Obama on American politics and economy: the extended Vox conversation

President Obama talks with Vox Editor-in-chief Ezra Klein about Obamacare, the economy, political polarization, income inequality, race, and more.
Read the extended interview with President Obama and nerd out with all the charts and graphs you could ever want at vox.com/obama.
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[@chunhaylee]

An intelligent, adult conversation. No notes, no teleprompters. Just two smart people who brought their brains.

[@MasterAppels]

I'm sure the interviewee had notes. He probably had some nerves (who wouldn't?), and notes would help somewhat.

[@babyirene3188]

You are apparently very easily impressed. Name some of Obama's achievements while in office. It won't take very long.

[@anishdas3096]

@@babyirene3188 Do you really want to listen?

[@bonrind]

BIG Fan of Vox for honest reporting.

[@bonrind]

Mit AllebasI was it ok to comment

[@newalm]

christian bp17 All leftists think it is "honest reporting" that does not challenge Obama in anyway.

[@bonrind]

newalm this isnt about challenging someone its trying to show dummies what actually goes on, and the plans to fix it

[@newalm]

christian bp17 Obama has done wrong, and is not challenged by the media, it is not "honest reporting" but complicit propaganda.

[@bonrind]

newalm tell me the "wrong" things he has done. dont be ignorant my friend.

[@michelprioleau730]

now try to have that conversation with donald trump, how would that go ?

[@maxhanley_o.o]

After the vox conversation with Hillary I'm eagerly waiting for The Vox Conversatoin with Donald Trump... LOL

[@Geoff09]

Mexicans, China, Wall, Amazing, America Great Again,

[@draculanova6548]

You forgot Muslims and the word 'very' repeated endlessly

[@Geoff09]

Oh true, and "They love me"

[@mogur00]

haha my exact thought

[@simonpreston3562]

UK Obama fanboy here. I seriously can't understand why people hate him so much. No teleprompter, he comes across as smart, compassionate, concerned. Can you imagine Bush doing anything like this? Or the other funny vids he's done on youtube?

[@simonpreston3562]

***** thanks, I'll try and watch that doc.

[@GoggleV69]

What the government doesn't tell you is that the unemployment % is not 5.6% but actually 11%. 30 milllion people are unemployed with many living off the government. Our country isn't doing well. If this trend continues we will go down a path we may never recover from. *Edit* Here is some proof: www.gallup.com/opinion/chairman/181469/big-lie-unemployment.aspx

[@Norie92]

Simon Preston Just so you know, here Obama is talking against big money in elections meanwhile he raised over a million dollars from Comcast Executives in a single fundraiser. Hope that helps.

[@johannesgh90]

***** If someone is smart or not is not a fact but a value judgement. For example: Based on the comments you put here, I think you're an idiot, but that doesn't make it a fact.

[@GoggleV69]

He's no dictator. But this administration has been a joke. It all started with Bush and got even worse under Obama. Trillions in debt, 11% unemployment, terrible dealing of foreign affairs, no bills passed to actually create real jobs that will actually help the American people. What a joke this administration has been, Hopefully people wake up and vote for the right candidate in 2016.

[@kimchiguitar]

I'm no libtard and I have carefully scrutinized the guy. I think he is doing the best he can within what our system and culture will allow. I'm comfortable saying he's the best we've had in a long time. You have to look at the big picture of what he has to deal with. The hardest job in the world is to make everyone happy but that is what everyone expects him to do.

[@joke5735]

Wow, not everybody might agree with Obamas policies. But goddamn he handled those questions well.

[@sachinpanchal162]

He handled but you gaindled

[@DbeeSapphire]

Wow, nice breath of fresh air. I wish I had taken Obama for granted less. He is truly the most articulate and historically educated in regards to our political system. Kudos to Vox for an incredible interview.

[@ikbo]

smartest presidents we have had for a while and unfortunately will have for a while...

[@evanarroyo1384]

I believe atleast every president must have a few traits, undying will, charisma, ability to reassure the public, be entertaining and speak in simple language, ability to be funny at times but serious in of course important situations to be more down to earth. Obama certainly achieves these traits.

[@OmarJorge1]

This is probably the best and most detailed interview that Obama has done in his 6 years. Great job by Ezra, Matt, and the whole Vox team. Tough, intelligent questions that forced Obama to give detailed answers. This is an interview that will be used for a long time to come to understand Obama's presidency.

[@mustanger1966]

Omar Jorge I definitely agree. Imagine if we had such detailed, well-preserved interviews from older historical figures. The historians of the future have it easy! I'm just wondering: I'm relatively new and still learning a lot about politics. Was Obama always this lucid on the issues and strategies when he ran, or did a lot of this come from his experience as president? I ask because, while I am excited about Bernie Sanders, I don't hear _remotely_ the level of detail and familiarity with the workings of the world in his interviews as I do here. And it occurs to me, while watching this interview, that if someone with _this_ level of knowledge had such a hard time getting useful changes through congress, how the hell is anyone else going to do it?

