Obama: When I First Ran for Presdent, ‘Everybody Said a Black Guy’ Can’t Win

RUSH TRANSCRIPT:

BARACK OBAMA: "You can't do it. There has to be some consistency to how you think about these issues. That will be up to young people because all people get stuck in their ways. They do. That's true here in the United States. The truth of the matter is, when I started running for president, everybody said a black guy named Barack Obama is not going to win the presidency of the United States. But when I was banking on was the fact that with all the problems that still exist in the United States around racial attitudes, things have changed and young people and new generations said -- had suddenly understood, in Dr. King's words, being judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

"That doesn't mean everything is suddenly perfect. It just means that young people, you can lead the way and set a good example. It requires courage because the old thinking people will push back at you. If you don't have the conviction and courage to be able to stand up for what you think is right, then cruelty will perpetuate itself. You guys are on the spot."