signs advertising pig ear sandwiches or liquor stores.

[nuunu-2009]

I meant to say in my last post that the neighborhood was like that ten years ago, but it has improved recently.

[kehrgi]

Speaking of qualifications, Senator Obama is the only candidate for President who has spent four years, at a beginning salary of $13,000, working with and for poor people.

[kehrgi]

Speaking of qualifications, Senator Obama is the only candidate for President who has spent four years, at a beginning salary of $13,000, working with and for poor people.

[mjwedg]

First off, Sen. Barack Obama is a man. Ethnic background is unimportant. JFK was catholic and of Irish heratige. Big deal.

Secondly, let us look at former presidents and their qualifications.
George W. Bush - Former Governor of Texas, failure in business and alcoholic.
Bill Clinton - Former Governor of Arkansas.
George H W Bush - Certainly a Washington insider
Ronald Reagan - Former Governor of California. Retired actor.
Jimmy Carter - Former Governor of Georgia, Peanut farmer
Gerald Ford - Washington insider, eleceted by one vote.
Richard Nixon - Washington insider, forced to resign.
So, the job of president is essentially "on the job training"

[mjwedg]

First off, Sen. Barack Obama is a man. Ethnic background is unimportant. JFK was catholic and of Irish heratige. Big deal.

Secondly, let us look at former presidents and their qualifications.
George W. Bush - Former Governor of Texas, failure in business and alcoholic.
Bill Clinton - Former Governor of Arkansas.
George H W Bush - Certainly a Washington insider
Ronald Reagan - Former Governor of California. Retired actor.
Jimmy Carter - Former Governor of Georgia, Peanut farmer
Gerald Ford - Washington insider, eleceted by one vote.
Richard Nixon - Washington insider, forced to resign.
So, the job of president is essentially "on the job training"

[dadabygrace]

well, race shouldn't be his biggest obstacle. i'm sure the republican party is hard at work finding some other silly unimportant reason to hate him..like smoking. Personally, i think it makes him look even more authentic because we all have friends who can't seem to kick the habit. Why not obama??
Those who will not vote for him for being black will be marginal at best. no worries here.

[jsjennings1]

Let it be understood that the race card is going to be played during this election. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see the focus turn towards interracial relationships being that Obama's parents were of different races. I just have to believe that in today's society, there are enough people who finally recognize that the color of a person's skin does not determine their character, or their ability to lead a country. Is race important to me...and will it help to shape my decision on who to vote for? I'd be lying if I said no. As an African-American single mother, raising a son, the image of a Black man in this position will do more for my son's self-esteem than anything else I could do alone. But he needs to understand, as do we all, that while we do not want the color of our skin to determine the course of our lives, it also can not be the only reason we vote for Obama. He has conviction, and he brings a hope to the arena that I do not see in Edwards, or anything candidate.

[jwmathews3]

I am sure there are some Americans who will not vote for Senator Obama because of his race and in 2007 or any other year, that is a disgrace. For the record, I am white and could not support Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. Not because they were African-American, but their agendae had no meaning for me.

Now comes Senator Obama, with fresh ideas, an incredible mind, great family, strong but unobtrusive faith. Contrast this with Hillary's constant dodging of her Iraq vote, "spin-doctors", and past baggage. Do we really want to bring up Whitewater, the Rose Law Firm, Vince Foster, Monica et al? You can count on that happening. Hillary is a great Senator from New York and should continue her service and not divide us as a nation with her candidacy.

Senator Obama is trying to quit smoking cigarettes (thank heavens, no cigars!)and I wish him well. For someone who graduated from Columbia,
Harvard Law School and edited the "Harvard Law Review", it should be easy to engage the willpower to quit. Also, the swimsuit photo issue as a non one. Some old slighly obese guy like me at age 57 tomorrow, looked at that photo and got a little jealous!

Why can't we have the best for once! Hang in their Senator Obama, a lot of us are rooting for you!

[raychar59]

Senator Obama,
Please run for President as you are. No changes are needed. Our country needs your wisdom and your voice.

For the past six years, the policies of our country have been controlled by a combination of political and corporate interests that I call dominionists. Collectively, the dominionists seem to believe that by gift from God, they have a right to exploit the earth as they see fit. And by right of might, the America has a right to hegenomy in the world.

The time for dominion is past. It is now time for stewardship, not dominion. It is time for people to run for office who believe that God gave man the responsibility to care for the earth and the life upon it. And to pass on the earth in good order from generation to generation. I believe that you are such a person. Stay as you are. Run as you are. There are multitudes of us who want to see a good steward in the White House. Just tell us how we can best help and we will.

