Could Someone Please Get Obama a Gold Star and the Key to a Big White House Somewhere?

Last night, Obama (transcript) and McCain (transcript) were on 60 Minutes. At the end of the program, Obama was asked an incredibly difficult, complicated question:

I know, for a fact, that there are a lot of people out there, there are a lot of people right here in Elko, who won’t vote for you because you’re black. I mean, there’s not much you can do. But how do you deal with it? I mean, are there ways that, from a political point of view, that you can deal with it? And how do you fight that?

His amazing, thoughtful and gracious answer (with my emphasis):

Going up against a very formidable Republican machine, and having been subject to constant attack and millions of dollars spent trying to scare people over the last two months, I’m still tied or in the lead with John McCain.

That tells me that the American people are good. That they are judging me on my ideas and my vision my values, and not my skin color. Now are there gonna be some people who don’t vote for me because I’m black? Of course. There are probably some African-Americans who are voting for me because I’m black. Or maybe others who are just inspired by the idea of breaking new ground. And so I think all that’s a wash. The bottom line is am I viewed as somebody who’s gonna be a champion for the guy who’s waking up every day, working hard for a paycheck? And I’m confident that if they think I can help them, that I’ve got a shot at getting their vote. And it may take a little more work on my part. But I don’t mind working harder than the other guy.

I almost can't get over Obama's response. He has this terrific humility that makes me feel really comfortable with him.


Oh, and McCain gave a notable answer last night, too. Here's the question:

Longest you’ve lived any one place?

Aaaaaaaaand the answer:

Hanoi.

::shakes head:: Okay, McCain. We get it already. That's quite enough.


via Slog