Obama's PBS interview

Posted: Monday, March 17, 2008 5:30 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray, Andrea Mitchell, and Chuck Todd
PBS's NewsHour tonight will air an interview it conducted with Obama. A couple of choice exchanges, according to a transcript of the interview...

On whether Rev. Wright's comments have damaged Obama's campaign: "I would say that it has been a distraction from the core message of our campaign. I think part of what has always been the essence of my politics, not just this campaign, but my life is the idea that we’ve got to bring people together. Now, part of that is biographical as somebody who comes from a diverse background with a white mother and an African-American father growing up in Hawaii and Asia. You know, it’s in my DNA to believe that all of us have something fundamental in common."

On Clinton's criticism of Obama on Iraq: "I mean, this is somebody who authorized the war, who continues not to want to claim that vote that sent us into war. If we had – if I had had my way, we would not be in this war. And so, I think Senator Clinton has a lot of chutzpah, as they say, to in some way to suggest that I’m the person who has not been clear about my positions on Iraq. I have been opposed to this war from the start."

"What I do believe is that we’ve got to be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. And that means, I believe, a phased redeployment, with a timetable, with a pace of about one to two brigades per month pulling our combat troops out; but also, redoubling our diplomatic strategy inside Iraq as well as with the regional players including Iran and Syria. It means dealing with the humanitarian issues involved. And by the way, I’m the only person who has issued a detailed plan to deal with the potential fallout as we are withdrawing."

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On whether Rev. Wright's comments have damaged Obama's campaign: "I would say that it has been a distraction from the core message of our campaign. I think part of what has always been the essence of my politics, not just this campaign, but my life is the idea that we’ve got to bring people together. Now, part of that is biographical as somebody who comes from a diverse background with a white mother and an African-American father growing up in Hawaii and Asia. You know, it’s in my DNA to believe that all of us have something fundamental in common."

He still doesn't address the issue. Yes, obviously it is a distraction. But how do you feel about it? About Wright? How does this affect your stance on things? Do you feel the same way? Does this influence your desire/agenda for the role as leader of the free world?

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:37 PM)

If Hillary's vote for the authorization to go to war isn't a reason to vote for Obama, I don't know what is.

ShkrGrl, OH (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:39 PM)

Obama was not faced with all the information that Sen. Clinton and everyone else had to deal with about Iraq.
Obama was in Chicago voting "present", and wouldn't take a stand on important issues.
Since he has been in the Senate he has voted the same way as Hillary Clonton.

Obama is finished, he will not be elected in the general election if he is the nominee. People wholove America willnot forget all the hate spewing, racist, anti american remarks made by Obama's friend, mentor, advisor, and pastor for 20 years.

John Doe (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:40 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
$720 million a day! Here's a plan, get on the damn boat and leave, just like we did in Vietnam. The arguments we're hearing now are no more valid then the idiotic reasons we were given to stay in Vietnam.
Check out my blog for the link to a cool video on what that 720 million dollars a day could do in this country, it is simply amazing.

twocanpete (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:40 PM)

I think the media is partly to blame for this reverand Wright business. Reporters were so quick to jump on the Fox bandwagon without doing any research into other sermons that the Reverand Wright has delivered over the past 35yrs. That's a lot of sermons. Plus they played the segments over and over and over and over. Racism is still a very sensitive subject and the media should have known this would have stirred up some anger out of pure ignorance. Shame on all the news or should I say opinion outlets.

Oscar Collins (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:40 PM)

Obama --- Yes.

Clinton --- NO. NO. ... Oh, NO.

GO OBAMA (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:41 PM)

It appears Obama is getting his "sea legs" if you will concerning the onslaught of charges brought by the Clinton campaign and their do as I say not as I do mentality.

What he is not doing is sinking to their level. After a few missteps he is focused and clear about what he wants for this country, whereas Clinton is focused on winning.

Kathy H., Honolulu (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:41 PM)

who cares what Obama says. He is done.

