What an awful question.
Obama: No, because I have confidence in the American people.
And I don't pay much attention to what Mitt Romney has to say -- at least what he says this week. It may be different next week.
But there is no doubt that my background is not typical of a presidential candidate. I think everybody understands that. But that's part of what is so powerful about America, is that it gives all of us the opportunity -- a woman, a Latino, myself -- the opportunity to run.
And, listen, when I was running for the United States Senate everybody said nobody's going to vote for a black guy named Barack Obama; they can't even pronounce it. And we ended up winning by 20 points in the primary and 30 points in the general election.
The way to respond to swiftboating is to respond forcefully, rapidly and truthfully. And I have absolute confidence in the American people's capacity to absorb the truth, as long as we are forceful in that presentation.
And we are seeing it. As we travel all across the country, we have received enormous support, in states where, frankly, there aren't a lot of African-Americans, and there aren't a lot of Obamas.
You know...people have a tough time pronouncing Kucinich too.
Also, it’s not necessarily a good thing that you are popular in states where there aren’t a lot of African-Americans or a lot of “Obamas.” I happen to think that may weaken your strength and ability to heal America. The audacity of hope is necessary for many African-Americans right now as you refuse to take up certain issues they wish you would pay attention to.
(Laughter)
Williams: Let's take this opportunity to fit in what will be the second of three breaks tonight.
We'll be back with more from the campus of Drexel University in Philadelphia right after this.
(Commercial break)
MORE TO COME