[@Yakhashe]

+Keith Coffman i think the difference between Obama and Sanders is that one is at the end of his presidency and he other is trying to get into it. Those two scenarios demand a very different way of communication. Obama is now in a position where he _can_ go into details (and probably _bore_ the less brainiac and nerd type of people if he does so) especially in such a well executed interview as this (kudos to you, Vox). There is no need for him to appeal even more to the common people. Bernie on the other hand needs the people to vote for him. The best way to convince people is to communicate in easy and understandable words and slogans, to be at least a little populist. But in my honest opinion, I have no doubt that Bernie Sanders knows the details just as much. His 40-year track record in Washington speaks for itself.

[@reecef.9937]

UGH... youtube comments. #amirite

[@mjakes20]

Often when I see interviews or press conferences with President Obama, I generally lose interest after a few minutes, either because of the President's slow, mediated parlance, the narrow focus of the conversation or the abrasiveness of the interviewer/reporters. However, this interview was one of the most engrossing I've ever seen with the President; the interviewer put forward challenging yet non confrontational, important yet accessible questions to a man who is at his best when he is given space to ruminate deeply on such matters. I also think the fact that he is in the autumn of his Presidency, freed from political constraints and with his legacy in mind, he is freer to express his musings on the big issues facing us today. Kudos, Mr President, from Ireland, where our Prime Minister has the charisma of a potato and whose mental ability doesn't extend much beyond one either.

[@PartyDownMan3000]

A conversation that you leave feeling smarter.... with Trump I feel like I lose words from my vocabulary

[@ssheikhspierre]

You dont become smarter after a conversation. Sorry ☹️

[@engineeringmasters3953]

@@ssheikhspierre that is the dumbest thing I've ever read in my life🤦‍♂️

[@snipermaster6329]

@@ssheikhspierre You can actually

[@Rezzcom]

@@engineeringmasters3953 He's projecting his mental incapability to become smarter at all

[@jshroud]

…or you could stay at a Holiday Inn.😬

[@mw01720]

Look, I don't agree with some of Obamas policies but he really is a president ahead of his time. Obama is just too progressive for his time.

[@ThatRcThing]

Or people are too afraid of large changes that need to be made. I don't want to start a debate though...

[@warrenbuckley3267]

Great comment. I totally agree

[@tipofmytongue1024]

He's a moderate.

[@joshuaclarke7772]

Obamas a moderate. Haha even Sanders can be seen as a moderate in most wealthy countries 😂😂 Obama isn't before his time America is just behind it.

[@tipofmytongue1024]

Josh Clarkie Exactly!

[@cameron9843]

One of the greatest progressive presidents.

[@masterchief4431]

So great right that debt clock is still goin up! He is going to go down as the worst president in history

[@richardstafford8323]

+Dogeisreal I doubt that. His policies have helped, granted nothing done is ever perfect, but he does what he can to make america a little better. If you think that the debt is his fault you should look into its origin.

[@crispybacon4240]

+Dogeisreal Well that's odd. From what I've read, Bush started with a surplus, and ended with a deficit, while Obama has significantly cut debt since he's been in office. Do you actually fact check anything, or do you just parrot off whatever the Fox News hosts tell you?

[@tyang1064]

+Crispy Bacon Fact checking... Yes that is correct, but like any actual truth, it's more complicated than that. have a read: www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/jan/20/barack-obama/barack-obama-claims-deficit-has-decreased-two-thir/

[@noahrivera329]

True I think he's trying just to simplify it though

[@baavvb3020]

look this is politics. you might like him or not. but he is talking politics and not blaming other politicians for mistakes that happened. if you get every politician on this line your country will be fine. stop blaming other for mistakes. just try to fix mistakes.

[@CStrachanCreative]

Yess!!! Obama acknowledges that I'm a braniac nerd type because I watch Vox... Nice!!!

[@siera364]

watching this is so calming in the current situation..

[@Amigps01]

Watching this video feels like seeing into a completely different world now.

[@wibblemu9]

Imagine having a president that understands the job

[@trulyinfamous]

I listened to the entire thing while doing my homework.

[@twitchingjackrabbit7646]

Obama has a voice that's so soothing

[@412msa]

That was one of the most solid handshakes I've ever seen :D

[@hnam1111]

You could disagree with his policies but it's hard to disagree with his assessment of the current situation

[@danksley]

Listen to him talk. Remember when we had a President who could use words?

