BBC: The chance to interview the president of the United States does not come around often, and the BBC’s Andrew Marr fights the nerves as he hacks back his long list of questions again, and again, for his 18 minutes with Barack Obama.
…Was I nervous? I have interviewed prime ministers, foreign leaders, royalty and rock stars. Damn right I was nervous. You don’t get an interview like this very often.
…At last he arrived. We’d been warned he was tired, but he arrived with a broad beaming smile. As we sat down, I told him I’d be starting with Osama Bin Laden before we got to the big issue of the week, the Middle East. “Andrew, you can start with whatever you want,” President Obama replied: “You’ve got 18 minutes.”
…What was he like to interview? Very focused, very clever. Once or twice he saw where I might be heading, and expertly headed me off at the pass. Once I got a steely look and a “that’s enough of that” kind of answer. He grinned at a couple of the questions, and was as nuanced, careful and balanced as his reputation suggested.
But he wasn’t bland. Two or three times he gave me much crunchier, newsier answers than I was expecting……
More here
White House.gov
Where can we see the interview? Thanks
President Barack Obama’s interview can be seen on the Andrew Marr Show on Sunday 22 May at 0900 on BBC One.
I can’t wait to see this.
Meant to say “when can we see the interview?” also it’s crazy to me that not only does the interview becomes news but the journalists who interviews President Obama becomes news. Now that is POWER and my President is a ROCK STAR!! I personally think he should just be president of the world. I know it would be hard on him but man would it straighten a lot of the issues.
I agree wholeheartedly. He puts a lot of these other leaders to shame, and he could then just bash heads together and gets stuff done. Starting with the peace “talks”. He is simply amazing.
His strength and steelyness is finally being recognized and respected and feared in some corners.
I love his talk softly but carry a big stick
me too Pragma
OUR PRESIDENT IS FAR FROM EVER BEING ‘BLAND!’ WE ARE BLESSED WITH THE ‘FULL PACKAGE’ IN LEADERSHIP AT THE WHITE HOUSE. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER EXAMPLE OF WHAT A RESPONSIBLE PRESIDENT SHOULD BE…I AM THANKFUL AND QUITE PROUD OF EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE.
“We’d been warned he was tired, but he arrived with a broad beaming smile.” - this says alot about the President and his character! I really hope he gets some rest though. God alone understands the pressure this man is under. Sometimes I feel sorry for him and what he goes through but that quote implies to me that I shouldn’t take it on too much because PBO got backbone and is the ideal person for the job! I love him and will continue saying prayers for him as he fight the fight wearing a smile!
Great read! Can’t wait for you to post the interview when you can Chipsticks!
P, you are so right. We believe that when the President says he prays daily and prays with other spiritual leaders, he also realizes that prayer is one of his most precious keys to his success daily. I like that quote also. Remember what VPOTUS said about his backbone? We will continue to pray for him daily. I went out and purchased some more candles for this trip. That is part of my prayer and meditation time especially when my heart is so heavy about what POTUS has to deal with in his own country. But I believe that he and FLOTUS will be blessed with much love during this visit. Hopefully, this trip will give him pleasure and well as much great accomplishments.
Great article. Thanks Chips. Bibi better watch out for that steely look. First it’s the steely look; then comes swift action. Ask the Repugs about the budget debate and planned parenthood: I hear they’re still attaching pieces of their skin that PBO metaphorically chewed off.
This great man is a God send. I feel lucky to be witnessing history being made everyday. What a great read!
Here is a piece of that interview with Andrew Marr.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13464282
The President looks great in that interview. The worst I have ever seen him look is on the campaign trail just before the General election when his grandmother died. When he walked out. you knew. It broke my heart to see him so sad.
Jackie, I still remember how quickly he had to get back on the political trail. Do you recall that one tear streaming down his face? I wished that either his mom, grandpa, dad, or grandma could have been around for a least his swearing in because these are the folks who made the investment regardless how big or small the investment….
Never watch this show but I’ll be up for this one tomorrow. What about FLOTUS going about barefoot - LOL - just love this family.
That was cute about Michelle.
Fortunately for the world, the BBC still does real journalism, not “gotcha” nonsense. The President IS the rock star of the world, no matter what his haters and detractors try to say. Let’s see how long before the downfall of Netanhayu. I think he has no idea what hit him.