Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Prince Harry interviews Barack Obama. Update!

Man I really hate morning shows, but this was the best clip I could find.

Here is more from Politico:  

Former President Barack Obama said he felt a sense of “serenity” the day his successor was inaugurated. 

“The first thing that went through my mind was, sitting across from Michelle, how thankful I was that she had been my partner through that whole process,” Obama said in a BBC interview with Prince Harry recorded in September, his first interview since leaving office in January. 

But Obama said his “satisfying feeling” was also “mixed with all the work that was still undone.” He told Prince Harry that he still harbored “concerns about how the country moved forward.” 

“But over all, there was serenity there,” he added.

(Boy I wish I could have felt serenity while watching Tangerine Hitler being sworn in.)

“I still care about making sure that the United States and the world is a place where kids get a decent education,” Obama said. “Where people who are willing to work hard are able to find a job that pays a living wage. That we’re conserving the amazing resources of our planet so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of this place. Like we did.”

Such a great man.

And there was even more from CNN:  

In a BBC interview conducted by Britain's Prince Harry, Obama warned that the internet risked reinforcing people's prejudices and leading to a fractured society. 

"All of us in leadership have to find ways in which we can recreate a common space on the internet," Obama said. "One of the dangers of the internet is that people can have entirely different realities. They can be cocooned in information that reinforces their current biases," he said.

(Gee, I wonder who he is talking about there?)

"The question has to do with how do we harness this technology in a way that allows a multiplicity of voices, allows a diversity of views, but doesn't lead to a Balkanization of society and allows ways of finding common ground," he said in the interview, which was taped in September during the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. 

Obama said it was important for people to get offline and meet others in their communities, "because the truth is that on the internet everything is simplified and when you meet people face to face it turns out they are complicated," he said. 

"One of things we want to do I think is as we're working with young people to build up platforms for social change," he said. "Make sure that they don't think that just sending out a hashtag in and of itself is bringing about change. It can be a powerful way to raise awareness but then you have to get on the ground and actually do something."

( Balkanization, "divide (a region or body) into smaller mutually hostile states or groups." Yeah, I had to look it up. Don't judge me.)

Asked by Harry what was the biggest change for him after his eight years in office, Obama reflected on a slowed pace of life and the new freedom he had to decide how to focus his activities. 

"The things that are important to me haven't changed, I still care about about making the United States and the world a place where kids get an education, where people who are willing to work hard are able to find a job that pays a living wage, that we are conserving the amazing resources of our planet so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of this place like we did," he said.

In this same CNN report there is a mention that Prince Harry punted the question of whether Obama would be invited to the wedding.

Somebody on here yesterday suggested that the controversy about inviting Obama and angering Trump, was "fake news."

However it has been reported far and wide, so if it is fake virtually everybody was fooled by it.

When this interview comes out in full I am going to make sure to listen to it, and might share it here as well.

Update: Here is the entire BBC interview.  (It's 39 minutes long.)

45 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:41 AM

    I was Just thinking about January 20th 2018,
    THAT would be a 'GREAT DAY' to end this treasonous spectacle and 'take back' our country.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:44 AM

      Except that a president will not be inaugurated again until 1/20/2021. It would be great to see many of the GOP jerks now in Congress out looking for new jobs after the election in 2018!
      Beaglemom

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:05 AM

      Any day NOW works for me....

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:11 AM

      'We can’t wait to see what sort of presidential games 2018 brings.'

      https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-spends-second-day-on-golf-course-after-saying-its-back-to-work_us_5a43bccee4b0b0e5a7a417d8?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009

      Delete
    4. Impeachment Day. Yeah, that would be great but I fear premature. I don't think Mueller is ready to lay out his evidence and nothing is going to happen until we have a new Congress. So you're looking at 2019 at the earliest.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:35 AM

