Barack Obama Makes His Case

Steve Kroft Interviews The Democratic Presidential Candidate

(CBS)  Asked what he thinks is the biggest difference between himself and Senator Hillary Clinton, Obama told Kroft, "I think Senator Clinton is smart and can be an effective advocate. But I think that the biggest difference is that Senator Clinton accepts the rules of the game as they are set up. She accepts money from PACs and lobbyists. I don't accept that politics has to be driven by those special interests and lobbyists."

Obama is getting plenty of support from Hollywood to Wall Street and continues to pick up endorsements from colleagues in Congress. There is not much difference between the two candidates on matters of policy; the difference is in style and presentation.

Obama has staked out detailed positions on foreign affairs, the economy, health care and energy, all of which can be found on his Web site, but not in his stump speech.

The 18,000 people who turned out for him in Seattle on Friday did not come to hear details, and neither did 3,000 others who were turned away. But Obama found time to talk to them, using a bullhorn to address the overflow crowd.

"You talk about big ideas and often with a lack of specificity. And it’s been one of the complaints about your campaign," Kroft remarked.

"Remember, early on in the campaign, the complaint about me was that I was too professorial. That I would go through these town hall meetings and, you know, go into great detail about this and that and the other. And you know, wondering what ever happened to that inspiring guy who spoke at the Democratic…convention. Yeah. And now that I'm inspiring people and saying, 'Hey, you know, where is the specifics?' And so, you know, if there are issues that you want to cover right now, I'm happy to," Obama said. "So why don't we work those through?"

"What do you think of what's going on in Iraq right now?" Kroft asked.

"Well, I think, on the positive side, we've seen a reduction in violence. And I don't think anybody can deny that," Obama said. "What we haven't seen is the kind of political reconciliation or accommodation between the Sunni and the Shia and the Kurds that are required in order for Iraq to stabilize. But I completely reject the notion, you know, most forcefully presented by John McCain that we should commit ourselves to a 50-year or a 60-year or a 100-year occupation in order to assure stability in Iraq. I think that is a recipe for disaster."

"At a time when American casualties are down, at a time when the violence is down, particularly affecting the Iraqi population, is that the right time to try and set time tables for withdrawing all American troops? I mean you talked about…the end of 2009," Kroft remarked.

"Yeah, absolutely. I think now is precisely the time. I think that it is very important for us to send a clear signal to the Iraqis that we are not gonna be here permanently. We're not gonna set up permanent bases. That they are going to have to resolve their differences and get their country functioning," Obama said.

"And you pull out according to that time table, regardless of the situation? Even if there’s serious sectarian violence?" Kroft asked.

"No, I always reserve as commander in chief, the right to assess the situation," Obama replied.

"It has cost us over half a trillion dollars so far. When the final tab is tallied it may have cost us as much as two trillion dollars," Obama said at a stump speech. "For that amount of money we could have rebuilt every bridge, every road, every school, every hospital. We could have put in place all the homeland security that was needed. We could have made America more safe. Could put people back to work. Sent our kids to college."

"You have made the case that you have the best chance to defeat John McCain, or another Republican. Why do you feel that way?" Kroft asked.

"There are lot of people out there who say, 'I'm trying to figure out who to vote for, McCain or Obama.' There aren't that many who are saying, 'I'm trying to figure out who to vote for, Clinton or McCain,'" Obama replied.

[suzannewb]

Steve Croft started his interview referring to "Senator Obama" and " Hillary Clinton." I expect sexism from the "good old boys" but not from a national commentator on a network news program.

[sp0620]

Obama claims to be the candidate of "change" whatever that is. It seems to be a common theme of past presidential candidates. George W. Bush was for change. We definitely got lots of change, that''s for sure!

[mitchturitz]

Here is how I interpreted Sunday, Feb. 10 60 minutes show:
Tonight on 60 minutes: OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!
Andy Rooney, and er, Hillary.

[mable70]

Never mind that the Obama interview contained some substance while the Clinton interview focused on trivial matters.

Here on the web site, "60 Minutes" has awarded Obama top billing all week with an active-verb headline: He "makes his case."

