Pres-elect Barack Obama’s inner Circle (CBS interview VIDEO & Transcript)
When President-elect Obama gave his victory speech Tuesday night in Chicago’s Grant Park, he was quick to give credit. “To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics,” the president-Elect said, “You made this happen.”
Who was Obama talking about and how did they do it? Ninety minutes after the speech ended, 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft sat down with them in a Chicago hotel suite. It was 1.a.m. Wednesday and the reality of it all was just beginning to sink in.
“We just left Grant Park. What are you feeling’?” Kroft asked.
“Little numb. A little tired. A little overwhelmed,” David Axelrod, Obama’s chief strategist and political alter ego, replied.
The group also included David Plouffe, the camera shy campaign manager and field general who made it all happen. “Yeah. I mean, it’s been a 22-month road, and a lotta twists and turns. But you know, I think he filled the stage tonight,” Plouffe told Kroft.
There was senior aide Robert Gibbs, who was always at Obama’s side, his former and future press secretary. “And it was fun to watch all the people come out who’ve been part of the campaign. And…,” Gibbs rasped, clearing his throat.
He told Kroft he lost his voice “within the last few hours.” (Read remainder of transcript by clicking the transcript link above)
