CBN News Talks to Barack Obama
By Robin Mazyck
CBNNews.com
November 11, 2007
CBNNews.com - BETTENDORF, Iowa - Barack Obama has been called everything from a rock star to a refreshing new face on Capitol Hill.
Watch CBN News Reporter David Brody's interview with Obama in Iowa.
His rallies are often filled with droves of supporters and undecided voters anxious to hear him speak on hope and a new beginning for the country.
His message almost mirrors a sermon filled with promises for a better tomorrow, where lives are changed for the better.
"I just want to hear what he has to say," said one man who did not want to be identified at a recent rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "I don't know who I'm going to vote for yet, so I'm open."
No doubt Obama is charismatic and charming. His demeanor speaks to his Harvard law degree.
But he is also willing to share his life's experiences. In Cedar Rapids Tuesday, he recalled his mother's death , who died at age 53 from cancer. At another stop in Bettendorf, Iowa, he spoke of his father-in-law, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 30.
These moments give people a glimpse into Obama's life.
CBN News spoke with Obama Wednesday, moments after he introduced his plan to reclaim the American dream and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
The candidate spoke with CBN News' David Brody on Wednesday. He discussed a number of issues including his prayer life, his stance on abortion and gay marriage, and the rumors floating through cyberspace that he is secretly a Muslim.
"I have never practiced Islam," he said. "And I think it's important for people not to buy into these sort of fear tactics that people also often use during political games."
Obama has attended Trinity United Church of Christ for the past 15 years.
"I just want to be very clear and this is obviously in no way an insult to the Muslim community who I respect deeply. But I want people to know who I am. I am a Christian," he said.
His faith is not the only issue he must justify. His stance on abortion and gay rights is often questioned.
"These are profoundly difficult issues, and I recognize the difficulties because they are ones I grapple with," he said. "One of the things that I've always said is that abortion is a deeply moral issue and those who would deny that there's a moral component to it, I think are wrong."
As the election heats up, Obama is stepping up his game. He is taking direct aim at Hillary Clinton.
"Do you believe she's a polarizing figure?" Brody asked.
"I believe that she is part of the fierce political battles that we had in the 90s and that some of that carries over to today," he said.
So as the first primary draws near Obama is hoping that he can distinguish himself from the other Democrats, win the confidence of the party faithful and pull away from this leg of the campaign trail -- a few miles closer to Pennsylvania Avenue.
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