All we hear is blah,blah,blah,blah,blah,blah,blah,blah,

Clinton 08

patty,sd,ca (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:41 PM)

FLorida voter who's vote better damn well count" wrote: LET'S PUT IT THIS WAY. IF THERE IS NO RE-ELECTION IN "BOTH" FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN. I A LIFE LONG DEMOCRAT WILL VOTE FOR SAY, RALPH NADER OR BOZO.

How can you vote when you're clearly not more than 7 years old? I'm constantly baffled by how stunningly immature some "voters" are. What do you say to your kids when they break the rules? You say they'll be punished until they have a loud enough temper-tantrum that you finally cave?

Just Wondering (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:42 PM)

Sooner or later … Clinton must face two things about her stand on Iraq --

She voted to authorize the war without bothering to read the NIE, notwithstanding that Senator Jay Rockefeller told her and other senators that the NIE was the reason he was NOT voting to authorize the war.

She voted to authorize the war, but she did not speak out against it before it began, as did Senator John Kerry. In fact, she did not speak out against the war until well after the fact, when it began to go South.

By contrast, Senator Obama spoke out against the war from the start. As soon as he got to Washington, he read the NIE reports. Senator Rockefeller specifically mentioned this when he endorsed him.

And that’s about all we need to know about that.

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:42 PM)

You go Obama, I am still way proud to be a supporter. I am fully anticipating a break-through speech on race tomorrow and hoping we have an issues front and center campaign going forward. I will have to try and catch the interview on PBS (hopefully the Obama website will have the particulars).

And way to go PBS. I love PBS. They are one of the truly great things about America.

Obama 08 (proud to be a supporter of a guy who doesn't change the rules in the middle of the game WOOT)

Lisa, New Britain, CT (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:43 PM)

"...And so, I think Senator Clinton has a lot of chutzpah, as they say, to in some way to suggest that I’m the person who has not been clear about my positions on Iraq. I have been opposed to this war from the start."..."

Then WHY did he repeatedly vote to continue the war by funding it?

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:45 PM)

GoBama!!! This man is a genius and if he sticks to the issues he can overcome Rev.Wright. another blogger on another page by the name of Maggette made an interesting point about the Rev. If we take what he said alone we will be like dude he's crazy. Why hasn't anyone from the Obama camp shown why Obama was so attracted to him to begin with. If someone took an excerpt of a few things I have said to my husband while fired up about one issue or another you might not like me......but if you knew me you outside of a few rash, maybe sexist, racist or disturbing comments you might come to see that I am a fun loving person that actually wants good in the world, but recognizes the evil in it. Judge not. Nooone is perfect. It is good that we can see the dents in Obama's army b/c for a while I was thinking that he was a little too perfect and thathe had to have something up his sleeve. But he seems legit to me despite this set back and he will have my vote regardless!!

Kris STL (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:46 PM)

Rasmussen Poll:

Seventy-three percent (73%) of voters say that Wright’s comments are racially divisive. That opinion is held by 77% of White voters and 58% of African-American voters. In addressing the issue, Obama warned against injecting race into the campaign .

Most voters, 56%, said Wright’s comments made them less likely to vote for Obama. That figure includes 44% of Democrats. Just 11% of voters say they are more likely to vote for Obama because of Wright’s comments.

However, among African-Americans, 29% said Wright’s comments made them more likely to support Obama. Just 18% said the opposite while 50% said Wright’s comments would have no impact.

BYE BYE OBAMA!!

Daniel, West Hollywood, CA (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:46 PM)

This is why Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted at all. She voted for the war and now she is turning into the "John Kerry" of 2008. "I voted for the war before I became against it". The past few weeks have been nothing but Hillary being caught in one lie after another. I hope The Clinton's do destroy the deomcratic party, you liberals deserve everything you have coming to you and more!

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:47 PM)

"Chutzpah", LOL! You just gotta love this guy, but I'll say it for you Sen. Obama- "I think Sen. Clinton has a lot of b*lls"..., because I'm less politically correct than you are. Always, and forever the gentleman.

