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A Father's Promise

November 16, 2008 10:16 PM

President-elect Barack Obama spoke with Steve Kroft about a special promise he made 2 years ago to his young daughters.

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by echodog2 November 17, 2008 3:07 AM EST
Michelle Obama WILL NOT let Pres. elect Obama get a word in edgewise! Before he thinks about his answer she''s already butted in and answered it. He just backs down. Chill out lady he''s the Pres. not you!
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by bmattingly38 November 17, 2008 3:23 AM EST
Great interview. Steve and President-elect Obama were very relaxed and playful. I loved the interaction between Barack and Michele. They are real people. I am so looking forward to the next four years both from a political and a personal vantage point.
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by mariaburks November 17, 2008 3:31 AM EST
Give the man a break and a chance to work his magic. I think Obama will be the best president for America. He is very well educated and he has a wife who is equally, smart and educated. What a team. Finally the white house will have some color. For years the white house was occupied by whites and the blacks were the servants, now we are coming to stay but not as servants but as resident of the white house. This gives every child in any color and hope that one day anyone can run for president, you dont have to be white in America to be president.
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by thickredhair November 17, 2008 3:32 AM EST
i''m just so impressed by the obamas during this transition time, they aren''t celebrating they are working, looking at all sides of every issue, taking one at a time....

Michelle rocks, behind every great man is a greater woman, and she has no problem keeping him in line
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by mariaburks November 17, 2008 3:33 AM EST
Michelle rocks, behind every great man is a greater woman, and she has no problem keeping him in line
yeah she sure rocks
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by prairiedeb November 17, 2008 3:46 AM EST
Michelle Obama is the quintessential egalitarian First Lady. She has her own mind and is fully grounded in what is the big picture for the first family. I love the dynamics between them and it makes me trust Obama more to know that he has some give and take going on with his lovely wife. They are a team, and I fully trust THEIR leadership. For though Obama is the leader of the free world, Michelle is the paradigm shifter for multi-tasking first moms. I know, I know, Hillary did that, but still, Michelle is unique in that she is the humbling influence of the first African American President, and she is also a scholar in her own right. Don''t be dissing on Michelle, for she is amazing and Obama''s rooting force. They''re equal, symbiotic, and lovely.
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by bronzesatin November 17, 2008 4:56 AM EST
A terrific interview. President-Elect Obama is someone who is is clearly in touch with today''s issues. I particularly enjoyed the personal interaction between Michelle and President-Elect Obama and the openness of their affection towards one another. Loved it!!!
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by lane7534 November 17, 2008 5:48 AM EST
I have a great feeling about President-elect Obama. He and wife are fantastic and down to earth people.I know he''s going to turn things around. Good luck Mr.President!!!!
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by karlosaka November 17, 2008 5:58 AM EST
Special thanks to Steve Kroft for letting us understand that the President-elect and the First Lady-elect are human like every other American. It is not the color of their skin that I see but the greatness of America as well as the values inherent in its diverse population shown by your interview. We need more of such about out leaders. I would like to end by saying this to those who are concerned about the color, gender, religious believes, or how people may differ. The greatness of America did not come solely from people who look alike but from the strengths inherent in the diversity of its population. So I say to every race: White, African America, Hispanic, etc, and no matter your religion or where your ancestors come from, as long as you are a law abiding citizen it is a blessing to be an American.
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by uniquemetal November 17, 2008 10:09 AM EST
Thank you Steve Kroft and CBS 60 minutes for a great interview.
Barack and Michelle Obama are absolutely wonderful people and I have no doubt President elect Barack Obama will be a President which will move Amercia forward to be a great nation on many levels again.
Had this interview been shown before the election even more people would have voted for Barack without doubt.
To think there are people who would make unkind personal remarks against Barack Obama should step back and watch this interview.

