Aug. 31, 2008
Obama Explains His Choice, Reacts To Palin
Tells 60 Minutes Biden "Can Step In And Become President," Calls McCain's VP Pick An "Up-And-Coming Public Servant"
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Obama, Biden Talk Politics
In their first interview together as running mates, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joseph Biden discuss their roles and strategies for the upcoming presidential election. Steve Kroft reports.
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Sen. Barack Obama, left, and his running mate, Sen. Joseph Biden. (CBS)
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DNC Rewind
A look back at the top speakers at the DNC in Denver.
With the kids going back to school and parents back to work, the nation is focused on what many people think is one of the most important U.S. elections ever.
60 Minutes is covering the Democrats, who concluded an historic convention in Denver this week by making Senator Barack Obama of Illinois the first African-American ever nominated for president by a major party.
60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft conducted the first joint interview with the candidate and his running mate, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, this past Friday, Aug. 29, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Sen. Obama went into the Democratic convention locked in a dead heat with Republican rival John McCain and needed to do three things: introduce his running mate to the country, draw sharp distinctions between himself and his Republican opponent, and unify a Democratic party badly split by a bruising primary campaign against Hillary Clinton. By most accounts he accomplished all three.
He attracted 84,000 people to Invesco Field in Denver and another 40 million to their television sets all across America - more American saw his speech than watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
We began our conversation with the new Democratic candidates backstage just moments after the most improbable nominee had given the most important speech of his young career.
Asked if he ever doubted it was going to happen, Sen. Obama told Kroft, "Of course."
When?
"Well, let's see. About a year ago we were down 30 in Iowa. But I never doubted that it could happen. I never doubted that if we were able to mobilize the energy that you saw in that stadium," Obama said. "All across the country."
"I knew it was gonna happen before he did. I was running like the devil. I watched. I thought I was pretty good, but I watched. I watched. This guy just sort of grabbed the lightening, ya know, just grabbed it. And you could tell, Barack, I tell ya, my team knew, I knew in August," Sen. Biden told Kroft.
"We were doing okay. But this is exciting," Obama remarked.
"Were you surprised to be up here?" Kroft asked Biden.
"I was surprised, I'm truly honored to be up here. I'm a great admirer, we're friends and we fit," Biden said.
By the time Kroft continued the conversation with them the next day in Pittsburgh, the landscape had already changed: Senator McCain tried to steal the Democrat's thunder by announcing that Alaska’s conservative first-term governor, 44-year-old Sarah Palin, would be his running mate - a move widely seen as an attempt to try and siphon disaffected supporters of Senator Clinton and blue collar voters in battleground states where Obama has been the weakest.
And a few hours after McCain's announcement, Senators Obama and Biden seemed as surprised as everyone else.
Asked what he thinks of McCain's vice presidential choice, Obama told Kroft, "She seems to have a compelling life story. Obviously, she's a fine mother and an up-and-coming public servant. My sense is that she subscribes to John McCain's agenda."
"Does the fact that he chose as his vice president someone what has less experience than you take that weapon out of his arsenal?" Kroft asked.
"Well, you know, I think that's a good question to address to Senator McCain," Obama replied. "Of course, the issue of experience is going to be relevant. And if I were running against me, that's something that I would try to make an issue of as well. Particularly if I had been in Washington as long as John McCain had."
Produced by L. Franklin Devine and Michael Radutzky
© MMVIII, CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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See all 3176 CommentsShould be interesting...
Obama just described himself.
Every criticism he makes about Palin is reflected on him.
I thought Obama was about "CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE"??
So he picks a guy who''s been senator since the Jimmy Carter days???
What kind of change is that????
How to Decode Obama''s meaning of "Change":
"Change" means what you will have in your pocket when Obama is done with your taxes.
%u201CAs I indicated in my speech last night, I think that he wants to take the country in the wrong direction,%u201D he added. %u201CI''m assuming Governor Palin agrees with him in his policies.%u201D
-- Posted by HawkSprings at 12:09 PM : Aug 30, 2008
Really? Can you give us specifics?
Because McCain has gone on record supporting the Bush tax cuts for the very wealthy -- but ZERO tax cuts fot 80% of Americans.
Instead, he intends to TAX your health insurance -- if you have any.
Obama, of course, has middle class tax CUTS proposed.
So, you are not telling the truth.
