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Oct 31, 2008 11:51 pm US/Eastern
The Faces Of Barack Obama, From 2003 To 2004
CHICAGO (CBS4) ―
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Thousands gather in Berlin to listen to Obama's speech July 24, 2008. The Democratic presumptive nominee for president called on Europe to help defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda. It's a long shot from the Barack Obama interviewed in 2003 by Antonio Mora.
Barbara Sax/AFP/Getty Images
When
CBS4's Antonio Mora first interviewed Barack Obama in the summer of 2003, almost no one knew who he was.
Mora was working for CBS affiliate WBBM, and the skinny, young state legislator from Illinois had just launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate, and at best was considered a very long shot.
But even then, he sounded much as he does today.
"George Bush just signed a tax cut bill that will help people who don't need it, and who didn't ask for it,' said Obama in one interview. "I'm a strong supporter of tax cuts for working class families."
When Mora next interviewed him, a year later, lightning struck twice. First, the mega-millionaire front-runner for the Democratic nomination imploded in a divorce scandal, clearing the way for Obama. Then, the Republican nominee resigned when divorce papers showed sordid sex allegations made by his ex-wife— a successful Hollywood actress.
Incredibly, Obama found himself running unopposed, and across the country you could hear the rumblings that a political star was rising from Chicago.
MORA: "Already, you're being talked about as a possible vice-presidential candidate four years down the line if the Democrats don't win in November. Are you committed to fulfilling your term?"
OBAMA: "Absolutely. The hype starts getting a life of its own. I've been very clear: All I want to do is help the people of Illinois."
But fate again took over. An inspirational keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention led to a landslide win over a last-minute Republican opponent. The once-unknown legislator was suddenly a household name.
When interviewed by Mora December of 2004, a month before Mr. Obama went to Washington, the rumblings about his future had turned into a roar.
MORA: "What do you think about all the talk of him running for President?"
MICHELLE OBAMA: "It's way too soon. He hasn't done anything yet."
The senator-elect at first avoided the question.
MORA: "I hate to pin you down on this because it is early and you've got a lot of other things to worry about, but I think it's something people are going to keep talking to you about and, at some point, you've got to talk back."
OBAMA: "No, no, no. I think I've been very clear. There's a presidential election in four years and I'm not running for president in four years. I've been clear about it. It's a silly question."
What a difference a couple of years makes.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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