60 Minutes and Obama: TV to calm a jittery nation
Talk about television as a social force in American life.
Last night, a correspondent from the number one show on network TV conducted an interview with the number one "get" in the nation, and millions of Americans could go to bed feeling reassured that someone with brains, determination and grace was working on their behalf to help the country out of the horrible mess in which it is mired.
Click here to see photos from the interview and of Obama since he won the election.
The correspondent was Steve Kroft, of the CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes, which last week was the highest rated series on television with an audience of 18.5 million. You remember 60 Minutes, that’s the "dinosaur" many of the media pundits pronounced dead a decade ago.
The "get" was President-elected Barack Obama for the first half-hour of last night’s show, and then, Barack and Michelle Obama for the second half. In some ways, the full hour combined the reassurance of a Franklin Delano Roosevelt Fireside Chat with the First-Family-friendliness of Jackie Kennedy’s TV tour of the White House. But it was all re-fashioned into a smart and in-depth but casual feeling TV conversation for a mainstream audience of today.
What a smart choice 60 minutes made in breaking the show into two parts, and what a splendid job Kroft did of being prepared and touching many of the bases that needed touching by the reporter who got the exclusive with the man on whom a battered nation’s hopes now ride.
Kroft queried Obama on his feelings about the controversial shift in Treasury Department bailout strategy, the troubled auto industry, home foreclosures, the books the president-elect is reading these days and campaign pledges such as the vow to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay.
Here are some of the bites:
STEVE KROFT: Once you become President are there things that you'll change?
BARACK OBAMA: We have not focused on foreclosures and what's happening to homeowners as much as I would like…We've got to…set up a negotiation between banks and borrowers so that people can stay in their homes. That is going to have an impact on the economy as a whole. And, you know, one thing I'm determined is that if we don't have a clear focused program for homeowners by the time I take office, we will after I take office.
STEVE KROFT: Are you in sync with Secretary Paulson in terms of how the $700 billion is being used?
BARACK OBAMA: Well, look Hank Paulson has worked tirelessly under some very difficult circumstances…I think Hank would be the first one to acknowledge that probably not everything that's been done has worked the way he had hoped it would work. You know what we've done is we've assigned somebody on my transition team who interacts with him on a daily basis. And, you know, we are getting the information that's required and we're making suggestions in some circumstances about how we think they might approach some of these problems.
STEVE KROFT: Are they listening?
BARACK OBAMA: We'll find out.
STEVE KROFT: The Congress has said there are not the votes in Congress to pass any kind of a relief package for General Motors.
BARACK OBAMA: For the auto industry to completely collapse would be a disaster in this kind of environment…So it's my belief that we need to provide assistance to the auto industry. But I think that it can't be a blank check. So my hope is that over the course of the next week, between the White House and Congress, the discussions are shaped around providing assistance but making sure that that assistance is conditioned on labor, management, suppliers, lenders, all of the stakeholders coming together with a plan -- what does a sustainable U.S. auto industry look like? So that we are creating a bridge loan to somewhere as opposed to a bridge loan to nowhere. And that's I think what you haven't yet seen.
BARACK OBAMA: I've been spending a lot of time reading Lincoln…there is a wisdom there and a humility about his approach to government, even before he was president, that I just find very helpful.
STEVE KROFT: Put a lot of his political enemies in his cabinet.
BARACK OBAMA: He did.
STEVE KROFT: Is that something you're considering?
BARACK OBAMA: Well, I tell you what. I find him a very wise man.
STEVE KROFT: Have there been moments when you've said, ‘What did I get myself into?’
BARACK OBAMA: I will say that the challenges that we're confronting are enormous. And they're multiple. And so there are times during the course of a given a day where you think, "Where do I start in terms of moving-- moving things forward?" And I think that part of this next two months is to really get a clear set of priorities, understanding we're not going be able to do everything at once, making sure the team is in place, and moving forward in a very deliberate way and sending a clear signal to the American people that we're going to be thinking about them and what they're going through.
Reassuring, but with a healthy dose of adult reality about the sacrifice ahead.
The second half of the show with Michelle Obama sitting alongside the president-elect was a delight. It brought the couple that had become iconic since Nov. 4 back to a human scale, with her teasing him about the shabby apartment and the ramshackle car he had when they first met, and him kidding about how carefully chooses his words when talking his mother-in-law.
I don’t know if what America saw Sunday night will help steady the financial markets Monday morning. But it sure made me feel better – and I’m guessing about 20 million fellow Americans as well.
This is the fifth time Obama has been featured on 60 Minutes the past two years. The newsmagazine and the president-elect have a good thing going. And so far, I believe it has been good for the nation. I 'm, sure there will be complaints by competitors who feel excluded -- particular national newspapers and the other networks. But for now at least, I hope it continues. Under executive producer Jeff Fager, 60 Minutes is one of the most socially responsible franchises in American media.
