On Tuesday's "Today" show, co-anchor Ann Curry traveled with Barack Obama on the campaign trail and mostly threw softball questions to the presidential candidate, questions like who did he prefer: "Beatles or the Rolling Stones?" Curry also tried to broker an Obama-Clinton ticket as she pressed: "They want this. The Democrats want this."
The toughest Curry ever got with the Illinois senator was when she pointed out Obama's lack of business experience as it pertained to his ability to address the economy. However, Curry never hit Obama with a single question on Jeremiah Wright or Tony Rezko but she did find time to show Obama "flirting" with voters. [Audio available here.]
The following is the full interview as it occurred on the April 1, "Today" show:
MEREDITH VIEIRA: Now to "Today on the Trail." On Monday Ann spent the day with Democratic Senator Barack Obama. Nice to see you again, Ann.
ANN CURRY: You too Meredith. While Senator Obama has a clear lead in the overall delegate count polls show a tight race with Senator Clinton in some of the states still to be decided. So we caught up with Obama on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania, 22 days before its primary day. A rare quiet moment for Barack Obama before launching Monday. The fourth day of a bus tour through Pennsylvania. Considered a must-win state for a Democrat in the general election and where Senator Hillary Clinton leads Obama in the primary polls. 17 points up she is in the state last week.
BARACK OBAMA: That was last week.
CURRY: He is drawing crowds and he is moving fast, sometimes veering into them. Giving your Secret Servicemen a headache.
OBAMA: Yeah.
CURRY: Greeting.
OBAMA: How's everybody doing today?
CURRY: Posing.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN TO OBAMA: You can put your arm around me that's okay.
CURRY: Even flirting.
OBAMA TO VOTER: I don't want to get in trouble with your husband.
CURRY: Blue-collar Reagan Democrats are key and they're worried about jobs. Most voters say now that the economy is their greatest concern.
OBAMA: Right.
CURRY: You've never run a business. Why should Americans trust you, as President, in this economy?
OBAMA: Well first of all, I think it's important to note the same could be said for Senator Clinton and Senator McCain. I started my public service career as a community organizer. So that motivation to make sure that the American dream, that opportunity, that people having ladders into upward mobility are available and expanded. That's been what I've spent my entire adult life working on.
CURRY: What do you think about Clinton supporters who say, she's earned the nomination. That you've jumped in line?
OBAMA: Well look I very much respect Senator Clinton's supporters for their passion and their enthusiasm. I think this contest has been good for the Democratic Party. We've brought in all kinds of new people into the, into the process and I think that bodes well for November.
CURRY: Do you believe that she's earned a place as Vice President on your ticket?
OBAMA: I think it is very premature for either of us to talk about vice presidential, you know, nominees because right now we're both, you know, in the thick of a battle to win the nomination.
CURRY: You think she still has a chance of winning?
OBAMA: Oh, you know, I think that as long as she's in, I don't take anything for granted. That as long as she is on the ballot in any state and she's got supporters who want to cast their ballot for her that she has every right to stay in the race and I think that--
CURRY: You just being gracious?
OBAMA: Well no I'm, I am stating, I think, what is central to our democratic tradition which is everybody has a right to run. And, you know, she has certainly earned the right to stay in this race as long as she wants. She is running a formidable race. I mean we ran, we won 11 contests in a row and that didn't knock her out. And that's some tenacity on her part and I think that--
CURRY: You admire her for her tenacity?
OBAMA: Oh absolutely and I think she deserves to be able to run and, and make her case as to why she should be the best president.
CURRY: Well then why not commit to this idea that you two could be on a ticket together? Do you, do you think this is not possible? I know you say it's premature--
OBAMA: Yeah I just think it's premature. That's--
CURRY: --but, but people as you, you've heard them out there. They want this.
OBAMA: Well the--
CURRY: The Democrats want this.