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:48 PM)

Why shouldn't we let Hillary have the nomination and then vote for McCain in November?
If he wins, the GOP gets blamed for the impending economic meltdown and the Dems win massive control of everything for the next 4 election cycles.
If Billary wins, she gets blamed for the impending economic meltdown, congress gets handed back to the GOP by 2010 but her permanent negatives will rival that of Richard Nixon. By 2012, Obama's message of change will still be compelling AND the Antichrist of Democratic politics will have been vanquished.

McCain '08 (since there will be no difference between him and Hill except who gets blamed).

Obama in 2012 (I can wait)

trouble (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:50 PM)

This is the perfect venue for these discussions
The commentary on PBS is pretty thoughtful
The discussion tends to be more erudite and educated

Not just sound bites

A good strategy to diffuse the race issue

The Clinton campaign has been playing the race card with comments by Ed Rendell, Geraldine Ferraro and theiur focus on Rev. Wright.
Hopefully, Barack will be able to answer with reason to counter the Clinton smears

Barack Obama is inevitable

Barack Obama will be your next President

(Hilklary Clinton for dog catcher)

Sierra, SF (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:51 PM)

If the Clinton supporters believe she will unite this country, all they have to do is look at how ineffective she's been at that very thing during her "35 years of service".

Other than the fringe element of our society that is against Obama solely because he is black, no one can look at his public record or past behavior and honestly say he will be divisive as our president. That's a role the Clinton's have played to perfection - and the main reason the Republicans are hoping against hope that HRC is the Democratic party's nominee...

Thomas, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:51 PM)

I would very much like to read the detailed plan referenced in the last line (unless, of course, it's stamped "top security" or some such thing.) The candidates have essentially been speaking in general terms, and at this point reading actual specifics might help to sway fence-sitters one way or the other.

Diana (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:56 PM)

Barack Obama is the person to start the healing of this country from the inside (Americans) to the outside (other countries). He has had first hand experience of low income people, single parent homes, and African American experience. No other presidential candidate has had that experience. His affiliation with his church and the community has allowed him to see things from both sides of the aisle. Some people have been saying that his church has to have had some kind of effect on him. Of course, but I believe that it was a very positive one, not a negative one. He's seen the devisiveness and the anger first hand. This is experience that you can not buy.

Obama's The One (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:57 PM)

Obama now has a 170 lead in pledged delegates and a 139 lead in pledged + superdelegates with a prediction that even if he loses PA, West Virgina, Kentucky and were to lose Michigan and Florida if they have revotes as well as break even or slightly win in the remaining other primaries/caucases would end up with a 220 - 250 delegate lead going into the convention. This race is over.

You know these numbers and predictions are true. Give us a comment or two about it Chuck.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:57 PM)

Obama is simply speaking the truth.

He IS the only one that has a DETAILED plan to deal with Iraq, as well as the middle east. He outlined a new foreign policy vision several months ago in a NY Times interview, of course, there was nothing too scandalous about it. It was pretty hardcore on the issues, so the media didn't really cover it all that much. But what Obama is saying here, about renewed diplomacy, about a new way of handling foreign affairs, about the need to change the way America does business around the world, is absolutely and 100% correct, and is absolutely and 100% consistent with everything he's been saying for the past year!

THAT is why I support Obama. Not because of "change" or "words" or being of "irrational Clinton hatred". It's because his approach makes sense, and Clinton's foreign policy approach seems stuck in the politics of the past.

Ron, TX (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 5:59 PM)

This kind of talk is exactly why we must have Barrack Obama as President.

Barrack doesn't say, "Show me the weapons of Mass Destruction by sundown or we are going to war!"

Barrack says,"We have to be as careful getting out as we were careless getting into IRAQ!"

In addition, he has a plan to deal with the Geo-political and humanitarian fallout. I never heard talk like this comming from Clinton or McCain.

Afterall, why do we need to be in IRAQ, when we could just "hang out" in Kuwait--just in case.

