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Obama, Romney sit down with Oprah
USATODAY
President Obama likes Mitt Romney's heath care law in Massachusetts -- Romney likes Obama's authorization of the Osama bin Laden raid.
Obama likes pizza night; Romney looks forward to his wife's meatloaf.
These are among the answers the candidates gave to Oprah Winfrey during interviews for the November issue of O magazine, which hits the streets Oct. 9.
Here are some highlights sent to us by Oprah's people:
On what they like about their opponent.
Obama: "I really like the health care bill that he passed in Massachusetts. It was great."
Romney: "Well, I'm glad he got Osama bin Laden, that's one. A man's been in office three and a half years, he does hundreds of things. I'm sure there are a few that are fine."
On their visions for the world.
Obama: "Michelle accuses me of being a congenital optimist, but it's true. I think people are capable of great evil but are fundamentally good. I want America to continue to be on the side of expanding justice and freedom and opportunity."
Romney: "More liberty. More freedom. Opportunity. And hope."
On how the president draws joy from his family.
Obama: "I already loved [my family] so much, but when you're under all of these pressures, to come home every single night — at least when I'm in town -- and have Michelle and the girls there. ... They are my balance and keep me grounded, and that's truer now than it's ever been."
On what Romney wanted to be when he was growing up.
Romney: "I never imagined being the president in my youth. As a little boy, I wanted to be a policeman."
On what they have to say to their critics.
Obama: "To my critics I say, I'm not done yet."
Romney: "Just you wait and see."
MICHELLE OBAMA, on not sweating the small stuff.
Mrs. Obama: "I might want to talk to him about an issue I have with what he said the other day, but you know what, it's not really that important. I'm stockpiling a list of issues that I'd like to discuss with him in 2016 though."
ANN ROMNEY, on how she felt when Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen criticized her for not having a job outside the home.
Mrs. Romney: "Frankly, it was rather humorous to me. Because it was like, maybe she should visit my house once and see what it's like. Raising children is the hardest job that there is on the face of the Earth. There's no question about it and I think that Mitt would agree."
Favorite food.
Romney: "Ann makes these little meatloaf cakes. ... Meatloaf cakes and mashed potatoes. Best thing in the world."
Obama: "Pizza nights around the White House are pretty great."
Favorite song.
Romney: "Roy Orbison. In Dreams. Pretty Woman. Crying."
Obama: "Anything by Stevie Wonder. Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing because I can sing the whole thing verbatim."
Household chore.
Romney: "Painting. I've painted rooms, stained floors. Oftentimes I don't even need to put down a drop cloth. I'm good enough at it."
Obama: "Shoveling snow. You try chipping some ice off some windshields when it's 5 below at six in the morning."