Kimmo
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by kjboy27 November 17, 2008 10:26 AM EST
I agree with all the positive comments made in regard to this great interview of President-Elect Obama and Mrs. Obama by Steve Kroft of 60 Minutes and I, too, thank 60 Minutes for the high standards which they continue to maintain. As for any negative comments, I will just ignore them. In a nutshell, I agree completely with Kimmo and others who write as she (or he?) has done.
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by kdonkelly November 17, 2008 10:36 AM EST
If only the other so called major news channels will use this tape as a training material for their anchors what a great day it would be for journalism and the whole world as a whole. God bless you Steve, CBS and America.
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by delboy01-2009 November 17, 2008 11:44 AM EST
As a Brit who is used to high standards of journalism from the BBC, it is good to see that USA can do good interviews too.

I have to say what an amazing couple, beautiful, intelligent and loving. Obama can only become more popular in the USA, because many people didn''t vote him because he was so disgracefully demonised by the Republican campaign, that when these people realise he is just regular guy they will not be so anti-Obama.
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by amlllll November 17, 2008 12:28 PM EST
The feel of this interview is no surprise to me, as I''ve seen this couple interact throughout the campaign and they certainly are just what we need right now in terms of leadership and example.

Let''s get started!

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by acara-2009 November 17, 2008 12:54 PM EST
Adding my voice about the quality of this interview. Thank you Steve Kroft and CBS for an extraordinary and endearing look at our President and First Lady. Fox News team and the GOP machine worked so hard to demonize them and demoralize all of us. There is hope and bright days ahead for all of us. We won more than a great leader; we won change we can believe in. The American people can finally see this dynamic couple and the wonderful choice we made at the polls--who they really are. Now, we know why our hearts and minds repeated, "Yes, we can."
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by uniquemetal November 17, 2008 1:08 PM EST
First of all thank you 60 Minutes and Steve Kroft.

Had this interview been shown before the elections the outcome would have been more votes for Barck Obama.

It is hard to understand people like Rush and Hannity who try so hard to destroy the wonderful character of this fine human being Barck Obama who himself wants nothing but the best for Americans.

Watching this interview shows how down to earth and intelligent Michelle and Barack really is, like most Amercians. It is for this reason he was elected as well as his common sense in taking America on a new course at at time which is desperately needed.

I hope President elect Barack Obama and Michelle nothing but the very best and strength in the days ahead and please keep them safe.

Mr. Kimmo
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by freedove-2009 November 17, 2008 5:51 PM EST
A friend e-mailed this interview to me. Absolutely Wonderful! Michelle and Barack Obama; such a beautiful couple. I am not just speaking on the physical but their beauty and sweetness exudes from inside. Everything will work out fine for our country. If everyone collects the calm that Barack has, the neurotic energy that has encamped around our country for so long will soon discharge. I am not one for fancy words but I am Barack''s age, however, I feel this same excitement from when I was a child. My Parents would pile us all up in the car and we''d drive around looking at all of the Christmas lights, or the spring and summertime, when they would take us for an afternoon to look at the Cherry Blossoms and a picnic at Hain''s Point. We had next to nothing! However, we had faith and hope. That''s what has gotten our family through extremely hard times, and has gotten me through a lot of sadness and disappointments in my life. I feel as if I would like to move back to my hometown after 20 years.

To spark the Spirit of Hope out of a dormant state does wonders for the Soul. No matter where in the world, sometimes the light may dim because of elements, but never let it go out. Always carry it in your heart and mind.

My Hat off to 60 Minutes.
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by sjacun November 17, 2008 6:18 PM EST
I watched President-elect Obama and Mrs. Obama last night and couldn''t be more pleased to have them represent us in this country. I believe President-elect Obama will do a fine job. I might add I didn''t vote for him, but I certainly am in his corner now.
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by jmeladeck November 17, 2008 6:59 PM EST
wonderful interview!!! Barak shall be a great president if the right wing haters such as Rush limbaugh & consorts let him live:a group of French students of American studies .
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by nandwithom November 17, 2008 8:13 PM EST
I think the Oboma family are so down to earth and I
really enjoyed the interview with Steve Croft. We
need to pray for our president and his family, they
have alot of work ahead of them and I them well.
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by uniquemetal November 17, 2008 8:30 PM EST
Barack and Michelle Obama are absolutely wonderful down to earth intelligent people.

Please keep them safe America.