Common Sense (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:00 PM)

I am proud of Senator Obama's comments on Pastor Wright and on the terrible situation we are facing in Iraq. I want a leader who will take the time to look at the situation and make the best choice. Who will listen to ALL of his advisor and actually READ any reports and THEN take action. I am all for getting out of the war in Iraq, but I do want us to take our time and proceed as the situation dictates. To do otherwise is ridiculous.

Senator Clinton keeps saying she will start ending this war within 60 days of her becoming President. Is that regardless of the situation?? Is that against what her advisers are telling her??? Is that at the safety and welfare of our men and women who are actually doing the fighting?? Where is the reality in this comment???

We need to proceed slowly and cautiously. Quickly and brash will only cause more grief and discord with the rest of the World. Our status is already tainted.

I want a President who will do what's best, when it's best and "IF" it's best. Enough of HRC's comments to solve every problem; take care of me because she has all the solutions; and telling ME what she will do FOR me. I want to be included. I want to have a say. I want to matter!!! I am America, not HRC.

Obama '08 - Yes We Can!!!!

SJB, SLC, UT (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:00 PM)

How is it a distraction from your core message, Sen. Obama, when part of that message is your judgement? Because sitting under the leadership and teachings of a man like Jeremiah Wright bring up obvious questions about that judgement.

Wright's anti-Semetic, hateful, vicious, conspiracy-theory rhetoric should give anyone pause, but you chose to not only stay but keep him as an advisor and mentor. That kind of judgement is extremely relevant to this campaign.

MikeknaJ, Orange County CA (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:00 PM)

I THOUGHT THAT PAT LEAHEY WAS CORRECT YESTERDAY ON THE NEWS WHEN HE STATED THAT CHENEY AND RUMSFIELD HAD EXPERIENCE BUT AT 3AM THEY INCORRECTLY ANSWERED THE PHONE CALL. HILLARY HAD AN ARTICLE WRITTEN ABOUT HER IN THE TIMES THIS WEEK THAT SHE IS LYING ABOUT HER SO CALLED EXPERIENCE ON HEALTH CARE WHICH EDWARD KENNEDY TRIED TO PASS AND ALSO ON HER PLAY IN THE WAR IN RWANDA. LET'S GET REAL. ALSO NO ON THINKS THAT OBAMA REPRESENTS ANGRY BLACK PEOLPLE. WHAT A KIND MAN WHO IS TRYING TO BRING THIS COUNTRY TOGETHER WHILE CLINTON IS ONLY TRYING TO TEAR IT APART. GET A GRIP HILLARY YOU LOST. NOW GET OUT OF IT AND TRY TO THINK ABOUT NEW YORK AND YOUR SENATE SEAT FOR A WHILE.

KAREN BOURLAND OVERLAND PARK KS (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:02 PM)

Bet Obama's speech writers are really putting the pen to the paper for another one of those slick bamboozle smoke and mirror speeches to help Obama smooth over his latest riff over Rev, Wright - - the issue is OBAMA is a LIAR - - and this is not his first time - maybe if he'd just drop out and try to get his act together for 2016 would work better for him - with 8 years in a new church under his belt.

JO - Indiana (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:04 PM)

Obama is all talk. His teflon status is gone. Look at what the American people are saying in the polls. He is done!!! he cannot recover from the lies about his church. he knew what was going on there. I hope the people supporting him realize what they are supporting and wake up. This guy is no good.

kevin,fl (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:07 PM)

Why do people on the site just post untrue information. Real explanation for the practices of voting present in IL have been established by Barack and others of the IL senate, but its better to spew nega

Gail, Dayton, OH (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:11 PM)

I know it is probably pointless to respond to J. Merle, but the answer to his question is so obvious. He asks, "Then WHY did he repeatedly vote to continue the war by funding it?"

Because voting to start the war is NOT the same thing as making sure that the soldiers who are already there have the supplies they need to SURVIVE.

That argument is so tired and illogical. Who in their right mind would punish the soldiers? Of course he voted to give them supplies. That doesn't mean that he was in favor of the war. Geez.

