Obama : Execs 'Tone Deaf' to Economic Dirge

Despite Walters' entreaties, president-elect wants 'big rambunctious' canine

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama doesn't want a “girly dog” that just “sits in your lap and things,” he tells Barbara Walters in an interview set to air tonight, dismissing her unabashed lobbying for a White House pup similar to her sweet Havanese, Cha Cha Cha. “We're going to have a big rambunctious dog,” he said, as an unimpressed Michelle reminded him that “we have a houseful of girls,” reports Politico. More»

And it's not over: More will air tomorrow

(NEWSER) - So what did Bill O’Reilly and President Obama talk about during their much-anticipated sit-down today? Egypt, health care reform, Obama’s presidential experience, and, of course, football (Obama wouldn't predict a Super Bowl winner, but said the teams are pretty evenly matched). Mediaite has the full interview, and notes that both men actually seemed to be enjoying themselves, even when they disagreed. And the conversation will continue: The president answered more questions, which O’Reilly will show tomorrow on The O’Reilly Factor. Click for more on the interview. More»

O'Reilly gets huge audience, Obama gets to look good

(NEWSER) - Despite the often bitter rivalry between the White House and Fox News, Bill O’Reilly’s pre-Super Bowl interview today with President Obama could be a win for both. It will be Obama’s first sit-down with O’Reilly—Fox News’ highest-rated host—as president. But the two have met before, and if that interview was any indication, O’Reilly will likely give the president a fair shake. Even so, the president’s willingness to sit down with the network he once said was “entirely devoted to attacking my administration” will likely score points for Obama, Politico reports. More»

Prez talks mistakes, midterms on 60 Minutes

(NEWSER) - President Obama acknowledged mistakes since entering office, including “slipping” on maintaining a better tone in Washington, in a 60 Minutes interview last night, Politico reports. “Part of my promise to the American people when I was elected was to maintain the kind of tone that says we can disagree without being disagreeable,” he said. “There have been times where I’ve slipped on that commitment.” More»

Singer gets into the nitty-gritty—about Christmas—with the president

(NEWSER) - Gloria Estefan’s interview with President Obama—conducted for a Univision Christmas special—didn't exactly delve into immigration reform or health care. Politico offers up the complete transcript. Some of the, uh, highlights:

• Urgent matters: “I have a very important question to start off this interview,” Estefan says. “Which chimney will Santa be coming down?”