Obama's first interview...thought I'd have more to say about it

Posted at 12:55 PM on January 27, 2009 by Jeff Horwich

President Obama granted his first formal interview as president to Saudi-based Al Arabiya. Interesting choice: Show the Middle East is a priority, stake out noncommittal ground firmly in the middle (on Israel/Palestine), and declare yourself "ready to listen."

I thought it would inspire more reflection and commentary in my Tuesday post-lunch brain. In the end, it's kind of "eh."

Sanden offered this logical thought: Won't this even further confuse people who think he's a Muslim? Hmm. Probably so. But is that segment of the population even large enough at this point to merit any concern? If Rick Warren couldn't convince them, there's probably no hope.

I suppose the benefits of establishing your Middle East credentials and burnishing America's image there outweigh further confusing a small population of morons who aren't going to vote for you anyway.

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