Dagny in Chicago (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:11 PM)

If you think that Hillary wants to end the war in Iraq, you are crazy. Just pay attention to her. Look at how she reacts when she feels she is attacked. The first thing that she does is attack back, whether she was truly attacked or not. It was hard for her to admit that her vote for the war was a mistake, because it was not.

Not Fooled (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:13 PM)

You Obama kool aid drinkers just ignore that your savior, his wife and church are racist hate mongers. Those are the facts. You close your eyes, and plug your ears so you won't hear the bad news...but the news is out there. Put down the cup, step away from the slogans and BS. You have been hoodwinked....bamboozled.
The best article on Obama/Wright bar none

http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?ArticlePage=3&Section=67&id=18497

Ken deBeer Los Angeles CA (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:19 PM)

PBS. Nothing like scoring an interview with an organization that agrees 100% with Pastor Wright.

Louie Leaves (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:22 PM)

Senator Obama never stops surprising me with how dignified he is. I think I finally understand fully what the Romans meant by dignatus and gravitas. Senator Obama has both -- dignatus and gravitas.

As for the retired elderly pastor Reverend Wright (who is also a former marine veteran), I hope Fox will keep running those 3 excerpted statements over and over and over again. Soon, all of our eyes will glaze over when he comes on the screen with his funny outfits. It will lose any power to reach our lizard brain. My Country is full of fair-minded citizens who judge men and women based on their characters and do not engage in guilt by association. But nice try supporters of Senator Clinton or Senator McCain. Always appreciate it when in the furor to get your own candidate elected, folks try to make my Country a worse place. It won't work now, just like it wouldn't work when Ken Starr tried to make us believe that President Bill Clinton's private escapades had anything to do with his public performance of office. It won't work, sorry! You will need to find another piece of the kitchen sink to throw -- though that probably won't work either.

I would recommend that you try actually setting forth some reasons why your candidate would be superior. But I have been suggesting this for months, and don't seem to get anyone but my fellow supporters of Senator Obama to agree. We are changing politics for the better -- isn't it wonderful? Yes we can!

Kim, Pasadena, CA (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:23 PM)

Obama did not have a vote. What he thought doesn't count. I didn't want to go to war, does that make me a good choice for president? He has no ideal the information that was given to the US Senators nor do I. This isn't what we need for president someone who say's I told you so. We need someone to step up to bat and deal with what Bush did.

Worried, TN (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:23 PM)

"Obama was not faced with all the information that Sen. Clinton and everyone else had to deal with about Iraq"
--
Perhaps that is because he did not have access to the intelligence reports that she did. Oh wait, she didn't take the time to read them. Despite the fact that the Chair of the Armed Services Committee (Bob Graham at the time who voted AGAINST the war) read the whole report and saw the WMD hoax for what it was.

Truly arrogant to say this was "one of the most difficult votes" she's ever cast and yet this "policy wonk" didn't take the time to read the classified information she had access to before casting her vote.

DVS (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:24 PM)

JO- great point- I can't wait to hear his next speech about unity and hope and change and black oppresion, and god damn america, and US of kkk a, Man get out of that church- I'm sure you can find another black church that doesn't pew that hatred. Come back in 8 years...

kevin,fl (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:26 PM)

Well, if recent news is any indication (an up-tick in the polls, gaining even more delegates in Iowa while Hillary lost one)Obama seems to have weathered the recent smear in the media. He is a man of integrity and people can see through the BS.

Oh yeah, and I think I just figured out who patty,sd,ca is. Come on Anne Coulter, it's okay to use your real name.

LA (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 6:26 PM)

The media is trying to force the public to think what they want them to think. We all know people who suck.

Michael, Omaah, NE (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:44 AM)

Hmmm? We wonder what Sen. Ted Kennedy, a powerful Obama endorser, extrapolates from Obama's church affiliation and its anti-american, racist ideologies?

Liz, IN (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 11:01 AM)

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