Obama: "We Can't Solve Global Warming Because I F---ing Changed Light Bulbs In My House"

While most of Newsweek's behind-the-scenes Special Election Project reporting reveals serious campaign issues on both sides, there's one funny moment when Barack Obama talks candidly about dumb debate questions:

The debates unnerved both candidates. When he was preparing for them during the Democratic primaries, Obama was recorded saying, "I don't consider this to be a good format for me, which makes me more cautious. I often find myself trapped by the questions and thinking to myself, 'You know, this is a stupid question, but let me ... answer it.' So when Brian Williams is asking me about what's a personal thing that you've done [that's green], and I say, you know, 'Well, I planted a bunch of trees.' And he says, 'I'm talking about personal.' What I'm thinking in my head is, 'Well, the truth is, Brian, we can't solve global warming because I f---ing changed light bulbs in my house. It's because of something collective'."

Read more highlights here. Read Newsweek's story here.

Comments

[utleftie]

It may seem like a dumb question, but people have a right to know if only the "little people" will be making sacrifices and changes. Getting all people to change their habits is a way to contribute to the solution, but I guess this doesn't apply to him.

[WAstateliberal]

Oh please. This is such a ridiculous comment. He wasn't advocating NOT changing to energy efficient light bulbs. He was saying that in a presidential debate, perhaps we should be talking bigger picture than whether he uses CF bulbs or not. And he's right.

[worldview47]

what is wrong?

[jackmayoff]

How many anchors does it take to change a light bulb? None, they are not bright enough.

[TullyMars]

Sarah... ear muffs.

[RomeoinFl]

I was thinking the same thing at the time. I love Brian Williams but I thought that was a dumb question

[larry278]

And somebody wants Mr Williams to run for the senate? How about hiring Major Garrett to replace Williams? Send Williams to interview Rick Santorum, Ted Stevens or Larry Craig. Williams in the senate, no way.

[Jazz42]

Gotta love it.

[ReservoirDog]

Obama is simply going to be the SMARTEST GUY IN THE ROOM !

[RockySoldier]

spot-on 100%!

[mick7191]

Dropping the F-bomb. That is a true American. Gotta love it.

[Inthematrix]

I guess we see a glimpse of the other side of Obama! http://inthematrix.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/president-barack-obama/

[MadxAsxHell]

Yup. He's super-patient with stupidity, but he sure knows it when he sees it!

[Tamoomoo]

LOL, he's funny. And truthful.

[AlteSoldier]

The United States needs someone who will say this is the problem correctly. These are my solutions to this problem. This is tghe best solution. These are the steps I need to implement this solution. I think Obama understands this and will complete this task.

[springsm]

That will put the conservative old ladies in a twitter...eu...he used THAT word. Brian Williams was such a diva in that debate. I didn't bother watching more than the first question..I did hear it and eventually got it all. Brian Williams is a phoney, imo. Handsome, nice hair, moderately nice...all are BW...however, I have watched him cut an interview just before the truth of a subject is spoken and he leaves it in the hands of the untruth. That is when I stopped watching BW. And good for BHO for letting go with one. Lord the man was a saint this whole time with his demeanor.

[Promise]

I agree. Brian Williams comes from the Tom Brokaw, Katie Couric school of moderately pleasant looking, bland news anchors who are not too threatening. The problem is that they come to believe that they know something...their heads swell and it's too bad. Good for Obama for calling that one!

[DrBillo]

Picked the right correspondent who would ask him such questions--I love McCain Williams!!!

[Pdubya]

No, we create an intenational banking monetary system, run by global beaurocrats and levy a global tax on carbon emissions. A civilian security force will be created to enforce the collection and regulation of green taxes.

[Bocado]

Love it, down to earth, real and will tell it like it is when he needs to.

This stupid "angry black man" crap needs to stop.
I'm white and I find it ridiculous, we're all human, we all have emotions, SO WHAT.

A leader that's intelligent, understanding, compassionate and can say the word F--K - when appropriate, I love it.

[adv2int]

you said it best

[Obama08Supporter]

he is an adult and he can choose to express himself anyway he chooses. Why don't you have an interview with stupid questions. Better yet, let your mate ask you some dumb questions and see what he or she gets! You all try to pretend that you are perfect but the world knows different.

Find another nic picking thing to discuss.

[gascelebrations]

Gee, we were all just criticizing Cheney for incivility two years ago. Bravo, hypocrisy - that didn't take long.

[mijumom]

Different context and different circumstances. We grown ups occasionally cuss when in passionate conversation. Obama did not cuss at someone like Cheney. You should know the difference.

[Filegirl]

Um, you hero Cheney actually swore AT someone, on the floor of Congress if I'm remembering correctly.

Now, if Obama had actually used the f word in the debate, I'd agree that was inappropriate.

[Giz]

That's exactly what I was thinking!
As for the person talking about hypocrisy with Cheney - I'm not sure I'm seeing the same snarling monster in Barack