Here’s a preview:
Update Transcript and video. Obama was cool, reasonable, cheerful, forceful, and completely in control of the facts, himself, and the interview.
KROFT: …in some ways, this debate has brought out the worst in us.
OBAMA: Well…
KROFT: Not the best.
OBAMA: …well, I think you’ve got a convergence of things. Look, worst recession since the Great Depression. People feeling anxious. I think we’re debating something that has always been a source of controversy, and that’s not just health care, but also the structure, and the size, and the role of government. That’s something that basically defines the left and the right in this country. And so, extremes on both sides get very agitated about that issue.
I will also say that in the era of 24-hour cable news cycles that the loudest, shrillest voices get the most attention. And so, one of the things I’m trying to figure out is, how can we make sure that civility is interesting. And, you know, hopefully, I will be a good model for the fact that, you know, you don’t have to yell and holler to make your point, and to be passionate about your position.
KROFT: So, your goal to bring civility back to Washington is still a work in progress?
OBAMA: It’s still a work in progress. No doubt about it.
Now we get to see whether Obama can mobilize his supporters again; the wingnut attacks on him will surely help him to do so.
I note that the video, presumably like the president, is brought to us by Pfizer.
‘insurance companies are still jerking me around’ It’s about time he illuminated the elephant in the room (yes, I mean that in both senses)