OBAMA: You know, I mean ultimately I think that what we have to do is settle the presidential nomination and what's more important than anything is not my ambitions, Senator Clinton's ambitions, what, you know, how we divvy up power. What's most important is how can we deliver for the American people? When I lose sleep at night it is not because I'm worrying about what's gonna happen in Pennsylvania or Indiana or how we're gonna resolve this contest. When I lose sleep at night it's because I think about being president and all the challenges that we had to face out there.
CURRY: On some smaller questions he offered simple answers. Coffee or tea?
OBAMA: Tea.
CURRY: Beatles or Rolling Stones?
OBAMA: Rolling Stones.
CURRY: Which president do you most want to be like?
OBAMA: Lincoln.
CURRY: Why?
OBAMA: He never lost sight of the humanity of even those who opposed them.
CURRY: Are you sure that God exists?
OBAMA: Yes.
CURRY: Do you pray once a week--
OBAMA: Once every day.
CURRY: --or once a day? Once a day.
OBAMA: Sometimes twice a day, depends on the day.
CURRY: Some days are needing prayer more than others?
OBAMA: Some days you need a little more prayer than others.
CURRY: Best thing your mom ever taught you?
OBAMA: Empathy. Making sure that you can see the world through somebody else's eyes, stand in their shoes. I think that's the basis for kindness and compassion.
CURRY: Cubs or White Sox?
OBAMA: White Sox.
CURRY: Basketball or bowling?
OBAMA: Basketball.
CURRY: Not bowling.
OBAMA: Not bowling.
CURRY: You just--
OBAMA: You saw those gutter balls but, you know what, that shows that I'm willing to try new things.
CURRY: Were you trying to lose?
OBAMA: I never try to lose.
CURRY: He bowled a 37 Saturday, Meredith. And it was, well I think it's fair to say it was humiliating for, for him.
MEREDITH VIEIRA: Yeah, well he never wants to get down in the gutter, you know, and he really did, unfortunately, with the bowling.
CURRY: Well I, I think, I think he was only in, in bowling, certainly in the interview. Alright.
VIEIRA: Okay Ann, great job. Thanks very much.
—Geoffrey Dickens is the senior news analyst at the Media Research Center.





ANN CURRY: You too Meredith. While Senator Obama has a clear lead in the overall delegate count polls show a tight race with Senator Clinton in some of the states still to be decided. So we caught up with Obama on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania, 22 days before its primary day. A rare quiet moment for Barack Obama before launching Monday. The fourth day of a bus tour through Pennsylvania. Considered a must-win state for a Democrat in the general election and where Senator Hillary Clinton leads Obama in the primary polls. 17 points up she is in the state last week.














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Comments Policy
Contempt for the audience
April 1, 2008 - 09:56 ET by allanfHer Obamamania is in contrast to her questioning of Bhutto.
I can't help but thinking that the executives at General Electric and NBC must have nothing but contempt for their audience to put this stuff out over the air.
allanf - oops
April 1, 2008 - 12:24 ET by Gary HallI apologize -- I had not read your comment when I ran off in rush to do more or less the same (below).. good one, indeed. We'll appreciate each others. OK? (;~> gary
Will anybody ever ask Obama
April 1, 2008 - 09:53 ET by Roger the ShrubberWill anybody ever ask Obama or Hillary, when they go into their "evil windfall profits" routine, what exactly qualifies as "obscene profits"? I am interested in hearing what the threshold is before a company is making an obscene amount of money...
That might be a fun question for Ann to ask someday.
Limit profit
April 1, 2008 - 10:01 ET by allanfWhen you limit profit you limit productivity and growth.
Years ago a nameless company, upset that some of its salesman were earning more than the CEO decided to limit the compensation of its sales force. The following year, it's star salesman reached his maximum compensation level in mid January.
He hung a sign by his desk that read "Gone Fishing" and was not seen again in the office. Soon he started a company that became a major competitor.
I'd like somebody to ask
April 1, 2008 - 10:59 ET by FastEdAnn, "Do you have any idea what you're talking about?"
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
The Moron Stream Media
April 1, 2008 - 10:15 ET by kdizzydazeAnn Curry. At least she has a nice smile.
