Michelle Obama On Love, Family & Politics

Katie Couric Interviews Barack Obama's Wife About Their Romance And Kids — And Egos On The Campaign Trail

(CBS)  CBS News anchor Katie Couric interviewed the woman who knows Barack Obama best - from policy to personality. Michelle Obama gets personal about her husband, their kids - and herself. What follows is the complete transcript of the interview. Segments of it ran on the CBS Evening News and the Early Show.

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Katie Couric: It's been about a year since your husband decided to go for it and run for President. How would you describe the last year?

Michelle Obama: You know, it's been a whirlwind. When you think about what he's been able to put together in less than a year, I mean, we went from the beginning of this thing where there was an inevitable candidate. As far as the polls and the pundits were concerned, this race was over. And then you sort of start building an organization and raising money and meeting people and having conversations.

And it's just the momentum has continued to grow over the course of this year. And what has been just completely heart warming is to see that people are really hungry for something different. And I'm not trying … to be too political about that. I mean, truly people … want something different for themselves and for their lives.

And people are … feeling the pressure of the ever-increasing gap. They're worried about their kids and they're worried about their health and the challenges … are similar. It transcends race and political party. I mean, people are serious about moving this country in a different direction. And that makes me feel good to know that, you know, I'm not alone in my frustration. It's been a good year.

Couric: I was gonna ask you … do you sense a frustration in people? Because you look at the approval ratings for the president and they're quite low. But the approval rating for Congress [is] even lower.

Obama: Yeah. Yeah, no, people are frustrated. I mean, I think they have a sense that there's something broken in our politics. And it's taken a little while because I think Americans are patient. And they give people a chance. And folks don't like fundamental change.

I mean, they wanna believe that the system as it's structured ... is basically doing what it's supposed to do. But when you've gone through years and years and years of just things getting progressively worse for everyday working people. I think people are at the point where they're frustrated. And they don't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

They don't believe that if we don't make some significant change that things will be fundamentally different for the next generation. And I think that's what people are concerned about. I think, like any parent, you can suck it up for yourself. You can, you know, you can tough it through any bad situation. But I think folks are starting to think about the next generation to follow. And if we don't make those changes ... what's this country gonna look like for our children?

Couric: What do your girls think about this? Your daughter, Malia, is nine. Sasha is six.

Obama: Right.

Couric: Are they a bit overwhelmed by this whole thing?

Obama: They're not because … this isn't their life. You know, we've done the best that we can to keep them on course. So they're in the same school with the same teachers, with the same friends. And fortunately they go to school where people, you know, they've known us for a while.

People are excited, but they don't treat the girls any differently. So … I get home last night. And what do we talk about? They don't know what's going on in the Potomac. They don't about … the returns in Maryland or Virginia.

Couric: They're not looking ahead to Wisconsin?

Obama: No, they're not looking ahead to … they're talking about Valentine's Day. And Sasha finished her cards. She had two left and she finished them. And they have to take them tomorrow. And one's got a field trip. And they're gonna have pizza for lunch.

And, you know, that those are the highlights. You know, now if we talk to them about it, which I've done with Malia, giving her a sense of how this thing goes, what's the timing, and how long will it take before we know what's new. You know, you'll get a sense within her of the anxiety of a shift, like, if Dad wins, then will we move?

So they have some real practical considerations about what does this mean? Do I go to a new school? Will I make new friends? I mean, it's all the things that you would think a nine year old would be concerned with if she was gonna move.

Couric: On the other hand, do they say, "Gee, Mommy, all these people are cheering for Daddy. This is so weird?" I mean … they must have some sense because you can't completely isolate them.

Obama: Yeah, no, well, when we're out there, they don't really react to it, you know? Malia said this was the night of one of the last caucuses. It was Super Tuesday. And we were … here in Illinois. We had a victory party. And we always ask do they wanna come on stage. And Malia said, "Now, you know, Daddy, that's not my thing."

Couric: I know, he said that actually when he spoke … which is very funny.