Thank you Stever Kroft and 60 Minutes in bringing a class act into our homes and on the internet.
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by julianne43 November 17, 2008 9:15 PM EST
He''s black??????Really? WOW!!!!I voted for him on just his merits.. I sure am glad I''m one of the few women that are colorblind. He''ll-THEY''LL be great. Amost of us don''t see color, religion-just what a wonderful president he will be. America needs him.
KEEP THEM SAFE !!!!!!!!!!
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by core43 November 17, 2008 9:24 PM EST
There is no question that yes, they compliment each other in many ways, However, we are in tough times, and Yes, it is refreshing to see such adornment between husband and wife, the real question is "Can you apply such elequent speechs, to a world that views us as the problem and convince them that the threats we face each day, Is on a global scale, and is not isolated to a specific area on the map, But is becoming an epidemic world-wide, in the most un-likely of places. Can he re-kindle the trust, America lost so long ago, because of it''s own inflated ego of being a Super Power? Can he breath new life into an ecomony who''s heart has stopped? He faces tough times and his boyish charms, may fare well with the American people now, only time will tell.
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by misskmsw November 17, 2008 9:26 PM EST
Oh my goodness!! The Obamas are sooooo down to earth and transparent. We all are definitely in transition together. God bless the Obamas.

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by stevechr1 November 17, 2008 11:41 PM EST
Kudos and heartfelt thanks to 60 Minutes and Steve Kroft for this wonderful interview with President-Elect Obama and First Lady Michelle. It is such an inspiration to witness this historic transition by people from such humble, honest, straighforward beginnings. They are just what America needs to help foster a new rebirth of the American Spirit. The Limbaughs'' and Hannity''s of the world must be either too blind or just plain too self serving not to get on the side of our new leaders to help make America an even better place to live. PLEASE keep the Obama''s safe. They need our help and our prayers...
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by goobledy November 18, 2008 1:06 AM EST
What a beautiful moment. God please keep them safe. Amen.
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by goobledy November 18, 2008 1:07 AM EST
What a beautiful moment. God please keep them safe. Amen.
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by goobledy November 18, 2008 1:10 AM EST
What a beautiful moment. God please keep them safe. Amen.
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by angedawg November 18, 2008 1:25 AM EST
"Michelle Obama WILL NOT let Pres. elect Obama get a word in edgewise! Before he thinks about his answer she''''s already butted in and answered it. He just backs down. Chill out lady he''''s the Pres. not you!"

Echodog2,

President Elect Obama had already talked and been interview for over an hour. Mrs. Obama had just gotten out there, So Mr Obama was allowing her to speak.
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by mb360 November 18, 2008 1:46 AM EST
I am thankful to see this in my time. I voted for change. When Obama won, change went to hope. I believe we can join together as Americans and hope for the best for our people, human kind. Yes, I have a dream... that children and adults will work together and see no color, one love... yes, I have a dream... Michelle and Barack are exciting and in love still, they sound and look like a true team... What a beautiful dream... Lord keep them safe from harm... They want what''s best for American, you got to love them... Dreams come true... God Bless Us All...
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by sugie83 November 18, 2008 3:08 AM EST
They are beautiful people! God Bless Barrack, Michelle and the girls as they enter into the office of Presidency. Yes, we want a First Granny in the White House. It is good for the girls and it is good for America to witness. Mrs. Robinson is a widow and they need each other.
Barrack Obama, will you pleasetake a long rest before January 2009. We need you in the best health. Michelle please let him rest without any chores for aleast 2 weeks!
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by sugie83 November 18, 2008 3:16 AM EST
Barrack and Micelle Obama are first class! Barrack was demonized for no reason, except he decided to run for president. He still responds with kindness, humulity and patience. They have a lot to teach as we watch them lead.
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by mak0123-2009 November 18, 2008 6:50 AM EST
I enjoyed watching this video and seeing the ease and grace this couple has. As a young woman, I really look up to Michelle Obama and I just wish that everyone had a loving partner and mother like her. She is a GREAT wife and mother. Kudos to her and Obama for sustaining a loving and understanding relationship. And I''m disappointed in the way Mr. Kroft used BOTH the dog and his mother-in-law in that form of questioning, I found it to be rude.
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by telmee November 18, 2008 1:08 PM EST
Michelle doesn''t ONLY cut in but actually challenges her husband on many of his personal and delightful thoughts. He knows how to treat a wife and a mother-in-law, but she is no fun. It is surprising what a lovely natural way he has considering her abnoxious mouth.
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by ladysol-2009 November 18, 2008 2:42 PM EST
It is wonderful to see a loving couple, it is very obvious to see that they feel one another, he looks at his wife lovingly, that is so rare, it is amazing to watch, they keep you transfixed, their feelings are mutual, that is why the children are the way they are, and that love is spread throughout the family, mother-in-law as well, and they are not ashamed to show it. Ladies is this not how you wish your husbands to respond to you.
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by shegrins November 18, 2008 4:04 PM EST
telmee,