And it almost never fail to engage and entertain.
Comments
As charming as Obama is, I watched for about 15 minutes and went on to other thngs. First of all, it is obvious that Michelle is the spokesperson regardless of America's need to get to know President-Elect Obama. Second of all, as charming as we might think Obama's megar beginnings were, or the size of his appartment while a Senator, or the fact that his car had a hole in it when he dated Michelle, or how charming it is that their main concern is the girls, I'm loosing my home, my business and I need to know more about the poltical thinking of someone who gave us little but hope to vote on. This was really not what I expected, or needed. Michelle needs to zip it and recognize that she may rule the roost at home and in the office, but America would like to hear answers from our president elect and please without looking at Michelle for a OK to answers. How unassuring that we are on the right path.
Hi, I think you must have been watching a different first 15 minutes. The first 30 was all about the economy including how he planned to help people like you stay in their homes. Surely, you don't blame Obama for the situation we are in today. But he did offer some answers. Maybe you should have given it another 15, and you would have heard about his plan to stop foreclosures. Honestly, the interview spoke directly to foplks who are in the situation you describe. And I wonder on what you base this conviction that Michelle Obama is the "spokesperson." At any rate, if you are really interested in what he had to say about foreclosures and keeping people in their homes, please check out the video at the blog or the transcript at cbs.com. It wasn't about charm, it was about information for a jittery nation -- as my headlines says. Thanks.
Posted by: Maggie | November 16, 2008 10:53 PM
My feelings exactly!
Posted by: Letha | November 16, 2008 11:09 PM
It was precisely what I needed. Like medicine for the sick, we need these two so badly. Thank God for them! And a great interview - both delightful and educational. Reassuring is the word you used in the blog - perfect. Ready to move us forward - you can only move forward if you acknowledge where you are. We desparately need our president to relay a "healthy dose of adult reality".
I agree completely with David's assessment!
Posted by: Eliza | November 16, 2008 11:55 PM
If you remember what Obama said not too long ago.... I am not the President yet - one at a time or something like that. You cannot expect him to tell you exactly what the plans are going forward after Jan 20. He did speak about foreclosures, the auto industry, etc. I thought he was very reassuring. It was refreshing to listen to someone who is intelligent and articulate - what a change!!! As for Michele, I thought the 2nd half made this couple very human - they have many of the same issues to face raising two girls that many parents in America face. We all need to have patience. This mess did not happen overnight and we have a long way to go for recovery. Let's wait until he is President before we pass judgement! I can't wait for january 20th and the future with Barack Obama as our new President!
Posted by: kathy | November 16, 2008 11:56 PM
Instead of chastising President Elect Obama, did you bother to ask your current president what he plans on doing for you now? You know that president, the one that you voted for for the last 8 years.
Posted by: CoronaRay | November 17, 2008 12:04 AM
I watched clips on Fox News and I agree with whomever wrote the first honest paragraph under comments. However I do not see Michelle as charming. Plus it is very difficult to place much credibility in this man's comments when he failed to address issues with integrity regarding his past during the campaign." Folks" seems to be his cute word as well as the media's cute word to describe all of the hard working Americans out there who are struggling and very proud of their country. I'm sick of hearing the word "folks" as it reminds me of Obama's favorite statement, "White folks greed run a world in need." Much of his campaign behavior seems to remain with him even on current interviews such as 60 minutes. One major economist has already stated that by 2012 we will have a complete economic meltdown under an Obama administration and will be left as an undeveloped country. Not all people are gullible enough to listen to Obama and believe that he really understands this economic situation and how to solve it.
Posted by: Linda | November 17, 2008 12:17 AM
Good points, Maggie.
To the person she is responding to:
First learn how to spell MEAGER before you use it as a put down. [Try using the Firefox web browser, which has built-in spell check]
I don't think anyone would be looking for the President's wife to do anything BUT be the President's wife. She is an intelligent woman who will bring a lot of insight to the White House, but doesn't seem like someone who will offer it unless asked.
I think everybody's problem is that it's time for a new party in the White House. Republicans are already judging President-elect Obama before he's even sworn in. Seriously. That's ridiculous. Most of us didn't even pay attention to President Bush until January 2001. I think Prez Obama should be given the same treatment.
Posted by: Zack | November 17, 2008 12:30 AM
It was a interview with the President elect
he is not the President yet. How do you know about Michelle interview if you stop watching at 15 minutes in to the show. I think you just post to cry about how bad your life is and how you screwed it up. Bush has been the actual man in charge what has he done to save your home or job nada.. Give him a chance before you turn off the TV, and open your mind to hope and possibilities.
