Obama Weighs in on Oscars Diversity Debate, Super Bowl

— -- President Obama weighed in Wednesday on the controversy over diversity in the Oscars during a series of wide-ranging interviews, saying that the debate is really "just an expression of this broader issue."

The remarks were part of the latest installment of “Live from the White House” -- a round of interviews with television anchors from Richmond, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Denver, Los Angeles, and Oakland to discuss the Affordable Care Act. The cities were chosen for the interview series because they have large numbers of uninsured residents.

David Ono, from ABC owned station KABC, asked Obama about the controversy surrounding the Oscars and its lack of diverse nominees in the top categories.

"I think that California is an example of the incredible diversity of this country. That’s a strength. I think that when everyone’s story is told then that makes for better art," Obama said.

"It makes for better entertainment it makes everybody feel part of one American family, so I think as a whole the industry should do what every other industry should do which is to look for talent, provide opportunity to everybody. And I think the Oscar debate is really just an expression of this broader issue. Are we making sure that everybody is getting a fair shot?”

The president was also asked by Joyce Garbaciak, of ABC Milwaukee affiliate WISN about the recent FBI arrest which uncovered a terrorist-style plot intended to kill dozens of people with automatic weapons at a Masonic center in Milwaukee.

Obama said the case highlighted the importance of vigilance in our communities and the danger of lone wolf operations.

As for whether Obama has picked a team in the big game, the president is staying mum, declining to pick between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, since his precious Bears are not in the championship.

He was asked about the Super Bowl by CBS affiliate KCNC-TV in Denver.