First off - arguments are much stronger when you spell your insults correctly.

Secondly, give me a break. Michelle Obama is a strong woman - not a meek shadow of her husband. She is an entity all her own. And she does not cut her husband off, she is his partner. Yes, he may have been voted as President but that DOES not mean the Obama''s suddenly have an unequal partnership.

I suppose you are probably fond of the 50''s-style of relationships - where women exist only to serve men.
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by shegrins November 18, 2008 4:11 PM EST
Julianne43,

I am sure you mean well when you say "colorblind" but as no one is colorblind or religious-blind. Seeing a person for his or her merits does not make a person color blind. Colorblindness is actually a total insult to people who have lived their lives being oppressed because of their skin color. It is generally what privileged white people say when we congratulate ourselves on not being a racist - but in using this type of wording you discount hundreds of years of oppression and suffering.

Color and religion are not inherently bad things. These differences are actually humanities greatest gift. Unfortunately, humans don''t enjoy being happy and so rather than seeing differences as reasons to celebrate and learn, we use them as reasons to discriminate and wilt.

We need to talk about color and religion and *** as long as there is a power-class and a slave-class. As long as there is a dominate group and an oppressed group. Not seeing the things that create these inequities gives power difference more fuel.

peace,
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by shegrins November 18, 2008 4:14 PM EST
I think it is utterly ridiculous that the word S E X is removed from posts on the CBS site. How sad is it that we live in a world where S e X is ONLY associated with profanity? CBS, stop replacing the word S E X with ***
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by integrity01 November 18, 2008 4:46 PM EST
What was Kroft thinking when he compared First Lady Michelle''s mother to a dog? Ooops he wasn''t. He exposed his true infected heart. President Obama has excellent tact! He''s the man! (God''s Man) I''d trust him to fight my battles anytime. First Lady Michelle Obama you are BLESSED, and so is the USA! I study President Obama so that I can learn from him. Kroft looked so stupid when President Obama asked him how he got along with his mother-in-law. I hope that every man of every ethnic background will pay attention to President Obama and aspire himself to be the man that he is. I love men and I''m not male bashing but most men know that they are not stepping up to the plate the way that they should. There are too many fatherless children and homes. President Obama reminds me of King Solomon. There has never been one wiser than him. I can see God''s glory all over President Obama. President Obama has integrity, tact, love, patience; mercy for those that despise him, understanding for those that are without understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. President Obama has knowledge and wisdom but with everything that God has blessed him to attain he has gotten UNDERSTANDING. He can take that to the bank.
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by integrity01 November 18, 2008 5:12 PM EST
telmee, not only are you intellegently impaired, visually impaired, and hearing impaired, you have no understanding. You sound like a hater. You have not because you ask not. God is no respecter of persons. If you ask you can receive. Just stop being a hater!!
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by dwini-2009 November 18, 2008 10:34 PM EST
I would just like to say that i grew up without a father and i see Barrack Obama as a true Patriot and Role Model for a young African American like myself. It has made me more motivated than ever to work harder and be disciplned, then one day I will also be judged not by the color of my skin, but by the content of my character. I salute you Mr President & Commander-in-chief BARRACK OBAMA.
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