Obama: So they had friends there. We had family and friends. And they did not wanna go out there and wave. I mean, it was nice. They've done it before. But … it's interesting because they don't react to it. They don't think, "Wow, Daddy, isn't this interesting?" The little one is much more interested in the limelight. And she likes to wave.

Couric: She's the one who was smiling.

Obama: Oh, yeah.

Couric: When you were photographed on Capitol Hill and actually high-fived Dick Cheney.

Obama: Gave Dick Cheney a high five. So, like, there goes Sasha.

Couric: Let me ask you about when you first met your husband. Before you were married the two of you worked at a law firm together in Chicago. And I read when you he first asked you out, he said, "No, thank you," not wanting to mix business with pleasure.

Obama: Right.

Couric: But then he invited you somewhere. And your view of him changed dramatically. What was that? And what happened?

Obama: Well, we were friends from the start, because I was his advisor. And my job was to welcome him to the firm. I took him out to lunch. And immediately I liked him because he didn't take himself too seriously but he was very bright, had a very interesting background, just a good guy to talk to. You know, you could laugh easily with him. So I was, like, this is a friend.

But then he asked me out on a date. And I thought, "Well, my advisee. Hmm, I don't think that looks right." But he invited me to go to one of the churches because he had been a community organizer and worked on the far South Side with a group of churches. And he took me to a training that he was doing. And there were mostly single parent mothers, mostly African Americans on the South Side.

And he did a training talking about concept like the world as it is and the world as it should be and how the job of ordinary people in organizing, this is to try to narrow … the gap between those two ideas. And to see him transform himself from the guy who was a summer associate in a law firm with a suit and then to come into this church basement with folks who were like me, who grew up like me, who were challenged and struggling in ways that I never would, and to be able to take off that suit and tie and become a whole 'nother person and connect with people in the same way he had connected with folks in that firm, you don't see someone who can make that transition and do it comfortably and feel comfortable in his own skin and to touch people's hearts in the way that he did, because people connected with his message. And I knew then and there there's something different about this guy. Because you see people who can live well in corporate America. They can wear that uniform well. They can't make the transition and vice versa. Barack lived comfortably in those two worlds.

And it was impressive. And his message was moving. I mean, it touched me.

It made me think differently about what am I doing with my life. And how am I adding to the notion of getting us to the world as it should be? Am I doing it in my law firm? You know? So he made me think in ways that I hadn't before.

Couric: And you were smitten after that.

Obama: I thought … I could hang out with this guy. I was impressed. I really was.

Couric: You’ve seen the crowds, the way they embrace your husband. Some commentators have used the word "messianic." Do you ever worry that the whole thing, the whole movement is a little over the top for some voters?

Obama: Barack and I talk about this all the time. We talked about it before the decision to run, because … when you’re really trying to make serious change, you don’t want people to get caught up in emotion because change isn’t emotion. Because change isn't emotion. Its real work and organization and strategy - that’s just the truth of it. I mean, you pull people in with inspiration, but then you have to roll up your sleeves and you’ve got to make sacrifices and you have got to have structure.

And you've gotta, you know, you have to have support and you have to have interests to move things forward. So we do think about that all the time.

I mean, that's one of the reasons why we try to laugh at ourselves to sort of keep all this excitement to a reasonable level. That's why I teased Barack about putting up the socks and, you know, making sure he's putting up the butter. It's not that, you know, I'm trying to …

Couric: Emasculate him?

Obama: Exactly. The point is that Barack, like any leader, is human. And, you know, our challenges in this country isn't finding the next person who's gonna deliver us from our own evil. Because our challenges are us. The challenges that this country faces is how are we as individuals in this society gonna change? What are we gonna do differently?

Couric: I was just gonna say, sorry to interrupt. I think as the criticism against him mounts, it sort of, you know, lofty oratory is great. Inspiring words are that, inspiring. But real problems require real solutions more than just rhetoric. I'm sure you've heard that.

Obama: Right, right.