Below that, the second billing is a hed with no action word in it -- in fact "Hillary Clinton" is not even the subject! Her headline is just a descriptive phrase: her "run for the White House."

All week long, the "60 Minutes" home page has shown a disgusting but overt bias. The state of journalism in this country keeps declining, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the aging, slipping once stalwart%u2020 news show "60 Minutes" on a network might have learned something over the debacle with Dan Rather and poor sourcing.

[mable70]

Never mind that the Obama interview contained some substance while the Clinton interview focused on trivial matters.

Here on the web site, "60 Minutes" has awarded Obama top billing all week with an active-verb headline: He "makes his case."

Below that, the second billing is a hed with no action word in it -- in fact "Hillary Clinton" is not even the subject! Her headline is just a descriptive phrase: her "run for the White House."

All week long, the "60 Minutes" home page has shown a disgusting but overt bias. The state of journalism in this country keeps declining, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the aging, slipping once stalwart%u2020 news show "60 Minutes" on a network might have learned something over the debacle with Dan Rather and poor sourcing.

[suzannewb]

Steve Croft started his interview referring to "Senator Obama" and " Hillary Clinton." I expect sexism from the "good old boys" but not from a national commentator on a network news program.

[suzannewb]

Steve Croft started his interview referring to "Senator Obama" and " Hillary Clinton." I expect sexism from the "good old boys" but not from a national commentator on a network news program.

[suzannewb]

Steve Croft started his interview referring to "Senator Obama" and " Hillary Clinton." I expect sexism from the "good old boys" but not from a national commentator on a network news program.

[suzannewb]

Steve Croft started his interview referring to "Senator Obama" and " Hillary Clinton." I expect sexism from the "good old boys" but not from a national commentator on a network news program.

[david1737]

change to what is the question???

terrorislam8


First change:

No more fear, negative, "wedge" politics which, by your posts anyone can tell, you and the GOP thrive off of.

This will strengthen America, and yes help us to better our country and the world.

[david1737]

I believe in Obama!

I''ve given you the key to learning more about his positions (go to his website click on issues.)

You disagree and doubt that we the people can make this change.

All I can say is:

YES WE CAN!

[david1737]

hahaha,,, rightttttt,,,

nothing but the truth on every politicians websites,,,

good one

terrorislam8


You are assuming that everything you don''''t agree with is a lie. Therefore it makes no sense to talk to you.

Enjoy your paranoid, fearful, neo conservative funland!

[david1737]

hahaha,,, rightttttt,,,

nothing but the truth on every politicians websites,,,

good one

terrorislam8


You are assuming that everything you don''t agree with is a lie. Therefore it makes no sense to talk to you.

Enjoy you paranoid, fearful, neo conservative funland!

[david1737]

"how can he (Obama?) represent all americans if he has pledged to only represent african americans???"

terrorislam8



Lies and misinformation are poison.

This is exactly why I''m voting for change!

[david1737]

"how can he (Obama?) represent all americans if he has pledged to only represent african americans???"

terrorislam8



Lies and misinformation are poison.

This is exactly why I''m voting for change!

[david1737]

Go to Obama''''s website and read his positions on the issues.

[david1737]

what is his position on radical islam???

what is his position on radical islam committing genocide???

is he willing to send troops to stop genocide being committed by radical islam???

is he willing to send troops to kill the radical muslims luo tribe in kenya that is slaughtering non-muslims as we speak???

i doubt it,,, they are his brothers and sisters and cousins,,,

what is his position on the black value system???

how can he represent all americans if he has pledged to only represent african americans???



Wow you are full of misinformation aren''t you.

[david1737]

Go to Obama''s website and read his positions on the issues.

[david1737]

terrorislam8/von_marko


You can continue your path of ignorance, fear, and hatred. Or you can join the vast majority of America who demands change. The choice is yours.

Understand that you are stuck pushing an outdated agenda of fear and hate.

[von_marko]

WHY? Why do teenagers NOT in the military overwhelmingly support democrats and want to surrender the war, while teenagers IN the military overwhelmingly suppor republicans and want to win the war??

Here''s a hint: Look up the word cowards in the dictionary