Obama: Clinton Faces Sexism in Campaign

May 20, 2008 — -- Sen. Barack Obama said today that he agrees with Sen. Hillary Clinton that she has faced some sexism in the media coverage of her campaign.

"No doubt there are certain burdens for Sen. Clinton running as a formidable but first-time front-runner as a woman in the same way I've got to deal with some issues as an African-American," Obama told ABC's Jake Tapper.

"There is no doubt that there have been occasions where Sen. Clinton has had to overcome particular hurdles, and that is part of the groundbreaking nature of her campaign," he said.

For More on Sen. Barack Obama's Interview and the 2008 Race, Watch "World News With Charles Gibson" Tonight

Obama also underscored his willingness to meet with isolated world leaders and insisted he and his campaign are not walking back from this position. He said his critics, including Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, have distorted his position on such diplomacy.

"What I said was, I would meet with our adversaries, including Iran, including Venezuela, including Cuba, including North Korea, without preconditions, but that does not mean without preparation. There's a huge difference," Obama said.

"There are a whole series of steps that need to be taken before you would have a presidential meeting, but that has to be setting an agenda, and faith and having a constructive conversation. It doesn't mean you expect the other side to agree to every item on your list, that has been the attitude of the Bush administration and that will change when I'm president of the United States."

For a Full Transcript of Jake Tapper's Interview With Sen. Barack Obama Click Here.

Obama also extended his concern and support for Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., who, it was learned today, has a malignant brain tumor.

"It's a testament to how beloved he is that you are seeing well wishes from across the aisle from everyone in political life and Massachusetts. I hope he will be OK, and I will do everything I can to make sure his family has support at this difficult time," Obama said.