Barbara Walters: Obamas 'So Smart...The Most Appealing Couple'

Like clockwork Barbara Walters successfully landed an interview with President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Channeling Lee Cowan, Walters claimed on the November 26 edition of “The View” she is “supposed to be neutral” then heaped praise on the Obamas. Barbara painted the soon to be first couple as “so smart” and “the most appealing couple” and then passed on a White House invite to all of “The View” co-hosts.

Joy Behar could not resist avoiding a swipe at the outgoing Bush administration wondering if Obama is “worried that Bush would cause more damage in the next 60 days” and felt “worried about that.”

The transcript follows.

BARBARA WALTERS: Well, very unexpectedly, we heard from the Obama people on Monday. Would I like to come to Chicago and do an interview with the president-elect and Mrs. Obama? And I said “I’m very busy. I don’t know how I can work”- However, it was a very- you know, I’m supposed to be very neutral, but they are the most appealing couple, and so smart and you know- It was a very substantial interview. I mean, he discussed the fact that CEO’s, all these people who are taking all of our money and shouldn’t have bonuses. He talked about the auto industry. He talked about Afghanistan and when he has to send troops. He talks about tax decreases. And he wanted us all to come to the White House.

JOY BEHAR: When?

ELISABETH HASSELBECK: Even me? Are you sure all of us?

BEHAR: You too!

HASSELBECK: I just want to get this confirmed now

WALTERS: Elisabeth, even you. They asked me how you were.

HASSELBECK: That’s nice.

WALTERS: They really did. The interview with him was a very serious interview because he feels as many people do that he’s in limbo. You know, these 60 days, he’s putting his team together, those 60 days before he can actually come in and-

BEHAR: Is he worried that Bush would cause more damage in the next 60 days?

WALTERS: I don’t think it’s that I think it’s [laughter] She never changes.

BEHAR: Just, you know, I’m worried about that.