God bless you and God bless America.

Ray Hubbard

[cmayes2]

Since the print, TV, and radio media has already said Obama will never win the Democratic nomination, and sure not presidency. That can only be said because those in charge of these outlets have a race problem. They couldn't be saying it because of his qualifications; they are very good. And, if Hillary already has it, why are we going to the voting booth. Me and my 100 voting family members have already decided to vote for Obama, and we're all african americans. He really cares for the peoples interest.

[drbrian3]

I'm quite frankly frustrated by the fact we are even having this discussion of race in 2007. When I see and hear Senator Obama I do not see color but I see an amazing leader, an eloquent speaker with a very moving message I haven't heard before. The people of this country are tired of the fighting and the toxic red vs. blue games of political warfare. He is the one to lead this country out of it's present state. He is the one to unite us again as one country of people as opposed to two fighting parties or a country of blacks and whites or rich and poor. He will unite. Don't focus on the color of his skin but the power of his message.

[tonyseales]

America we stand at the door of hope and The opportunity to heal our country of six years of pains.The color of a man shouldn't stop our country from doing what we know to be right no matter the cost.Mr.Obama is that voice of hope for that person in the valley and The one on the mountaintop.America we can watch him grow into a great president.We needed a new song and a fresh voice so other can see that America is stilled that eagle of hope for all peoples

[whatithink-2009]

To Humancitizen,

For that reason alone, I think I will vote for him. Maybe if he wins, you'll shot yourself.

[mbtucker1]

Steve Kroft believes that you choose to be "Black", amazing! Being a Black man I had my option to be Asian, Indian, Black and White in 2002. I decided that I enjoyed living on the edge so I decided to be Black. So far I have been stopped by the cops 10 times and have not been able to flag down a cab in New York City. Come on Steve who choose to be Black? If Obama was White he would be President.

[three331]

Seems to me they are just like 99% of blacks who say 'don't judge me by the color of my skin' but then continue to point out the color of their skin to you. Very frustrating. I'd love to be able to be color blind. I truly am capable. It's very hard to do when you constantly have people jumping up in your face screaming "I'm Black! Look! I'm Black!"
Tonight, I was very interested in what he was saying and really wanted to hear his views and learn more about him. When he made the comment about not being able to get a taxi b/c he's black, and then she made the comment about him getting shot at the gas station 'as a black man' (as if a white man can't get shot at the gas station?) --- that did it for me. No Longer interested in anything they have to say.

[merka3]

To Humancitizen:

It's hard to respect differing opinions when the language is so offensive and antiquated. I believe in freedom of speech, but I also believe that in order for this country to move beyond and above its past, it needs to insist upon a respectful dialogue.

[whatithink-2009]

To Three331,

You have a right to see only one side of the story and I have a right to point out to you that you are only seeing one side of a story. Selective hearing might make you only think that Obama is bring up his race and not every media outlet as well as many politicians who are not black. That is really your problem.

[mbtucker1]

Intersting, remember you can only respond to questions posed. Steve seems to more interested in his choice of being black and not his choices on the issues. Question? why did Hillary decide to be White? Lastely, statistics state that a black male would be more likley to be killed by another black male in there community, at places like gas stations. Not figment of Her imagination.

[whatithink-2009]

To Merka3,

Well said.

[whatithink-2009]

To Mbtucker1,

That is the point that I was trying to make with the other poster. People keep bringing up his race, not him. However, when he talks about it, somehow he is screaming that he is black. Seems to me a DAMNED IF YOU DO, DAMNED IF YOU DON'T situation.

[mbtucker1]

To Whatdoyouthink

Do you think he is Sceaming this or is the Media pointing at him, and rather saying, look he is Black! If is so inexperience why is he getting so much media attention? I been sceaming for years that I am Black and have never been noticed.

[pc_free]

It's early in the process, but Barak certainly is worth my review. As far as I can remember, we haven't had a Washington insider as President in more than 14 years so I don't think that "on the job training" is a fair characterization. The last time we had one, he couldn't get re-elected.

Thank you Mr. Kroft for such a great introduction --- I couldn't help but think that somewhere Ed Bradley is smiling.

[three331]

'whatithink' - you see it as 'damned if you do ....'. Others, including myself; see it as 'wanting your cake and eating it too'. Blacks want everyone to be colorblind and not point out their race, but at the same time, they want to bring it up and point it out when it's convenient for them.

same ole same ole

whatever.

[whatithink-2009]

To Mbtucker1,

I haven't seen any screaming on his part but if someone asks him a question what is he supposed to do? In reference to the experience, if our current president is considered experienced, I'd rather have a novice.