President Obama indicates that when it comes to world leadership, he has mostly disdain for people who compare him to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
When challenged by “60 Minutes” interviewer Steve Kroft about ceding leadership in the Middle East to Putin, Obama argued that leadership on climate change was more important than leadership to combat terrorism.
“My definition of leadership would be leading on climate change, an international accord that potentially we’ll get in Paris,” Obama said. “My definition of leadership is mobilizing the entire world community to make sure that Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon.”
Obama is also quite proud of his milestones on climate change, particularly after reaching a “historic” deal with China in 2014.
“The historic climate change announcements that we made last year in Beijing have encouraged other countries to step up, as well, increasing the prospects for a stronger global agreement this year,” Obama said in September during a meeting with Chinese President Xi at the White House.
During his United Nations speech in September, Obama boasted that working on climate change was the pinnacle of leadership.
“No country can escape the ravages of climate change and there is no stronger sign of leadership than putting future generations first,” Obama said. “The United States will work with every nation that is willing to do its part so that we can come together in Paris to decisively confront this challenge.”
Nearly 200 nations are expected to meet at the climate summit in Paris, which is scheduled to begin on November 30.