Arianna Talks To Norman Lear: "It's My Christening As A Born Again American" (VIDEO)

Arianna spoke with producer and activist Norman Lear as the election results rolled in. Lear told her, "I'm at a christening. It's my christening as a born again American."

She also discussed Obama's win with activist Laurie David, HuffPost blogger Marty Kaplan, and Lear's 14-year-old daughter Madelaine.

WATCH ARIANNA AND NORMAN:

WATCH ARIANNA AND LAURIE:

WATCH ARIANNA AND MARTY:

WATCH ARIANNA AND MADELAINE:

Comments

[orianna]

Arianna, You and your awesome newspaper have been an inspiration. We are forever indebted to you and the power of your voice during this campaign.

[Rog49Thomas]

As commonly used the term "born again" is used by someone who was in error or sin, recognied ithe error of his or her ways and accepted the truth.

So to be a "born again" American (like a born again Christian) requires that one wasn't such a good American (or Christian) before.

It may be because I share many of Brother Norman's views that I am resisting the idea that he was in error previously.

[JafafaHots]

"It may be because I share many of Brother Norman's views that I am resisting the idea that he was in error previously­."

We are all responsible for the wrongs done in our name. We all have blood on our hands.

[Rog49Thomas]

In one sense perhaps, but I am not personally responsible for the outrages committed by the present Administration because I opposed their policies.

There is a world of difference between a supporter of Pan and an opponent.

[JafafaHots]

This brings a tear to my eye. Obama wasn't my first choice - frankly he's too conservative for my tastes... but for so long now it has hurt to be an American..­. it has been like attending a wake for 8 years, like watching a loved one dying. Maybe this is the first little step back from the edge. Obama will have a tough time, there's a lot to be done, he himself hasn't shown a commitment to do quite everything that needs to be done (re: the 4th amendment, his position on FISA) and of course he will be demonized from day one... it's virtually guaranteed that conservatives will be pressing for impeachment over some imagined or fabricated slight practically before he takes office. This will be a long tough fight.
But having done something as Americans that the world is celebrating makes me feel like a born-again American too. We made a choice that another country has declared a national holiday in celebration of. We can be celebrated, not reviled.

We can stop confusing being feared with being respected.

[RationalDubSteppa]

Norman Lear like many Americans of all races and creeds can take pride in their own individual contributions. This above all things is what makes America great.

"E PLURIBUS UNUM" - Out of Many, One.

[dcjdjay]

I feel Arianna's emotions.

As a gay, non-white, immigrant to America, I feel like I am born again, like this is the first day of my life, like I have something to look forward to.

Thank you, America, thank you, all of you. Black, white, gay, straight, Dem, Repub., I love you all.

[RationalDubSteppa]

I feel you! And I think we took a step in the right direction today in securing equal rights to all of our Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisters! That day is coming hopefully soon and as a straight man nothing would make me prouder.

[paixa3]

Not in California (and a few other states?)

[freedom4allau]

I am currently living overseas and as the results kept coming in, and yes, we had live coverage in Australia; my heart swelled with pride and in amazement at what I was watching unfold. As Mr Lear so aptly intoned, I too feel like a born-again American. I feel like I have my country again - as an American and a gay man.

[Roxanna]

Thank you Arianna for your dedicated Huffing ton Post that brought so much up to the moment truthful information with all the various writers and perspectives. You truly helped in the electing of Obama!

[friscotxmom]

I feel like a born-again American, too. Our constitution and our personal freedoms have been held hostage by the radical right for so long, I had started to not recognize this country as my own. Obama has pressed for a united counrty, not a red or a blue country. That is the vision our founding fathers had for this country and it has been reaffirmed tonight.

[ropadopa]

I held my wife's hand as we watched and it was reminiscence of the birth of our two children. I squeezed as little with each state returns together we witnessed the birth of a new nation and it was comforting. We know that it is not going to be easy but the United States of America will be a better nation. God be blessed.

[darthdarcy]

I've always been an American and never compromised or surrendered, I've always stayed true to the Constitution and the inarguable intent of our Founding Fathers that in this country the individual is first and foremost and not corporatio­ns....