Obama, Biden 60 Minutes Interview: Obama Explains Biden Pick, Reacts To Palin (VIDEO)

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.

Read the full story here.

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Watch the interview below.

Comments

[TN]

To all the Hillary supporters thinking of voting for palin. If you think because she is a woman she will move this country ahead you are mistaken. If a child gets raped by their father, pal-en-comparison to hillary believes the child, say 14, should go through the emotional and physical pain of giving birth to her brother. This is not moving forward for women, this is sick.

[PumaAnn]

You need to rethink how women vote. Trying to hang everything onto Roe vs Wade is entirely too limiting.

[queenisabella]

no women democrats, or ex-Hill supporters, in their right mind will go for McCain-Palin
Roe vs Wade is a big reason enough and certainly not limiting .it is a huge issue
pro-gun and pro-creationism are other good ones, not believing in global warming is pretty good too,ah, yes and supporting the draft too, we are mothers as well.

besides you are missing the point, Palin's appointment is first to satisfy his conservative, right wing , pro-life base, not just to pander to women, that's second

you should stop those nonsensical posts, they are tiring

[ghostdance]

You need to rethink how women vote. The patriarchy of conservatively interpreted religion is entirely too limiting.

[CindyM2008]

What other issues would Hil lary supporters agree with Pa lin/Mc Cain about?

[theone718]

PumaAnn you are post rational so anything you vote on has to be REDICULOUS.

[Youth4Obama]

Obama with Biden feels so easy, it's such a dynamic duo, just a great combo.

McCain and Palin feel forced, it's so transparent and see-through.

[liseworks]

I agree - & I think that's Obama's particular talent - he seems to always have a feng shui about the people he surrounds himself with - they all seem comfortable & focused.

It feels healthy.

[max]

i like healthy.

[RButler]

Wright? Rezko? Who else?

[thirteen13]

Did you notice that McCain reads almost everything he says on the campain trail. He is a mouthpiece for disaster.

[Johnmac371]

Sarah Palin has no chance. This is not to say she doesn't have a promising future in the GOP. But as for right now, this is insulting, brash, and reckless on so many levels.

Given McCain's health in recent years, you really cannot have this woman a "heartbeat" away from the presidency.

[PumaAnn]

I think she's as qualified as O.

[exclintonsupporter]

That is sad that you think so. How can she be as qualified as Obama? She has a degree in journalism; he has a law degree...s­he was President of the PTA; he was President of Havard's Law Reivew (1st African American to be so); she was a mayor of a city that has absolutely no diversity.­..Obama worked in the low-income, slum areas of Chicago helping folks get on there feet, building coalitions between communities and businesses­...for whites, blacks, hispanics and all other ethnic groups. He served in the Illinois Senate for 7-8 years; he was a US (is a US) Senator...­he worked in Washington; she was in awe for going to PA yesterday.­..(doesn't get out much). He has lived abroad; traveled abroad and spoken to numerous world leaders? Other countries know who Obama is; what he stands for? Even her own state is saying that she is not qualified to be VP...so now, how is she as qualified as Obama? If MaCain was trying to entice HRC supporters, he picked the wrong person. The one thing about the women who supported HRC (the majority of them) is that they are SMART women...th­ey didn't only support HRC because she is a woman...th­ey supported her because the KNEW she could do the job...she is qualified.­..if women vote only because of gender, then Geraldine F. would have gone down in history as the first female VP 20+ years ago....

[tony2008]

This women's selection puts this country's national security at risk. Scary dicision!!

[atila]

It's not about gender,it's about who she is and who she represents­...she has no clue about foreign affairs,she left Wasilla(a town with a 7000 people)with a 45 million debt,she is under investigation for abuse of power,she tries to push creationism in every school in Alaska,she thinks global warming is not man made,she wants christian censorship in every library in alaska,she is anti abortion even in the rape and incest cases and she is against birth control and is pro gun and she wants to drill in ANWR,so it doesn't matter if she is a woman or a man,she is a terrible choice for the country...­...

[filo]

Hey it worked for Geena Davis, didn't it? lol

[PumaAnn]

Dems put for the presidential candidate with no governing experience, no foreign policy that made sense, and no resume to even examine. That's a great deal scarier.

[thirteen13]

You mean being articulate and mindful, organising and implementing a sucessful campaign is scary to you?

Did you happen to notice the reception Obama received overseas?

Peace and prosperity is a great deal scarier than war and financial colapse; is about the sum of of your mindset.

[ALC]

I love McCain's pick. Just makes november that much easier for the dems. When McCain announced his pick I could almost hear the collective voices of the constantly shrinking republican base ask "What the F***?" Biden debating her will be an ugly picture. It'll be even more entertaining if she is censured or convicted by the Alaska state legislature on the ethics violations charges that they are currently investigating her for. They're judgement is due Oct. 31 just days before the election. It's not surprising though. Most all of the republicans that I personally know can't even explain or comprehend what terms like "ethics" or "conflict of interest" even mean. They're just ignorant, scared, flag-waving sunshine patriots that the GOP has been manipulating for years.