Why is that?
Are you misinformed?
Or are you deliberately misinforming everyone else?
-- Posted by kesac4650
Really? Can you be more specific? Because my information is that Obama as a successful writer. Doyou not consider writing to be real work? Hmmm. It was real enough for him to pay off his student loans with the proceeds. And of course Obama sacrifceda corporate law career to organize unemployed urban workers
Not bad.
McCain?
He crashed five jets, lit up a carrier, married a beer heiress and spent the last 26 years NOT SHOWING UP in the US senate.
Sweat of his brow. Yep.
Sorry, repubs, your party has lost it''s center - you have no values, no principles. Just the ugly, cold ambition to win.
I''m glad you brought that up.
The Obamas BOUGHT a 10 foot strip of land from Mrs. Rezko. That''s it.
McCain, on the other hand, gratefully accepts $1.5 million from CONVICTED FELONJack Abramoff -- Two weeks ago.
Explain that, will you?
McCain, who spent the last 26 years NOT SHOWING UP in the US senate and has the worst attendance record of ANY US SENATOR.
But he takes money from thieves
Nice.
Obama is a smart inspiring speaker, but Palin''s actions speak louder than political words. She has fought corruption in both parties in Alaska. When she speaks she says it like it is, unlike polished career politicians. Some people can talk the talk, but Palin can walk the walk. Anyone with doubts about Palin should watch her interview with Maria Bartiromo on CNBC.
People are talking negatively about Palin without knowing all the facts about what she has achieved, including the media because they are in love with Obama. The media is saying McCain picked Palin because of Hillary not being picked and I love Hillary, but Sarah is the real deal for republicans and she gives them a new face that they need to reform their party. The republican party has always been for the rich and special interests, Sarah represents %u201Cwe the people%u201D and is against government waste and the good old boy network, this is just what republicans need to fix their image and party direction.
Now the race is exciting and change is coming to both parties! History will be made period with either Obama or McCain!
With all of the great choices he had (Ridge, Crist, Pawlenty, etc, etc) this pick makes him look like an idiot and desperate. Does anyone really believe this wet behind the ears, beauty queen, cheerleader could be President? And with McCain at 72, she WILL be.
Ignorant, ignorant pick. And it essentially ensures an Obama / Biden victory in Nov.
that is a list of things that never happened. if your voting choice is based on fantasy and lies, it is not worth much. why is it people say they do not like Obama but cannot defend that when asked why?
Actually, you ae right on the mark with your assessment of Palin. An admirable woman and whom I personally like. But she''s not ready to be president and her pick was a politically-(mis)calculated decision.
You are dead wong on Obama.
A) He does not attend the church you mentioned.
B) I have viewed many of Wrighs sermons.(Have you?) Not ONE racist sermon. Not one. Is Wright an idiot? Yeah. One whom Obama has repudiated.
Mcain, on the other hand, runs nd embraces bigots like Hagee and crawls for Abramoff cash.
FYI
oh yeah! he will likely lose women and men voters, and pander to evangelicals which just scares people. Democrats are ecstatic. The more people know about McCain/Palin, the less likely they are to vote for them. No wonder the Repubs are thinking of delaying the convention!
Gov. Palin''s education consists of a 4 year degree in JOURNALISM. Not even history, govt, or finance....anything useful in running a large business like the U.S. govt, should something happen to McCain. The tiny hamlet of 8,000 where she served as mayor before her governorship, says she left it in financial shambles.
You all really need to check her out.. Not only does this choice show McCain''s lack of temperament and judgment, but it shows that he certainly cannot claim to "putting America first," when he would leave this country in the hands of such a candiate who is less aware of the international situation in Iraq than the average housewife. I''m not kidding. She actually asked what the VP does every day!
McCain doesn''t even KNOW her. Yep,he''s a "maverick" all right. He would run this country exactly like Bush, by "his gut," only he''s even more of an extremist.
On the other hand, one need only look at the way Obama has conducted himself and his campaign, even through all the attacks from the Clintons and the Rove-types. He just keeps on keepin'' on, brother. That''s what a true leader does. He inspires us and he LEADS.
If you include both her provate and political success, Obama does not seem to come close.
At least the GOP ticket is as it should be, with the most experienced person as the front runner. The Democrats have it a** backwards.
