Impressions of Obama's 60 Minutes Interview

The Good:

Barack Obama was very likable and seemingly genuine. He gave straight answers and was confident and poised. Much different than Clinton (slick) and Bush (how do you do interviews with people who hate you?)

It was profoundly interesting that he said he was "studying Lincoln." Any study of Abraham Lincoln is a good thing - I'm just glad he's not studying Andrew Johnson, LBJ, Carter, and Clinton! He also noted FDR, Eisenhower, and Reagan. Not sure of his intent, but he's clearly trying to learn what makes Republicans tick, at least, conservative ones!

He seemed to have decent priorities; National Security, Economy, and Energy.

He was comfortable, and his personality came out. I found myself laughing out loud several times. I love that he grew up in humble circumstances, and he can identify with the "common" and even "disadvantaged" man.

I liked that he said (paraphrase) that "people didn't vote for me or against me because of the color of my skin." Obviously, that's not totally true, but it wasn't true enough to be a factor in the election, particularly the "against."

The Obama's are struggling with how to make the White House a normal experience and place for their kids. I guess they just have to "parent" them through it. Having Mrs. Robinson (Michelle's mother-in-law) come to live at the White House should be very interesting. Wow.


The "Not so Good":

Someone please tell the camera-man to "zoom out" a little. He was up in Obama's grill so much that the crown of his head was cropped out. I mean puhleeze!. When Obama smiled, his grin went from one end of my 42" screen to the next! It was horrible, and I thought it took away from the interview. I doubt they ever filmed Bush this way!

Steve Kroft wasn't allowed to ask follow-up questions. He was linguine-spined, and slobbering all over himself...There were several obvious opportunities to do so, particularly when it came to his declaration that "I will sign an executive order to close Guantanamo Bay."

Then Obama followed up by just declaring "America doesn't torture." Well, I guess unless you're in a mother who wishes to make her womb a torture and death chamber.
Mr. President Elect, that's why I voted against you!

The other obvious follow-up questions that are so important relate to the GM bailout. It's Democrat-Party politics that have all but "bankrupted" GM with their over-bearing UAW labor-union politics! It's forced GM to dissolve themselves out from under US laborworkers... unintended consequences... and crippled their ability to compete with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, who produce automobiles in the USA for less money that it cost GM (not to mention Ford and Chrysler). SO, Mr, Obama, will there be a day of reckoning for them?

Michelle Obama...she interrupted her husband several times, and came across very cold. I sure would like to see her warm side; Lord knows she's had plenty of opportunities.

Conclusion:

1) I'm glad Hillary Clinton isn't President (and never will be)
2) The media is his advocate, and that's dangerous for America because they won't hold him accountable for anything, they'll be dismissive and make excuses.