Posted by: edward | November 17, 2008 1:51 AM
I thought the interview actually permitted us to hear more of what he thought on many issues such as the foreclosure crisis and energy policy. He's in an awkward position because he must still respect the current administration and can't criticize it openly and freely. I found him charming and also very sincere.
I am sorry that the poster above is suffering. I don't know how soon we can expect financial help. We need to avoid blame and the victim mentality. We all played a part in this mess and it didn't happen overnight, so we really need to be patient and work hard to find healthy solutions to the financial crisis. It's not fair to expect any administration to save us instantaneously.
Posted by: sandra | November 17, 2008 2:34 AM
Those previous two responses. Here we go already.....People, he just got started seeing the inner private workings of what is really going on in this country and of course trying figuring out how to approach the problems the previous administration got us into. There is no magic button to push and make all the problems go away. Give the man a chance. Dios Mio.
Posted by: Reverend | November 17, 2008 3:49 AM
Thanks for the blogpost. I keep trying to watch the entire episode on the CBS site, but my connection keeps dropping.
Posted by: J | November 17, 2008 4:28 AM
Umm Maggie obviously you did not watch the whole interview so I am a little puzzled by your comments. Also I don't know anyone who voted for Obama based on hope. The people I know who voted for him did so because of his proposed policies and ideas. He made them clear during the campaign and on his website. It was a very wide ranging interview and I agree with this article thoroughly about it being reassuring and grown up. Michelle Obama certainly doesn't need to zip it when she is asked a question. The Obama's obviously have a loving, teasing relationship with one anther and it was very nice to see. We are in good hands.
I agree, it was really nice to get a glimpse of that relationship. We know they are both very hard workers by what they have accomplished if nothing else.And from the first half of the show, we heard what he is working on and what his priorities are in the job at the moment. But itt was nice to see a bit of the playfulness between the two as well. In its own way, it says: Even though things are seriously bad in this country, we don't have to be grim about it. We can solve this -- and, perhaps, we can do so with some joy. Thanks. Z
Posted by: lisa | November 17, 2008 5:06 AM
The type of "jittery" people who are "calmed" by a bunch of masterful political spinmeistering are probably of the same clueless ilk that believe Obama will personally see to it that their mortgages, gas bills, etc. are taken care of now that he's president. The reality is that this financial crisis is both far larger than a president's ability to change by himself and also a perfect excuse for Obama & Co. to implement permanent interference in the national economy of the scale and scope that Franklin Roosevelt was able to implement (Social Security, welfare programs, etc) that had the net effect, according to many economists, of actually prolonging the Great Depression by several years.
Actually, I think it is the current administration that has taken the government deep into the private sector. And if you had seen the segment, you would have heard Obama speak very specifically about why a simple embrace of FDR's policies probably would not work. But, man, how is that Ronald Reagan de-regulation, get-government-out-of-my-life philosophy working out for us? Thanks, Ron, for all the misery, becauise you were such a great political philosopher. Z
Posted by: Alexander | November 17, 2008 6:57 AM
60 minutes was very nice. I enjoyed it. I wish him Blessings to help our nation.
It's funny that people see him Black but he also has White Blood in him. Why just always comment on the "Black Blood, what about the "White Blood"
Posted by: charma | November 17, 2008 9:52 AM
A just elected US President hardly known by most after months of teleprompter speeches and campaign rhetoric does his first TV interview with his wife and only 18.5 million watch out of a nation of 300 million.
Absolutley dismal the apathy and low interest in this man and a bad omen of things to come.
Hi Ron, I have promised to be nice in my comments, and I shall. But I do have to say this is one of the most pathetic attempt I have seen to mis-read and spin ratings figures in my 30 years of dealing with them. You need lots more time and practice, my friend, before you step up to the plate and try to spin the numbers in this strange a direction. Apathy is a word no one else has ever used in the same sentence with Obama. Sorry, try again. Z
Posted by: Ron Greens | November 17, 2008 10:24 AM
In order to be clear that this is an objective statement, let me start by saying I did not vote for Obama. However, I did watch the interview last night and found myself coming away from it thinking, "OK, I think this guy gets it. I think he's got a good head on his shoulders and a sense that EVERYTHING is in trouble. I think he'll be ok." I found him to be honest and forthright. As for Michelle talking, I had no problem with her expressing an opinion. Their interaction reminded me of conversations I've been involved in with my wife, so I could relate to the way they communicated. I do believe Michelle needs to, and will probably get training on, toning it down just a little when both are being interviewed. Overall, though, a great impression and solid performance.
Hi John, Than ks. That will probably be the most powerful and compelling comment posted here all day. It seems so frank and honest. Thanks. Z
Posted by: John | November 17, 2008 12:33 PM
My wife and I were two of the millions of Americans who went to bed feeling reassured that someone with brains, determination and grace was working on our behalf. In the spirit of unity, I hope that we all stop attacking our current president and move on, with the same grace and determination that Barack Obama has shown. There is hope. Things may get worse before they get better, but they will get better. Let's show the world, once again, that we are the greatest nation on earth by joining together, as our new President-elect says "not as democrats or republicans, but as Americans."