[DCinFrance]

"Just makes november that much easier for the dems. "

With all due respect, ALC, this is delusional and is reflective of a clotured view which denies the reality of the American electorate. I suggest that you read the right wing blogs to see where this is going. This pick has done everything but make it easier for democrats, and we better wake up to that notion in a hurry. What I see is this "hockey mom" bringing down the election to one or two states and the usual shenanigans. McPOW wins by the skin of his teeth, and is credited with this maverick-ly marvelous and politically genius bold move.

Then Mac goes down. She is sworn in as president. Iran tests it's first nookular weapon. Israel attacks. Taiwan declares independence and is overrun by China. China invades the "northern resource area". China sells off it's US T-bills. Wall street melts down.

And we have our beauty pageant giggler with her whopping 11 years of "executive experience" with her bona-fide born-again finger on the big, red button.

[ifreez]

This is funny....

This is McCain's treating of his candidacy.­.

http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2008/08/absolutely-one-of-a-kind-recording/

This helps explain things better..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RN5xbWtNSU

[Julie02]

Obiden just feels right.

[OutsourcedAgain]

Hey CBS how long have your editors been in the business? How about putting the CBS logo (bug) on the right side of the screen instead of across Obama's face. Or is Katie doing the editing now.

[Gib]

I have a theory! This is my theory!
Some time in last month or so McCain realized that he doesn't really want to be president. It is all too hard and too tiring, and he can't remember all the things he needs to remember. The only way to get out of it was to pick a VP that would guarantee losing.

[highlyamused]

Actually my daughter said yesterday when the news broke....

WTH?? Is he TRYING to lose??

[liseworks]

THAT is entirely plausible - !! I think you've hit on something ....really !

[bluehorizon]

I thought the same thing!

[DC]

I thought the same thing. McCain realized he would loose. At some level, perhaps he does not even want it anymore. He took the crap shoot to liven up his campaign and make the last months of it at least pleasant with a young female running mate instead of another old dude.

It is over for McCain and he knows it.

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

Yeah the president cannot take every weekend off.

I think there may be something going on medically with McBush that they are hiding.

[MisterCole]

For a man of his age and history of health problems it is a decision nothing short of reckless. To choose someone whom he has only met once, a person with no foreign policy or national experience who holds a communications degree, when there were dozens more qualified people available, clearly demonstrates that it is John McCain putting the election first, and the safety of the United States dead last.

The choice of Palin makes Americans question John McCain's judgment. Will his administration be characterized by these kinds of erratic impulsive decisions? With the anniversary of Katrina upon us, Americans know full well what happens when unqualified people are appointed by the President.

[FiLoLi]

Apparently the Obama camp has been reacting to the Palin pick in other ways also.

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/31096_Whos_Behind_Anti-Palin_Smear_Site/comments/#ctop

[teron678]

Your candidate has just conceded the election .. you know this right???

[Chillinout]

You already tried that one dumba**.

[Gib]

If that story is true, it's really bad news for McCain, because it means some of Rove's trainees are now working for Obama.

[atila]

well if it's true it's about time after all the bs the right wingnuts have been throwing to Senator Obama or you tought their supporters are going to be this time so nice and soft like in the past??....

[DCinFrance]

Yeah, I checked this out and really had to laugh. Even the author admitted repeatedly that his "sleuthing" proved nothing in connection with O's organizati­on...he said BUT it does SMELL fishy!

[Kire]

Those two "moonbat liberals" are out of control! Someone better take the keys away from them before they knock over your garbage can!













this is sarcas,

[teron678]

Your candidate has just conceded the election .. you know this right???

[bigbenny]

About you post, it didn't make any sense but it did take up a lot of room.

[Chillinout]

That was the point. It's a tr0ll trying to be annoying.

[jacqmac]

The Obama-Biden Campaign is one of the most disciplined groups I have ever seen. In the 75-80 day run-up to the Conventions-Obama took a LOT of hits from McCain and the Repubs. Hits that had a LOT of the media 'talking heads' and 'pundits' wondering what in the WORLD was happening to Barack Obama? Then-in FORTY-TWO glorious minutes-Obama answered EVERY SINGLE ONE of those hits. He THREW them back at McCain/Bush and DARED them to come out on the issues, instead of clouding the issues with 'trivia'. Heck! I'm for ANYTHING that can strike Pat Buchanan speechless and make BILL MAHER cry with joy! So-we have a little less than sixty days and three debates to go.....Joe Biden can match anything that Sarah Palin puts up in any debate. With some skill and polish, the Repubs are gonna look foolish. And Obama just needs to keep hammering on the issues. By the way-Am I the only person posting here that thinks that Sarah Palin may very well turn out to be the Thomas Eagelton of the 21st Century??!! There seem to be too many rumors flying around out there-as well as spots that have been 'pulled' at the last minute, not to mention a few "The Governor's office is on the phone" type moments.