-- Posted by LaderaMom41 at 12:29 PM : Aug 30, 2008
Ought to be the McCain campaign slogan. McCain, who spent the last 26 years NOT SHOWING UP in the US senate and has the worst attendance record of ANY US SENATOR.
But he takes money from thieves. Must wake up for that.
--------------------------Posted by jwrhea
Not good enough for whom? You?
OK. How about your McCain, you EMBRACES BIGOTS AND THIEVES AND TAKES THEIR MONEY?
RIGHT NOW?
That good enough for you?
Posted by jwrhea at 12:22 PM : Aug 30, 2008
Why is this an indication of "character" when she has no intention of staying home to look after this special needs child ?
1. There are 3 branches of government in the USA. (see articles I, II, III of the Constitution of the USA)
2. The legislative branch (For those of you a little rusty, the people that MAKE the laws) is comprised of two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. (See Article I of the Constitution of the USA).
3. The leadership of both houses are Democrats. (The Senate is split 49-49-2, and the 2 side with the Democrats)
4. Barack Obama and John McCain are both senators.
5. The President of the USA has no lawmaking ability, save signing or vetoing laws. The President executes the laws of the USA. (See Article II of the Constitution of the USA)
So, my fellow Americans, why do we listen to these two people, who have the power to change laws NOW, about what they will do when they have NO POWER to make laws when they get to the office they aspire to?
In short, Obama and McCain have more lawmaking power now than on Jan 21, 2009 (We''ll assume every will party on the 20th)
When asked about Palin, Kay-Bailey said on Fox... "Who?"
He could have picked alot of qualified women...but he chose a "hunter, anti-choice, redneck, wahoo" from Alaska....
Shows how poor his judgement is....
However, she is pretty cute and Cindy better watch out....
In a related article.... Roche and Viagra are now sponsoring the McCain/Palin ticket and the RNC convention.
It seems 60 Minutes is all too willing to allow anyone on it''s show who showcases he liberal point of view. Any left wing author who pens an anti-Bush book is given an interview. Anyone who writes anything negative about the new messiah, Obama, (or anything that does not reflect positively about Democrats) is ignored and not given equal time on the program.
When asked about Palin, Kay-Bailey said on Fox... "Who?"
He could have picked alot of qualified women...but he chose a "hunter, anti-choice, redneck, wahoo" from Alaska....
Shows how poor his judgement is....
However, she is pretty cute and Cindy better watch out....
In a related article.... Roche and Viagra are now sponsoring the McCain/Palin ticket and the RNC convention.
Posted by cfin5 at 12:36 PM : Aug 30, 2008
She believes in Creationism and thinks it should be taught in schools! She believes the Earth is 6000 years old! Doesn''t seem to be a sharp thinker to me.
She has way more expierence than him!
He was in his first term for a few month''s when he "dropped his elected duties", to chase the stars!
This guy lies, every time his lips move.
Are you willing to give equal criticism to all the working mothers out there who go back to work six weeks after having their children? I know many people, including teachers, who do not hesitate to have kids and by choice go back to work soon after (even if they don''t need the income).
-------- Posted by novellite2
Excellent and thoughtful post.
One reason I am voting for Obama is because he is not, like McCain, a neo-con.
Neo-cons believe in an imperial, powerful presidency -- as exemplified by Bush''s use of signing statements, recess appointments, etc.
McCain shows every sign of embracing this neo-con presidency.
That is dangerous and anti-democratic, for the reasons you stated.
Obama rejects neo-conism.
He gets my vote.
Our Founding Fathers believed in "creationism" and God.
An open mind is a growing mind.
Posted by jwrhea at 12:22 PM : Aug 30, 2008
Why is this an indication of "character" when she has no intention of staying home to look after this special needs child ?
"Most neutral observers are scratching their heads. McCain''s strongest argument against Obama is that he doesn''t have the experience to be President. How can his first major personnel choice be someone with demonstrably less experience than Obama (6 years as mayor of a village with 5400 people and 21 months as governor vs. 8 years in the Illinois state senate and 3 1/2 years in the U.S. Senate)? Doesn''t that undermine his whole campaign? With so many solid choices available like governors Romney, Pawlenty, Sanford, and Ridge, why a total unknown who is being investigated by her own (Republican-controlled) legislature for possible ethical violations. What is McCain thinking?"
The above is from a neutral, independent politcal website.
The only ones that really put out unbiased information.
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