      http://www.pbs.org/video/putins-revenge-part-two-wpsiq2/

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:58 AM

      FB>"As we face the dwindling days of 2017, I for one am looking forward to 2018. I do so because I believe a year of despair can beget a year of hope. We can piece together our shattered civic norms. We can re-tie the bonds of unity that cynical politicians have wrent for their own gain. We can recommit ourselves to a path of justice.
      My optimism is not born from pure faith, although I have a deep faith in the basic decency of the vast majority of my fellow citizens. My optimism is forged in the furnace of action. As long as we live in a democracy we have more than just a chance, we have a real opportunity to build a more perfect union. I understand that it can seem that our democracy is under attack from within, and indeed in many ways it is. But we have seen an outpouring of energy and activism swell to votes for real change from Virginia to Alabama. We are pushing back the tides of prejudice, small-mindedness, and bias. This task will not be easy. The forces arrayed against the majority will of the American people are strong and well-financed. They are fueled by an unfair and entrenched political system. But they can be defeated. They feed off of fear. As President Roosevelt famously exhorted Americans at another perilous moment in our nation's history, we have nothing to fear but fear itself.
      I like to say that I am an optimist by nature and experience, but that optimism has been fueled this past year by all of you. On this page, and on the tour for my recent book WHAT UNITES US, I have seen a steely determination that is central to the American spirit. Part of what inspired the book was to shine a spotlight on the strengths of the American character and to remind us of when we have failed to live up to our ideals in the past. Now I want to play whatever small part I can in encouraging a national conversation about the highest of our values, and how we make sure our government is rooted in them. I understand that I am but one voice, albeit one with perhaps a bigger megaphone than others. But I have seen firsthand that the most successful social movements are ones with a great groundswell of popular activism.
      So I want to hear from you. But in addition to individual voices, I want to help create a dialogue about who we are and what we can do. Some of it will take place on this page, but we will be doing much more on the What Unites Us Facebook page, where my co-author, Elliot Kirschner and I will be creating discussion forums in the new year. They will be on a wide range of topics, beginning with the themes of the book (probably in order of the chapters). So please like the page if you haven't already. (And as a proud author, any thoughts you have on the book are always appreciated).
      Let's make 2018 everything it can be. I leave you with the final words from the book, which echo my feelings today:
      "I understand that my time to shape and help this world is passing. This is the circle of life. I hope now to inspire others to love this country, to pledge to work hard to make it a healthier and more just place to live. I ultimately have faith in the basic decency of our American citizenry, and indeed people around the globe. I believe strongly that the core tenets I love most about this nation can be a foundation for commonality and strength once more. I believe in a wide and expansive vision of our national destiny. And I believe in all of you to help make it a reality. COURAGE."" Dan the man Rather

      Delete
    7. Anonymous1:35 PM

      10:58: Your commentary is always so difficult to read (at least for these tired eyes!). Would be great if you provided your thoughts in separate paragraphs and double spaced between them. Always enjoy what you write though!

      Delete
    8. Anonymous2:14 PM

      @1:35 >that was exactly as written on his FB page.
      Copied and pasted...Almost thought it might not fit.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous8:48 AM

    I so wish President Obama and VP Biden were still leading our nation. The horrid folks we currently have in D.C. are NOT doing the job and are giving our country a horrible name throughout the world.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:03 AM

      Maybe I'm just old, but care less about what the world thinks of us than how our now "leaders" treat our own citizens.

      Talk about raping and pillaging....

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:56 AM

      I'm elderly too and am 8:48 AM, 9:03 AM.
      I think it makes a huge difference in how other countries throughout the world perceive the United States of America. We have low, low ratings now w/Trump whom I think needs to be impeached! (Facts are out there to warrant doing so!) He is not good for Americans or the country!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:34 AM

      Other countries know what we've become.
      It's not OUR fault, but those "we" elected. Get them OUT, every last one.

      Delete
    4. "We" elected them, so it is "our" fault.

      The only way to fix it is to make sure they never get elected again.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous2:33 PM

      One night recently I dreamed that Joe Biden ran for president (in December 2017) and was elected immediately.

      And I think he would have been.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous9:06 AM

    Oh I think things are not what they seem. Awful chummy afterwards. Oh don't tell of my days of helicopter rides, and playing pool naked in Vegas. And everyone encouraged it. Take a pic.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:39 AM

      Try English next time.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:54 PM

      I recall that. Hmm. Why didn't the secret service keep Harry clothed?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:21 PM

      What happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas.
      Ask Bristol.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:32 PM

      9:06 AM - What does that have to do w/his interview of President Obama? Not a damn thing, of course!

      Great interview with a great President Obama!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous2:31 PM

      Harry's not the first soldier to play strip pool. And he won't be the last.

      You have more problems than you know.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous3:06 PM

      Hypocrisy much there ^ Eyeroll.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous5:42 PM

      They just had a news piece on Obama era DOJ officials having sex in the office.
      One had nine women. Oh but their great!

      2:31 is what's wrong with the USA. :/

      Delete
  4. Anonymous9:13 AM

    Prince Harry interviews Barack Obama

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05s395q

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous9:53 AM

    Trump will never have the class or leadership qualities as does President Obama. Thanks for sharing the interview IM w/all of us, IM!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous10:17 AM

    OT:
    "AFT Michigan had sought an injunction citing a strong likelihood of success with respect to violations of the Michigan Uniform Trade Secrets Act, the Michigan Eavesdropping Act and Jorge’s breach of fiduciary duty, all of which failed to hold up in court.