[@HadjaHeatherBarry]

Again I have graduated from Harvard Business School with4.0 and I have a Doctorate in Sorbonne University in Political Science.Thanks and May God Bless America

[@GuillaumeDeBeaujeu]

Can't help comparing Trump and Obama in this convo... worlds apart...

[@Dr.PaulCottrell]

Great interview style by Vox! Keep it up!

[@lawiez]

i wonder if trump could give an interview that is even half as articulate... lol

[@rachellefiriro]

Great interview, great questions!

[@grahamwebb2000]

And 40% of Americans really do think Donald Trump has the dedication and intellect to do this job.

[@RichardRowell1]

Wow, you interviewed Obama? Nice one!

[@smiles9995]

Excellent interview

[@smiles9995]

Good job, Ezra

[@corlaez]

14:28 "You are the most polarizing president" Well, he did good at calling out the polarization trend.

[@nick_y1011]

What is this guy saying at 4:47- 5:05 does it start with "Folks put on doubt long term question..." ??? Please articulate his question!

[@eila2088]

KZbin seems to foster the same comments you find on Reddit (outside of r/Politics which is generally a liberal circlejerk; Libertarian/Atheist/MRA right wing young people (not necessarily all 3 or right wing but thats the general picture).

[@DualFrodo]

Note that just because the speed of which unemployment is falling has risen, doesn't make the unemployment rate alright.

[@sirelegant2002]

0:03 Voice cracks within first five seconds of interview with U.S. president. By the way, I loved the video, just thought that was hilarious.

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

peace for all

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

just we need peace

[@HadjaHeatherBarry]

I have graduated from Harvard Business School with a full bright sholarship 4:00 Average and I have a Doctorate from Sorbonne university.

[@paulairola7041]

My gut feeling is Biden may be president but Obama runs the show in 2021

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

peace we need it

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

please peace

[@Dr.PaulCottrell]

I agree with Dr. Piketty, that income inequality is a big issue that needs to be solved. I propose a massive taxation on the uber class. For example the upper .5% of the population.

[@abdoddod3518]

l like the way he talk '

[@411STUDIO]

Want to know more about politics? Watch it here -

[@Jim54_]

I don’t understand why Americans: 1. have a low voter turnout 2. vote for a third party option especially if they are so sick of the current system. If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain. If you vote for corrupt politicians, then as George Orwell said ‘you are not a victim, you are an accomplice’, irregardless of your ideological beliefs

[@Yakhashe]

Gerrymandering is a very stupid concept. please get rid of it and set your district boundaries once in a fair way and don't change it anymore like forever.

[@Yakhashe]

+Yakhashe why are you calling yourself even a democracy anyhow?

[@onomatopoeia162003]

That will be done by the next cenus

[@himentourage]

That's not a great idea. There are demographic and population shifts in every electorate. A fair way to divide the electoral districts today might not be fair tomorrow.

[@agentminecraft9986]

Then I have an idea. Every election year, the districts will be drawn by computers. Computers are faster, can take in a lot of information, and can't be bribed.

[@mariamilagrosantonettealeg5059]

I think more people could sense this on their daily life.

[@HadjaHeatherBarry]

I wonder who is getting in my private Network !

[@christopherkettler8727]

As long as phama and insurance are profit driven it is sumple math for every board.take in as much money as allowed by law and pay out as little thats the profit margin and its not going to give us the best results

[@gizroc]

I miss obama

[@franticranter]

1:59 in 2021 it feels uncomfortable how close they're sitting

[@user-gg8so5by8y]

WELCOM you Cher président Barack Obama Of Chicago Bulls Américain ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

all for peace

[@anamariamorenohernandez4446]

¿Cómo ignorar lo que ocurre?

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

for our families all a round the. world

[@tigeruby]

wow is this real? hard to believe in 2017

[@mutlenyea6500]

Seems like a very willingly compromising president, especially given the circumstance.

[@philippbuschmann4125]

What a great thinker and doer. .... but can we appreciate the quality of this suit and tie. Very nice

[@joshelguapo5563]

Did President Obama just call me a nerd? 16:15

[@HadjaHeatherBarry]

I said I graduated from Harvard Business School with 4.0 and I have a Doctorate from Sorbonne University

[@SLE3PR]

Brainiac Nerds... According to my calculations, that is 99% accurate.

[@mohammadshahidulislam4668]

Honorable President of the United States of AMERICA:Sir Barack Obama is Good!

[@mohammadshahidulislam4668]

Honorable President Don't stop fighting against terrorism because You are committed to save Your Nation and peaceful world.

[@mohammadshahidulislam4668]

Good

[@mohammadshahidulislam4668]

Good

[@mohammadshahidulislam4668]

Honorable President is Good

[@mohammadshahidulislam4668]

Good

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

need peace for all people and the would families

[@dianatapia953]

"right" "right" "right"

[@chrischavez9231]

The largest transfer of wealth in human history is happening now from the west to the east. West is becoming more socialistic and the east is becoming more free market. Any correlation?

