New York, December 14 -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama sat with Oprah Winfrey for a special program, “Christmas at the White House”, which aired Sunday on ABC.
Oprah discussed general outlook of the year, and took a tour of the White House with a special appearance by Bo, the family's dog.
Obama gives himself a B-plus as president
The Christmas program featured the official White House tree covered in 650 baubles, hand decorated by people from around the nation. A 160 kilogram gingerbread smothered in white chocolate adorned the White House dining room.
Barack Obama, who joined office on Jan. 20, 2008, gave himself a B-plus for his first 11-months as President.
“B-plus because of the things that are undone. Health care is not yet signed. If I get health care passed, we tip into A-minus,” he said.
When asked by Oprah why he didn’t give himself full marks, he said he had “inherited the biggest set of challenges of any president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt”.
Obama also pointed out how much he cherished when the public visited the White House.
“When they come here, this is their house. I'm the renter. I'm the borrower - this is the people's house,” said the president to Winfrey.
Winfrey also showed them a cover photo of their first visit to the White House last year.
Obama wants Americans to feel confident
Obama was also asked about his decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, to which he said it was his toughest decision as President so far. He said he will know by the end of next year whether the strategy was right or not.
Obama and Winfrey also talked of unemployment and growth rate. The President said that there had definitely been an economic growth but not enough job growth.
“It's inevitable because there's 10 percent unemployment. When you sign up for this job, fairly or not, you are responsible,” he explained.
The president said he deeply wished that this festive season Americans feel more confident about their future.
“The 21st century will be as much the American century as the 20th century, as long as we maintain our sense of unity, but also our sense of hard work and determination,” promised the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Obama gives himself a B-plus as president
The Christmas program featured the official White House tree covered in 650 baubles, hand decorated by people from around the nation. A 160 kilogram gingerbread smothered in white chocolate adorned the White House dining room.
Barack Obama, who joined office on Jan. 20, 2008, gave himself a B-plus for his first 11-months as President.
“B-plus because of the things that are undone. Health care is not yet signed. If I get health care passed, we tip into A-minus,” he said.
When asked by Oprah why he didn’t give himself full marks, he said he had “inherited the biggest set of challenges of any president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt”.
Obama also pointed out how much he cherished when the public visited the White House.
“When they come here, this is their house. I'm the renter. I'm the borrower - this is the people's house,” said the president to Winfrey.
Winfrey also showed them a cover photo of their first visit to the White House last year.
Obama wants Americans to feel confident
Obama was also asked about his decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, to which he said it was his toughest decision as President so far. He said he will know by the end of next year whether the strategy was right or not.
Obama and Winfrey also talked of unemployment and growth rate. The President said that there had definitely been an economic growth but not enough job growth.
“It's inevitable because there's 10 percent unemployment. When you sign up for this job, fairly or not, you are responsible,” he explained.
The president said he deeply wished that this festive season Americans feel more confident about their future.
“The 21st century will be as much the American century as the 20th century, as long as we maintain our sense of unity, but also our sense of hard work and determination,” promised the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
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