Couric: Both Sen. Clinton and now John McCain are kind of upping the ante in terms of attacking him … for his inspirational message, basically insinuating there's no there there.

Obama: Yeah, well, you know, that's what you do. If you can't do the inspiration, then … they attack the guy that can do both because essentially Barack isn't all flash and fire and brimstone. He's developed very comprehensive approaches to the problems that this nation is gonna face.

[cbs_oliver]

Michelle Obama is sure one impressive and eloquent person in her own right.

[kimberly1101]

I am so disappointed in those who attempt to use Barack Obama''s name against him. John Hinkley shot Ronald Reagan...are all people named John attempted murders? Marion Jones admitted to using illegal performance enhancing drugs...are all people named Marion cheaters? Bill Clinton had numerous affairs with women other than his wife...are all people named Bill/William adulterers? Yes his name is Barack Hussein Obama, but you can call him Mr. President!

[changenow]

What a Lady!! Lucky you Barack.....

[rocket558]

How can anyone not see this interview as a blatant campaign by the media for a candidate.

This a way of giving a certain candidate exposure without having to give equal time to others. I''m sorry I watched.

[Dutabiji]

hopetrumps,
Before you say stupid things, you might want to check your facts. Barack Obama''s mother died at age 52 of ovarian cancer. She is unable to defend herself against your hurtful attacks. Who cares who she married and what her religious beliefs are. They really are none of your business. If Barack Obama was named John Smith and was white and republican, you would never have even asked those questions.

[Dutabiji]

hopetrumps,
Before you say stupid things, you might want to check your facts. Barack Obama''s mother died at age 52 of ovarian cancer. She is unable to defend herself against your hurtful attacks. Who cares who she married and what her religious beliefs are. They really are none of your business. If Barack Obama was named John Smith and was white and republican, you would never have even asked those questions.

[Dutabiji]

hopetrumps,
Before you say stupid things, you might want to check your facts. Barack Obama''s mother died at age 52 of ovarian cancer. She is unable to defend herself against your hurtful attacks. Who cares who she married and what her religious beliefs are. They really are none of your business. If Barack Obama was named John Smith and was white and republican, you would never have even asked those questions.

[etownwy]

I just got a call from 1-866-675-2008 saying this is michelle obama please vote for my husband. What a joke this is. What about the do not call list I am on. Does this mean these people think they have the right to violate your privacy already. What a looser this guy is !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rocket558
I suppose you are clamoring for equal time for ''slick willie''

[oleander8]

Has CBS come out yet and positively endorsed Obama? Because if they haven''t, they are playing political games with their favorable coverage and they aren''t fooling anyone.

[oleander8]

Bring back Walter Cronkite - you never knew who he was for. He was a bonafide REPORTER.

[birdwatch235]

I have not ever seen such a blatant abuse of power by the media in swaying voters as I have seen with this election process. The media is so busy worshipping the obama, only god knows why, that they have forgotten that there ARE other candidates who DESERVE EQUAL time. As of today, I am boycotting all media outlets and will no longer be watching OR reading this type of yellow journalism. I invite other viewers who are as fed up as I am to do the same, only then will the press/media realize that there are people who are fed up with their idolatry reporting. Constantly reporting on poptarts is one thing but now that has transferred to the political arena and is extremely dangerous for the American people because it is nothing more than brainwashing tactics.

I dare CBS to print this in its full extent.

[mbonhart]

hopetrunps and the barbara bush comment...michelle obama dresses elegantly...mrs. bush was frumpy...there is a difference. besides, when the direction of this country hangs in the balance of the next election, why are you so petty that you involve yourself in a dress or jewelry? let''s be real and focus on what''s really happening.

[cattlekate]

Actually, birdwatch, Michelle is impressive.

What are you angry about?

Yeah, boycott Faux Nooze, and be free from the Goebells programming.

But Michelle is impressive and I like hearing her talk.

She''s not going to replace the china serving ware and say that is her job.

[hillaryis44]

Michelle seems so warm, loving and sincere. Reminds me of Hillary.