I have some questions for Obama that actually matter but I guess they'll have to be answered only after the completion of his failed presidency.
Abortion
April 1, 2008 - 10:29 ET by iveseenitallHow about a question on abortion for Barry, Ann. He will answer, as he did to another reporter, that if his daughters make a "mistake" and get pregnant, they shouldn't be "punished" with having a baby. Ask the millions of women who can't conceive if a baby is "punishment". I thought a baby was a "gift" from God (silly me). Obama's a heathen with the values of a gutter snipe. Encourage your daughters to sleep around, Barry; you'll take care of any "mistakes" they make.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
So does this mean the
April 1, 2008 - 10:34 ET by Clear thinkerSo does this mean the answer for Obama would be his children punishing the baby by having it ripped from their womb?
For a liberal, this probably makes sense.
"Abstain from McCain"
Ann better be careful or
April 1, 2008 - 10:32 ET by Hunter12Ann better be careful or the Rubber-legged boys in the NBC Newstoom are going to accuse her of cutting their time.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
Missed Opportunity
April 1, 2008 - 10:41 ET by BayshoremanPoor Ann...she missed the perfect opportunity to have Obama point out to her where his State of Illinois is located on a map. Oh well, maybe next time.
I told my wife...
April 1, 2008 - 11:00 ET by tnculpIf McCain gets asked even one of these types of questions, I'd become a Democrat.
She doesn't believe me, but I know it's a bet I can't lose!
I also found it humorous that Curry, like the rest of the MSM, don't really understand religion. "Do you pray once a day... or once a week?" As though it's a typical daily chore, not something we do all throughout the day, not just at dinner and bedtime.
"CURRY: Cubs or White Sox?
April 1, 2008 - 11:37 ET by jdhawk"CURRY: Cubs or White Sox? OBAMA: White Sox"
"Hand picked partisan liberal billary voter at one of the debates: Do you like diamonds of pearls? billary: Why, er . . . both!!!
The above line of questions brought to by the drive by media that has completely abrogated their duty to provide the American people with the answers on the issues.
This type of interview makes me want to barf.
I am glad that you have to watch this, Geoffrey, so we don't.
Curry, hard-nosed reporter asks very important questions...
April 1, 2008 - 11:43 ET by planetrepublicanCURRY: What is your favorite color, Sen. Obama?
Obama: Blue.
CURRY: Do you like dogs and cats?
Obama: Why, yes I do.
CURRY: Do you like sunny days?
Obama: I'm glad you asked, yes I do like sunny days.
CURRY: Are you as smart as you look?
Obama: Thanks, yes I guess I am.
CURRY: I understand you are a wonderful man, anything to add?
Obama: Well, everyone I meet seems to like me.
CURRY: Thank you Sen. Obama for this insightful interview.
Obama: You are quite welcome.
I sick of NBC's news
April 1, 2008 - 12:03 ET by mjgI sick of NBC's news people, fawning and swooning all over Obama. For the most part I'm sick of the mainstream media in general.
If Curry pinned Obama like Bhutto..
April 1, 2008 - 12:22 ET by Gary HallIf Ann Curry pinned Obama down like she did Bhutto.. she'd been blaming him personally for all of the suffering in the US. Could have gone like this:
Reference: Bhutto: Return to Pakistan worth the risk
Next - Ann Curry interviews Bush.
Rich
April 1, 2008 - 12:40 ET by iveseenitall1.7 for the Obamas. A 1.6 mansion for Rev.Wrong. "God DAMN America"
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
For a reverend that hates
April 1, 2008 - 13:21 ET by mjgFor a reverend that hates America he sure practices capitalism doesn't he.
Probably had slaves and illegals building house!
April 1, 2008 - 13:27 ET by PawpawNThe Right Rev Wright probably used slaves and illegals to build house. Otherwise he would be against his own teachings & we all know that could never happen!
FOO-FOO
April 1, 2008 - 14:38 ET by ToddonCapeCod"Tea or coffee"???
"Beatles or Rolling Stones"?!?!?!
My God, what puff questions!!!!