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November 16th, 2008 at 11:06 pm

Video & Photos: Barack Obama Michelle Obama 60 Minutes 11-16-08 [Full Interview]

Barack Obama Michelle Obama 60 minutes post election interview, November 16, 2008

U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama were interviewed on CBS News 60 Minutes on November 16, 2008. Watch the full video and see photos here. Steve Kroft conducted the wide-ranging interview, the first Obama has given since his historic election on November 4, 2008, as America’s 44th President.

The economy was prominent in the discussion. Regarding the the government’s $700 billion bailout program, Obama said that his transition team is in touch with the Bush Administration Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson. Obama was dismissive of exact parallels to the Great Depression while stressing that steps must be taken immediately to avoid a deepening recession. Specifically, Obama wants Congress to pass an economic stimulus package to help the middle class.

Barack Obama Michelle Obama 60 minutes post election interview, November 16, 2008 Barack Obama 60 minutes post election inteview, November 16, 2008

He expressed interest in providing assistance to the automobile industry, “but not a blank check.” Stakeholders must come together to formulate a workable solution.

He affirmed his intention to close down Guantanamo Bay, stating that “America does not torture.”

Regarding when he would make cabinet announcements, Obama merely said, “Soon.” He also did not reveal anything about speculation about his meeting in Chicago with Senator Hillary Clinton and the story which leaked, that she is under consideration for Secretary of State.

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

President-Elect Barack Obama first press conference, November 7, 2008

He said that he reads a lot of the writings of Abraham Lincoln, for his “wisdom and humility.” He has also been reading about FDR’s first 100 days in office. Projecting a sense of confidence and a willingness to try things and experiment to get people working again.” He stressed the importance of finding something that works, regardless of ideology, “whether it’s FDR or Ronald Reagan.”

Barack Obama with Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, before he delivers his victory speech in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, upon being elected President of the United States, November 4, 2008

Barack Obama with Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, after he delivers his victory speech in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, upon being elected President of the United States, November 4, 2008

On personal matters, both Barack Obama and Michelle Obama talked about their election night experience.

Steve Kroft: When was the first moment that it began to sink in that you were President of the United States? Do you remember?

Mr. Obama: Well, I’m not sure it’s sunk in yet.

Michelle Obama: I guess I’m sort of like him. I’m not sure if it has really sunk in. But I remember, we were watching the returns and, on one of the stations, Barack’s picture came up and it said, ‘President-Elect Barack Obama. ‘ And I looked at him and I said, ‘You are the 44th President of the United States of America. Wow. What a country we live in.’

President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush with President-Elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama White House symbolic visit November 10, 2008

President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush with President-Elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama White House symbolic visit November 10, 2008

As for the pressing issue of picking the Presidential dog, which consumes attention and speculation, Obama said, “I don’t think it would be good to get a dog in the midst of transition. So when we settle, get in a routine, we think about late winter, early spring, we’re gonna get the dog. Now, we cut that deal with the kids before America knew about it. So they’re good with it.”

Photo credit: CBS News, Getty Images