[@eastsouth9548]

also labor in the east and the rest of the 3rd world is at 5$/day and not 5$/hour.

[@himentourage]

You're talking about wealth like it's a zero-sum concept. i.e. in order for the east to prosper, wealth has to be drained from the west. Which is simply not true. It's not a transfer of wealth from the west to the east. When countries in the east started implementing capitalistic models, they already have a robust model from the west which took a century of trial and error. The boom in the east is not a transfer of wealth, but the prosperity driven by having a system that allows the government and private sectors to tap into the human capital.

[@HadjaHeatherBarry]

Thanks to my Harvard Business Solution Network

[@evasrt1098]

Seriously now, we doesn't he wear his wedding ring ? O.o

[@mekdadmekdad2773]

Eva Srt oo xan u talk to me 9n fb

[@user-fv8iv5zh3e]

저는 오늘 부산에 조용히 혼자서 머리도 식힐 겸 여행을 다녀 올 예정입니다

[@hernansenoren687]

When you all you can say to your successor is a "magic wand" to grow an economy. Reaganomics still works!

[@Noodlezoop]

Never has

[@MacKaledy]

ok

[@MasterAppels]

Why couldn't Zuma be like this fine gentleman?

[@charlesufitimana3381]

Extremely intelligent

[@nazierfredericks8032]

Way to ask the same question 4 different ways

[@blackbox3008]

24:02 That REALLY didn't age well

[@mutlenyea6500]

Don't think eliminating filibuster would bridge the fissure

[@DenceActivity]

Concerning health care in America? New ways of moving forward, comes about, through venturing into uncharted territory?! One idea, would be to set up a system of universities, designed specifically for the task of producing qualified doctors and nurses, free of charge. hear me out here America ~ If educating qualified doctor's for free.On the condition, that, they do five Years of service in the American hospitals at a minimum wage could be achieved. Then in twelve years, America would have a country full of qualified doctors all working for a minimum wage, permanently! This could drastically reduce medical costs for the people in the USA, hurray!

[@goat2332]

still waiting on that fundamental change.

[@danielovercash1093]

He sounds like the Rock

[@Executnr]

double talk, an hot air.

[@MrMemyselfandi415]

WHOO HOO..WE'RE THE BRAINIAC NERD TYPES!! LOVE THAT! I feel smarter already!

[@user-uy1fe6of4f]

我会中文。

[@freeridelectric]

I miss President Obama. Trump is unacceptable.

[@server1ok]

Answer to question 1. Sell your car and buy stocks instead of constantly spending. ( use bus or bicycle )

[@llomack12]

I miss a Smart President

[@christopherkettler8727]

Medicare for all is the move!!! You know the math and its simple take out the profit margin

[@adeliaadel2867]

my on,, 😊,, ny,, Barack asia obama's

[@christopherkettler8727]

This what bernie has been talking about..... you know Timothy Geithner maybe wasn't such a great choice if this is what you believe.I mean the culture at goldman is dog eat dog cmon man!!!! Is this how you talk on your tour you know the one where you get paid for all the favors you did.

[@morfsevals4106]

AREA UNSOLVED: Streets of the community ......... Book ......

[@DinitoThompson]

Sad how Years later, this is very thing Bernie is campaigning on.

[@burningknight7]

He pulled america out of recession.

[@edubbs5556]

Picture Trump having this conversation😂😂😂😂Bigly, sad,

[@Diplomastronaut]

No talk to of the national debt that is going to be shoved upon future generations.

[@rokehdokey34]

Thank god he cut the deficit by almost 3/4ths then.

[@christopherkettler8727]

You should of tried medicare for all in your first 2 years

[@christianschwalbach7561]

christopher kettler maybe. I don’t know the details but I think there were dems who would have opposed it

[@christopherkettler8727]

He talks a great game....if he would get behind bernie who has been calling this stuff out and help fix it

[@HadjaHeatherBarry]

I said 4.00 Average who is making this correction

[@Dr.PaulCottrell]

Polarization is due to lack of being able to reach across the isle. Obama did not learn that in the senate because he wanted to jump ahead of the line and become president without learning negotiating skills.

[@erickane1750]

As Newt Gingrich (yes, that dude is actually worth listening to!) basically said: After his inaugural speech, Gingrich thought he could split the Repubs and run the country for 2-4 years. But he abandoned his centrism soon after. He would rather preside with a government based on ideology and deal with the consequences of gridlock.

[@BlueTheSquid]

I literally did not understand a thing he said... maybe I wouldn't be a good president.

[@GgGg-ic5tn]

no 1$yet