    U.S. District Court Judge Linda Parker ruled that the AFT failed to meet the proper criteria for issuance of a preliminary injunction."The court did concede that AFT Michigan had a likelihood to succeed on the merits of its breach of duty of loyalty claim, though. But it also found that a preliminary injunction would raise First Amendment concerns, cautioning that the course of action would “most certainly … infringe upon Defendants’ First Amendment right.”
    court reasoned that AFT Michigan “will not suffer irreparable harm because there is no factual support that Defendants violated either the MUTSA or the Eavesdropping Act. Moreover, there is no certainty that what could be published could harm Plaintiff.”
    “We will be zealous in seeking full relief and damages the moment O’Keefe goes public with any of the material stolen or illegally obtained by Project Veritas associates, and in challenging media narratives that promote false propaganda in the interest of secret political agendas,”"

    https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/27/project-veritas-american-federation-of-teachers-319369

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  7. Many sources? I'd check to see if they can all be followed back to one source. Like maybe a Murdoch rag.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:40 AM

      "Many sources," indeed. I don't get my news from the National Enquirer types, who WOULD, and we all know the Trump ties to the owner.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2:28 PM

      They can indeed be traced right back to Rupert Murdoch. That's the way the 'news' works these days. Most news organizations are happy to repeat everything no matter how stupid or irrelevant rather than risk being left behind and not getting the clicks. They can always report the truth later but notice it's never a correction and they never refer to the bunk they previously pushed. And the bloggy news sites find this stuff to be absolute gold.

      This is why it's important to subscribe to a decent news org. For example, you won't find the Washington Post echoing this crap.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous10:32 AM

    Sigh. I miss decorum in OUR White House. While the @flotus pic in Santa hat may have been "whimsical, let her be who she is," by supporters, all I saw was whore.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:44 AM

      MY First Lady Michelle was always dressed well, spoke intelligently, and encouraged us to be the best we could be as did her husband. Way more than can be said for the current nightmare, even politics aside.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:54 AM

      “Me love you long time.”
      —Melania Trump
      Snort.

      Delete
    3. But only if you have $$$$$$$$$$.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous2:16 PM

      I thought she looked like she was doing a shoot for Playboy.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous2:19 PM

      In that pic I saw a woman afraid to put a real Santa hat on. Who needs her?

      Delete
    6. Anonymous2:34 PM

      http://people.com/politics/melania-trump-filtered-christmas-selfie-twitter/

      Delete
  9. Anonymous10:53 AM

    'Former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remain the most admired man and woman in the United States -- a 10-year trend for Obama and 16 years running for Clinton.'

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/gallup-obama-hillary-clinton-remain-most-admired/ar-BBHpArc

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:07 PM

      But did you see who came in second? Trump,must be a fake poll!

      Delete
  10. Anonymous12:13 PM

    ExPrez and family are now visiting Lanikai, Hawaii. Michelle and Malia were spotted paddling ocean kayaks, and Barack was standup board paddling. Low profile enjoying local style.
    They are welcome here, surrounded with love and admiration.
    808

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:17 PM

      Every time I see Barack Obama in Hawaii I think back to the night before the 2008 election, when his grandmother died. I've sometimes wondered how differently his term might have turned out had his family been alive. Would the racist GOP have found it so easy in the face of his white family?

      Anyway, much love to the family.

      Delete
  11. After listening to those two low-key, mannerly, intelligent men for 40 minutes youda thought I had been slicing onions. Ah!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous2:11 PM

    baa baa black
    $heep...Shit>
    https://www.rawstory.com/2017/12/omarosa-still-being-paid-after-leaving-white-house/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous2:14 PM

    The logistics of fitting a high-profile wedding into a small chapel are not Harry's problem, as he indicated. He has a lot of regimental brothers to invite in addition to his very large family and and Meghan's family and friends while leaving room for the television broadcast apparatus but the arithmetic will be done by palace staff, whose job it is.

    The nonsense about Trump is indeed a favour from Rupert Murdoch, simply to throw shit at Barack Obama, America's most admired man, and timed to cloud the interview.

    Aside from the small rabid Right, Britons universally loathe Donald Trump. You may recall his prospective visit to the UK was first downgraded and then cancelled. The idea that some Members of Parliament would be upset that Trump won't be invited to an intimate royal wedding is Monty Python-level ridiculous.

    As Her Majesty famously said: Oh, really.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous3:07 PM

    I loved listening to Obama, who actually speaks in an intelligent manner. Listening to that dumbbell Trump with his 10-year old vocabulary makes my head hurt. The nation has an ongoing painful headache listening to all of those dopey Trumps, which has also lowered the country's IQ and left most of us exhausted.

    ReplyDelete

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