[madmaciii]

Doesn''t Obama have a dog you can write about, or an old pair of shoes or something. I don''t think the media is giving him enough coverage.

[user168-2009]

The TRUTH is, we must teach our children to LOVE.

When Bill Clinton trash his presidency with scandal, putting self-gratification ahead of family, society, country, and the world, he was preaching self-love, narcissism, and self-seeking. That is setting the worst example any leader could to harm a world of youths and their tomorrows. Does Bill care about anyone?

When Hillary dismissed the scandal as if it were no big deal, She was protecting her candidacy and both of their images. Were she to be concern about today''s youth and their (moral) education, she would have dismissed Bill instead. Where is her sincerity?

Bill and Hillary, if only you could hold children close to your hearts, you will have no room for lies, wrongdoing, and self-gratification. And only then would you see wisdom, compassion, and courage!

Bill and Hillary, you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. Our nation''s youth is smarter than you think. By voting WISDOM, COMPASSION, and COURAGE in OBAMA, they have thus dismissed the self-seeking-dead-end-street of such calculating Clintons.

So be it that the nation''s youth sees Hope in Truth:

"Love each other or perish."

"From caring comes courage."

"LIVE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD."

[bdrlnt4rl]

Doesn''''t Obama have a dog you can write about, or an old pair of shoes or something. I don''''t think the media is giving him enough coverage.


Posted by madmacIII




to be honest, obama is doing great without the media. he is looking pretty good with all people. do you know that i read that his wife went to the mormon leaders funeral. what other pres hopeful did that????? none i know of except for romney. that says something about both men.

i am really liking obama.

[bdrlnt4rl]

i also think obama will bring excitement and a new life to america, spending will increase, oil will go down, and if we can keep him alive and keep israel as americas friend, he will do very well.

[jonesforch]

Mr. Obama? One question Explain. WHAT? change?

[olebd]

He is a master at creating phrases with buzz words that make people think he is telling them what they want to hear but, come on, he''s not giving any details on how he is going to create all this supposed change. Bottom line, he will really only be as good as congress allows him to be.

Very nice speeches...and I do so enjoy the occasional Martin Luther King inflections in his style. Yet something just isn''t quite right.

[bdrlnt4rl]

TracyMorgan4

i may agree, but lets make our, mine, forfathers who fought to the death proud of our accomplishments. let follow MLK dream, just as obama has done, pull up our pants, get off of drugs and don''t sound like a dumbazzzz

[pauliem1]

bill clinton has done plenty of interviews over the past couple of months, using his book tour to also talk about his wife''s campaign. for quite a while there you couldn''t turn on your tv without seeing bill being asked about his wife''s candidacy. everybody is familiar with the clintons, most people know nothing about michelle obama so it''s a worthwhile story to pursue since she has a shot at being the next first lady. she seems like a nice lady, she''s clearly very intelligent and they seem to have a nice family dynamic. the interview was very interesting, and i like that she''s so concerned about all the pressures on women to balance work and family.

[croft777]

Obama said he was against NAFTA, but supports Peruvian trade agreement which is an extension on NAFTA.

OBama said he is against politicians taking money from PAC and lobbyist. Obama takes money from state based PAC and lobbyist who are affiliated with the Washington lobbyist.

Obama said to help pay for his purposed health insurance he would raise taxes and raise the tax on SS wages.

Obamas real estate deal and relationship with Arab- American activist Tony Rezko raises ethical questions. Rezko is in jail, he was a large contributor to Obamas fundraising. Obama was sold his home and land at a huge discounted price by Rezko.