I could not agree more with your last statement. Thanks, Tim. Z
Posted by: tim egan | November 17, 2008 1:21 PM
After having endured 8 years of "Bush Economics and Policies" and watching a multi-billion dollar war that places America and her citizens in the middle of a multi-generational religious war, its interesting to read posts that suggest "President-elect Obama 'better' get me out of the fix I'm in."
Whether your predicament is self-induced by greed or caused by the present economic conditions, it is ludicrous to expect a man (who has yet to take the oath of office) to get you and everyone else into a "comfortable" living zone within his first 100 days - strike that, the first 365 days.
Curious if those complaining are commenting in the same regard, to President Bush who is presiding over an unnecessarily "bloated" government and deficit, as well as injecting public money into what is supposed to be a "capitalistic society."
Let's face it. regardless of our individual thoughts (or passions) towards the war - one has to admit that sending billions overseas has to have some impact on our economic condition here; or our desires to bailing out Top 100/500 companies - who have done nothing to help the "man on the bottom" - any change is going to take time to make it through the system.
The 60 Minutes piece was very well produced and shows Americans that President-elect Obama does not have the "Messiah Syndrome" and recognizes the only constant in life is change (which ironically, takes time).
Posted by: R. A. Mills | November 17, 2008 5:56 PM
It was nice to see a happily married couple who obviously enjoy each other's company.
I think back to the Steve Croft interview with the Clintons when Bill Clinton was running the first time and the infidelity rumors popped up. Even though Hillary defended him and basically saved the campaign, I always got the feeling that what she really wanted to do was whack him over the head with a frying pan.
Hi Kathy, Great comment. Thanks. I, too, thought back to Bill and Hillary and all the crazy drama and tension on that set as I watched the Obamas. It was a relief to see two people who did seem to like being with each other. I think you might be right about the frying pan. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Kathy | November 17, 2008 5:59 PM
To Linda who wrote: I watched clips on Fox News and I agree with whomever wrote the first honest paragraph under comments. However I do not see Michelle as charming. Plus it is very difficult to place much credibility in this man's comments when he failed to address issues with integrity regarding his past during the campaign." Folks" seems to be his cute word as well as the media's cute word to describe all of the hard working Americans out there who are struggling and very proud of their country. I'm sick of hearing the word "folks" as it reminds me of Obama's favorite statement, "White folks greed run a world in need." Much of his campaign behavior seems to remain with him even on current interviews such as 60 minutes. One major economist has already stated that by 2012 we will have a complete economic meltdown under an Obama administration and will be left as an undeveloped country. Not all people are gullible enough to listen to Obama and believe that he really understands this economic situation and how to solve it.
-------
Your first mistake is watching Fox News. They are so anti anything that does not live and breathe Republican that they will spread hate and lies, no matter what the cost.
Sick of hearing "folks"? What else do you want him to say? "You people"? OR perhaps "My friends"?
I don't believe Obama, or any one man necessarily, can be the answer to every problem that we are facing as a nation but at least we are taking the first step towards something besides fear mongering.
Why are so many people already putting the blame on Barack Obama for what has been happening in the current administration?
Thank you, KW. Nice counterpoints. Z
Posted by: KW | November 17, 2008 11:27 PM
It took almost 30 years to get into this mess -- starting with R. Reagan and it is absurd to think this man can fix all of this is 4 years let alone 4 months and the man isn't even in office yet. Stop sipping the Sara Palin koolaid and join us in reality! And the other annoyance is this "mixed" crap -- Obama is more Black than a lot of people -- he is 50% Black -- I am Black and I can only claim to be about 30% Black. Unless White people are dumb or playing dumb you have to know that all Black people in this country are MIXED. C'mon already!
Hello Deb, thanks for the insight. I say amen to the 30 years, and don't expect Obama to fix it in 30 days. He did not create the culture either full of folks who think sacrifice is word a politician should never utter. Remember how the many of the pundits laughed at Jimmy Carter for putting on a sweater and talking to us about sacrifice, while Ronald Reagan promised "morning in America" and nothing but abundance, abundance, abundance. Well, now countries like China hold the notes on our 30-year celebration of "morning in America." Obama can't fix that overnight. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Deb | November 17, 2008 11:47 PM
I thought the Michelle portion was very odd. She seemed to be putting her spouse down everytime he said something. I like them both, but she needs someone to tell her to stop talking once in awhile. I felt like he was going to have to take out the garbage at the snap of her fingers.
Posted by: sara o'toole | November 19, 2008 1:00 AM