The highlight reel

Mon, April 14, 2008 - 3:22 PM

After his speech, Obama answered some questioned that had been submitted by editors and publishers.

Some of the highlights are below.

On whether Democrats can talk about guns, God or immigration without getting in trouble:
“These are the so-called wedge issues that have divided us in repeated elections. … We keep on talking past each other on the issues.”

After delving into points on each of those topics, Obama said “what’s most needed is the ability to listen and acknowledge those on the other side of the issue.”

Not doing that, allows for politicians to get “caught up in the same cycle of silliness that keeps us unable to solve our problems.”

On the large crowds and enthusiasm he has generated:
“The American people want to move past the old arguments and be engaged and enlisted in American renewal. They feel I am a helpful prop for the campaign but that it’s theirs.”

On what type of president he would be:
“I want transparency. I want accountability. … I think I am very good at getting people from different perspectives to listen to each other.”

-- Amy Dominello