Obamas church %u201CTrinity United Church of Christ%u201D in Chicago, gave Louis Farrakhan an empowerment award and publicized an interview with him in their Trumpet News Magazine. The Publication was titled, %u201CThe Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.%u201D Louis Farrakhan is a Black Muslim Leader. In a book titled, %u201CThe Islamic Invasion%u201D by Robert Morey, C.1992 he states:

%u201CIn a video tape of the 1991 %u201CSaviors Day%u201D celebration, the head of Farrakhan%u2019s army stated that he was tired of hearing people say that they were willing to die for Islam. What he wanted to know was if they were willing to kill for Islam (Morey, 1992)

[croft777]

i also think obama will bring excitement and a new life to america, spending will increase, oil will go down, and if we can keep him alive and keep israel as americas friend, he will do very well. bdrlnt4rl

Obama won''t keep Israel are friends. His pastor has spoken about Israel, and Obama has talked about Palestine like they are being treated unjustly, excuse me.
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright has stated:

%u201CThe Israelis have illegally occupied Palestinian territories for almost 40 years now. It took a divestment campaign to wake the business community up concerning the South African issue. Divestment has now hit the table again as a strategy to wake the business community up and to wake America up concerning the injustice and racism under which the Palestinians have lived because of Zionism.%u201D

And Wright is Obamas mentor, that creepy.

[bdrlnt4rl]

croft777

ok, lara, your info is very interesting, i like obama. where do you get your info.

[bdrlnt4rl]

ok lara, you are scaring me out of the one person who looks good in this whole thing.

[bdrlnt4rl]

well, all negative points will come to light on obama if he get the votes to run against mccain. depending on mccains vp will determine who wins.

[trace-sc]

One-on-one with Katie Couric (... continued)

Oh Katie, Katie, in the first paragraph of this piece of outstanding journalism, you showed all your cards:

"He''s delivered major comprehensive addresses on energy and the economy and healthcare and education. Barack is probably one of the most substantive politicians that you''ll ever meet."

Are you really that young, that ignorant or that biassed?

By the way, who is running CBS or is it in automatic pilot?

[dylanxxv]

Do you people really like this druggy? Read his book where he says his high school years are just a blur because he was so high on drugs he can''t remember those years and then tell me he is fit for president...

[croft777]

IF True...then


HOORAY! Go Obama!
Israel should not be receiving money from us each year.

(whoops...i before e except after c :)) jh6379

your one sicko! Obama is like Wright and Farrahkhan and all those id*ots out there who hate Americans and the Jewish people. This fight is on, we will save the holy land from these evil people.

[alphaa10-2009]

As another poster said, the public knows little ahout the Obama family, and even 47 times more media coverage would not match the coverage already delivered to Hillary, so far.

That said, the interview was crisply edited and its questions well-focused on the human side of a family under wrenching stresses of a campaign.

Good work and a remarkably searching portrait of a family which very well may occupy the White House. *** Cheney will get another chance to "high five" an Obama daugther.

[croft777]

ok lara, you are scaring me out of the one person who looks good in this whole thing bdrlnt4rl

I would not post something if it was a lie. This information is all over the net, you just have to know where to look to get reliable information. I also have books on Farrahkhan. He is a very evil man. So is Wright.

[croft777]

I cannot believe that the Obamas go to church at Trinity, I''m sure their two daughters go also, I feel sorry for them knowing that they will grow up thinking the world is racist toward blacks. Why such nonsense. If this is the case then MLK was no help at all.

[alphaa10-2009]

DylanXXV said, "Read his book ... because he was so high on drugs ... and then tell me he is fit for president..."
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Who? Which president? Bill Clinton? George Bush?

Bubba, get it together-- you must have an adolesence before you can reach adulthood. Adolescence is a time of experimentation. Never too late to start yours...

[bdrlnt4rl]

it does bother me that obamas church has a non-negotiative commentment to africa. i have tried to over look that. i was willing to over look romneys church, at least they have a love and respect to america. but he is out. my only other choice was obama

[bdrlnt4rl]

hucky is just an idiot, says he is not a quitter, but yet quits church school. he says he wants to give the people a choice, he is just showing all he is not willing to unify, at least romney was man enough to give the gory to mccain and try to unify the failing party.

looks like hillary is running thin in the polls as well.

will be interesting

[bdrlnt4rl]

i guess it is not too late BILL GATE FOR PRES

[bigmanal08]

Another idiot that needs a teleprompter to keep his facts straight...Sounds like more of the same to me. HILLARY ''08

[dylanxxv]

DylanXXV said, "Read his book ... because he was so high on drugs ... and then tell me he is fit for president..."
---
Who? Which president? Bill Clinton? George Bush?

