Obama Explains His Choice, Reacts To Palin on 60 Minutes (VIDEO)

[jefferson_dem]

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"
Aug. 30, 2008



(CBS) In his first reaction to the choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate, Sen. Barack Obama tells 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft that she is an "up-and-coming public servant." Of his own choice for running mate, the Democratic presidential nominee says Sen. Joseph Biden "can step in and become president."

Obama and Biden sat down with Kroft Friday night in Pittsburgh for an interview to be broadcast on 60 Minutes this Sunday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

"Let me tell you the reason I picked Joe Biden," Sen. Obama told Kroft. "Number one, he can step in and become president. And I don't think anybody has any doubt about that. Number two is that if I'm in the room making the kinds of tough decisions that the next president's going to have to make both on domestic policy and on international policy, then I want the counsel and advice of somebody who's not going to agree with me 100 percent of time - in fact, somebody who's independent enough that can push back and give me different perspectives and make sure that I'm catching any blind spots that I have. And Joe Biden doesn't bite his tongue.

"Number three, is somebody who I know in his heart cares about the American people and the American dream, and is willing to fight for them as hard as he can. And Joe Biden fit that bill," Obama added.

"What do you think of Senator McCain's vice presidential choice? And how does it change the dynamics of this campaign?" Kroft asked.

"Well, I don't know Governor Palin, I have not met her before. I had a brief conversation with her after she was selected to congratulate her and wish her luck - but, not too much luck! - on the campaign trial. And she seems to have a compelling life story. Obviously, she's a fine mother and a up-and-coming public servant," Obama said. "So, it's too early for me to gauge what kind of running mate she'll be.

"My sense is that she subscribes to John McCain's agenda. And ultimately, this is going to be about where I want to take the country and where Joe Biden wants to take the country, and where John McCain and his running mate want to take the country."

<SNIP>

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/30/60minutes/main4400811.shtml

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

1. lol! An up and coming public servant! Priceless!!!!

[LonelyLRLiberal]

21. "Up and coming" = inexperienced

Oh, he's good. Stating Biden's qualifications, without directly pointing out her lack of qualifications, got the point across just fine, unless you have a rock for a brain.

[Pisces]

2. He is too smart for them.

[Heather MC]

26. I love that after the slam, he put the focus back on McCain

I love the way he completely ignors her
:rofl:
He doesn't get in to the "OMG he attacked a woman with a special needs baby" Debate
Brilliant
Can I vote for him twice in Nov?

[jefferson_dem]

3. That, "my friends", is presidential.

Click play (>) on the video.

[Muttocracy]

4. yay for our guys in the news. Biden's going to be on ABC with Snuffy tomorrow too I think. nt

[Qutzupalotl]

5. Can you imagine Palin on Meet the Press?

My God.

[GrizzlyMan]

19. If Brokaw was moderating, it would be a benefit to her

Since he's basically become a Repug shill.

[1corona4u]

6. Dammit. I am missing everything today....

is the whole interview anywhere?

[jefferson_dem]

7. Nope. It's scheduled to air tomorrow, 7 PM ET.

n/t

[1corona4u]

10. Ok, thanks.

[Kire]

8. Get ready for the smear: "Obama has blind spots!"

It will probably be very popular on Free Republic.

[Chan790]

12. McCain has liver spots.

They want to attack the fact that Obama chose a running mate who could be strong where he is less strong (a wise counsel sort of move) then it's fair to point out that John McCain is really really old, might die of old age in office and chose a running mate who isn't up to the job.

[Kire]

22. They're already saying Obama has no confidence and that Biden is going to coddle him or whatever.

just dumb

There are many personal attacks one could make about the opposition, but why bother. It kind of affects my mood, to be honest.

[Kire]

23. If a man tells you he has blind spots and you don't help him with it...

...you are as accountable for any failures as he is.

If you can't forgive him, how can you forgive yourself?

I'm not talking about just Biden. I'm talking about anyone who ever sees this video.

[Kdillard]

9. Very well played by Obama. I can't wait to see this interview.

[quiet.american]

11. Well done, Obama, as always. nt

[Colobo]

13. Nice!

[Danger Mouse]

14. Nobody can jab like Obama. You don't see it coming, but it hits hard and hurts like hell.

:hi: :D

[pdxmom]

15. He makes great points about what is needed in a VP and doesn't come

out and slam Palin, but the implication is clear. How is Palin going to advise and be of help to McSame in that position? From what I've seen, she has expressed no opinion on most of the important issues of the day, and the ones she has voiced are to the right of McSame. What advice does she have to offer?

[LonelyLRLiberal]

20. It's statesmanlike - makes a point without coming off as insulting or offensive.

I wish I had that talent.

[Muttocracy]

29. Obama has a rare talent for that and for calm. nt

[Bobbie Jo]

16. Damn he's good.

He's going to make an outstanding president.

[stillcool]

17. Judgment and Temperament...

or Insane McCain.

[BlueIdaho]

18. McCain and his running mate...

I like it - don't mention her name - Its George W and BFF Johnny boy with his tag along little side kick. We don't need for more years of the last eight years - lets keep our focus here folks.

Its Obama v McCain and what's her name doesn't even count.

[Thrill]

24. "up-and-coming public servant."?? Not exactly a ringing endorsement

OUCH

[TheDonkey]

25. A weaker response than I would have liked but ok

He should have explained that McCain's agenda is NOT the change we need. More and more repetition.

[Jennicut]

27. Is it me or are Obama and Biden just so natural together?

Contrast that with Palin and McCain's awkwardness at her VP announcement. They met once before and don't even know each other. Obama and Biden have spent practically 4 years together in the Senate.

[Arkana]

28. Well done. Classy, yet dismissive and cool as a cucumber. Keep the focus on McCain.

Man, Obama just has ice water in his veins. I wonder if he'll just sleep through the election returns on Election Night?