Obama's Fox News interview marked by interruptions, focus on 'special deals'

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Updated 7:05 p.m.

By Michael D. Shear

President Obama's interview Wednesday on Fox News Channel was a testy affair in which Obama repeatedly appeared exasperated at being interrupted and frustrated with the focus on legislative process rather than the substance of his health care proposals.

Prodded repeatedly by interviewer Bret Baier to discuss the parliamentary procedures that House Democrats are using to pass his legislation, Obama scolded Baier at several points, telling him, "Bret, let me finish."

At one point near the end of the interview, Obama shook his head and turned away when Baier cut in.

Later, Baier apologized for interrupting him, getting a smile and a firm handshake in response.

At another point, Baier accused Obama of fillibustering through the interview, to which Obama said: "Well, I'm trying to answer your question and you keep on interrupting."

Baier had blogged before the rare interview with FNC that the White House had put no restrictions on the topics that could be asked, but had said that Obama wanted to discuss health care. The interview took place in the Blue Room, and later the two walked through Cross Hall in the residence.

Obama refused to give ground to criticism of his health-care efforts, calling the legislation "the right thing to do."

And he predicted that he and his allies will be vindicated once the bill is passed and it begins having an impact on people's lives.

"The reason that it needs to be done is not its effect on the presidency. It has to do with how it's going to affect ordinary people who right now are desperately in need of help," he said.

Baier focused several of his questions on what he called "special deals" in the legislation, and he quizzed Obama about whether he knew if any remained in the legislation that lawmakers will vote on.

Obama discussed several, including defending a provision that would provide extra money to Louisiana because of challenges caused by Hurricane Katrina. The president also responded to Baier's questions by insisting that the bill would soon be posted online for all to see.

But the president appeared uncertain when Baier asked him about special deals for Connecticut and Montana.

"Connecticut -- what are you specifically referring to?" Obama asked.

Obama also said that procedural maneuvers involving his health-care bill will not shield Democrats from those who want to criticize their stance on the issue.

"If people vote yes, whatever form that takes, that is going to be a vote for health-care reform," the president told Baier. "And I don't think we should pretend otherwise. And if they don't, if they vote against it, then they're going to be voting against health-care reform and they're going to be voting in favor of the status quo."

Obama criticized Washington for getting "very concerned" with procedures in Congress, and said he tries to ignore all of that.

"I don't spend a lot of time worrying about what the procedural rules are in the House or Senate," he said. "What I can tell you is that the vote that's taken in the House will be a vote for health-care reform."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been criticized this week for saying that she favored a parliamentary maneuver that would allow House members to make a final decision on broad health-care changes without voting directly on a health-care bill.

The tactic, known as a "self-executing rule" or as a "deem and pass," has been used with increasing frequency in recent years by Democrats and Republicans alike, usually earlier in the legislative process.

After the sit-down portion of the interview, Baier asked Obama about Israel and Iran. Obama said that the recent spat with Israel over the construction of settlements was a disagreement "among friends." And he said keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Iranians was one of his highest priorities.

Baier also asked the president about Tiger Woods. Obama said that the golfer had "acknowledged that he betrayed his family and that's a personal issue that he's got to work out." Obama said he expected Woods to be as good a golfer as ever.

Fox, which has been highly critical of Obama, provided Arizona Sen. John McCain (R), the president's former rival, an opportunity to offer his criticisms before Obama's interview was broadcast.

Speaking to Fox News' Neil Cavuto, McCain said Obama was underestimating the extent to which Americans dislike the process by which Democrats have moved the legislation through Congress.

"The sleazy deals, the Louisiana Purchase, Cornhusker kickback. the PhRMA deal," McCain said. "The sleaze that Chicago-style sausage-making going on in the formation of this bill."