Bubba, get it together-- you must have an adolesence before you can reach adulthood. Adolescence is a time of experimentation. Never too late to start yours...

Clinton didn''t inhale....HaHaHa...YEA RIGHT...
Dubya was a cokehead drunk...

[bdrlnt4rl]

well, just as long as no more state support hucky, to spare the wrath of the freak tornados hitting them, i guess we will be ok. may be rough for 4 years, but maybe, just maybe, things will be ok

[bdrlnt4rl]

i just good feeling from the obama campain, maybe it is his style, his mlk style

[user168-2009]

The TRUTH is, we must teach our children to LOVE.

When Bill Clinton trash his presidency with scandal, putting self-gratification ahead of family, society, country, and the world, he was preaching self-love, narcissism, and self-seeking. That is setting the worst example any leader could to harm a world of youths and their tomorrows.

Does Bill care about anyone?

When Hillary dismissed the scandal as if it were no big deal, She was protecting HER candidacy and both of their images. Were she to be concern about today''s youth and their (moral) education, she would have dismissed Bill instead.

Where is her (Hillary) sincerity?

Bill and Hillary, if only you would hold children close to your hearts, you should have no room for lies, wrongdoing, and self-gratification. And only then would you see wisdom, compassion, and courage!

Bill and Hillary, you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. Our nation''s youth is smarter than you think. By voting WISDOM, COMPASSION, and COURAGE in OBAMA, they have thus dismissed the self-seeking-dead-end-street of such cheap, narcissistic, and calculating Clintons.

How can we let our children follow such self-gratifying Clintons??

So be it that the nation''s youth sees HOPE and UNIVERSAL TRUTH in OBAMA:

"Love each other or perish."

"From caring comes courage."

"LIVE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD."

[mediapreachr]

More pandering to certain segments of the demographics.

[dylanxxv]

i just good feeling from the obama campain, maybe it is his style, his mlk style

Posted by bdrlnt4rl at 12:47 AM : Feb 16, 2008

Can you name ONE good thing he has done in his political career?

[gce65]

Oooo, Katie! You were so right. Michelle DID get oh so personal. But you missed the biggest question: shaved, trimmed, or waxed? Amorica wants to know!

This isn''t news. This isn''t journalism. This is infotainment. Go work for Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight or Extra...(Extra).

[buddhabman]

Michelle Obama will be a cool first lady.

[chitown639]

I cannot believe that the Obamas go to church at Trinity, I''''m sure their two daughters go also, I feel sorry for them knowing that they will grow up thinking the world is racist toward blacks. Why such nonsense. If this is the case then MLK was no help at all.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by croft777

Yeah, we all know racism doesnt exist anymore!!! Who are you kidding??? Racism is one of the biggest problems this country is facing.

[user168-2009]

"Therefore, the good of man must be the end of the science of politics."

"There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands."

%u201CWisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men%u201D, be them in a president, common man, or woman.

"Hold faithfulness and sincerity your first principles."

"From caring comes courage."

"LIVE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD."

GO! OBAMA!

[hdinsight]

Does Oprah own CBS NEWS? This feels like another infomercial (Opramercial) to further brainwash the uneducated masses. No problem. I love Oprah. No need to think anymore. I hardly use my brain, only my FEELINGS matter. She tells people what movies to watch, what books to read, what clothes to wear & what foods to buy -- the ones with her personal trainer, Bob Greene on the label. Her magazine always has a lovely photo of HER on the cover, so no one will accidentally pick up the wrong magazine, something like The Economist or a newspaper like, The New York Times. I needed to know who I was supposed to vote for...Thanks, Oprah! I guess I''ll vote for Obama until you decide to run.