[bigbenny]

Unfortunately for them the internet remembers all. I've already gone to sites that have the info that's been pulled. LMAO....;-­D

[Chillinout]

I know so have I.

It almost seems these Repugs don't realize what the Internet is, exactly.

Hey guys! No matter what Ted Stevens told you, it is NOT a bunch of tubes.

LOL

[mtnrdr]

Funny how you didn't mention how Obama would do against McCain in the debate. Why Obama Picked a two time presidential loser for his running mate is beyond me , maybe he needs someone with experience to back him up.

Who is Antoin “Tony” Rezko ?

[highlyamused]

Yeah that's right. You keep on bringing up Rezko.

We know the story.....­..it's old old news.

But you keep bringing it up........­..it's not going to help your guy and his new 'galpal'.

[Willemaq]

mtnrdr,
Who is Antoin "Tony" Rezko ?

Better question..­.

Who are Alan Cranston, Dennis DeConcini, John Glenn, JOHN MCCAIN and Donald W. Riegle?

Oh yeah,THE KEATING FIVE!

[atila]

oh dear "mtndr" you're so old news,do you have something fresh? or now you're going to scare us with rev white??...­.poor trolls they're desperate with nothing in their hands but an old man and a hockey mom....

[rajoro]

Duh idiot, McCain is a two time presidential loser.

[GuyFawkes]

I guess they played the Hillary Card once too often, already. From CNN:

In just her second appearance on the campaign trail with John McCain, newly-minted GOP running mate Sarah Palin was showered with boos on Saturday for attempting to praise Clinton’s trail-blazing bid to become the first female president.

"As she did at in her debut speech in Ohio yesterday, Palin appealed to the women in the crowd here in Pennsylvania with a political shout-out to Geraldine Ferraro, who preceded Palin as the first women to be tapped as a vice presidential candidate.

But in contrast with the mild reception that greeted her comments at the Ohio event, when Palin praised Clinton here for showing “determination and grace in her presidential campaign,” the Alaska governor was met with a noisy mix of boos, groans and grumbles around the minor league ballpark where the “Road to the Convention Rally” was held."

[jrterrier]

this is such bull. if obama really wanted someone in the room who would disagree with him when needed, he would have picked hillary. the old boys club is really tiring. i also guess that some focus groups must have told obama that if he looks serious when he talsk, that will give him gravitas.

[bigbenny]

Dude, this crap has just gone on too long. You've got to get a life. I'm starting to worry about you sanity.

[conservativesoncrack]

Funny! You Repugs are so blind. It is rather sad...

[atila]

don't worry Senator Clinton is going to be part of the administration when Barack Obama arrive to the White House....

[robXdion]

http://palintology.com/2006/08/08/decision-2006-republican-candidate-round-table/

I'm watching Sarah Palin during her 2006 Governor debate. She's likes to use giggles to defuse criticisms. She's knowledgeable when prepared. And likes to refute arguments made by overreaching males by calling them "the good ole boy network". - However, she can't keep up with McCain's hypocrisies and flip-flops. She's clueless on broader issues outside of Alaska, abortion, and her own brand of self-aggrandized feminism. And she surely has no clue of senatorial procedure and Washingtonian ways of power navigation. She "Mrs. Smith goes to Washington".

Biden won't get anywhere by badgering her. She can play defense, but has no offense. She's never had lawyerly training. He has to be polite and get her into the weeds and depths of policy. Then run laps around her showcasing McCain's confusion and changed positions. That will speak to her own inexperience with the charge being leveled only by the pundits watching.

[YenNguyen]

Yes, I've been watching these debates too. Senator Biden will be nothing be courteous and professional because there is lots to grasp of our complex democracy.

My questions would be how would she go against entrenched interests, i.e., lobbyists as well as politicians in her own party. It's easy to be Pollyannish during a debate but I think Biden has lots of experience working through difficult alliances.

Another question is whether she grasps the full context of John McCain's change of positions over the last 26 years that he's been in the Senate.

[Chillinout]

How can you people listen to that voice of hers? I was only able to make it through about a minute and a half of the first video before I wanted to stick forks in my ears.

[robXdion]

And when Biden directs those questions to her, that's how she'll get embarrassed. He just has to avoid seeming patronizing or condescending. She won't be able to handle McCain's Keating Five history or even his son's current criminal history. Plus, her own allegations of power abuse feed into the Bush narrative. If the Repubs are smart they'll switch her out.