Obama told the Russian President what he believes should happen for the overall betterment of the Soviet nation. Obama told Medvedev that Russia needs to protect property rights more to increase investment in the nation and a free press as well. Obama also said there needs to be courts that are independent and stronger opposition in politics in order to decrease the likelihood of corruption in the government.

However, the way in which President Obama addressed the issue was not by preaching his beliefs to the Russian people or by criticizing any of their ways, but instead by praising Medvedev’s already present goals of bettering his nation.

Despite Obama’s positive talks with the current president, he still does not see eye to eye with the former Soviet President Vladimir Putin, who is the current Russian Prime Minister. Obama has stated before that Putin needs to stop fighting the ongoing democracy reforms and get both of his feet out of the Cold War mind set.

Obama also mentioned that he would not stop taking notice of human rights tactics used in Russia and the alarming discrimination and murder of journalists.

Even though Obama does object to the ways of the Russian government, he did say that, “I think it is improper for outsiders to interfere in the legal processes of Russia.”

The United States President and the Russian President appeared to have gotten along very well and spent hours together in meetings on Monday, followed by the news conference, then a dinner together. The two also prepared to spend most of Tuesday attending numerous events in the area to represent the improved relationship between the United States and Russia.

Still, Obama is scheduled to spend at least a 90-minute Tuesday breakfast with Vladimir Putin. Putin still holds a lot of influence over the Russian people and Obama called his talks with him to be the most important part of his visit to Russia.

President Barack Obama said on Thursday that while former Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is no longer the head of the Soviet nation, he still possesses much influence over the country.

Obama is scheduled to go to Moscow next week and hopes to address the fact that the Cold War is long over and that the United States and Russia need to be on the same page. Obama said “Putin has one foot in the old ways of doing business and one foot in the new.” Hopes are that Putin and the new Russian President agree with Obama and move past Cold War tactics of how to approach the United States.

Obama is meeting with not only former President Putin, but also his personally selected successor, Dmitry Medvedev.

On the subject of the Supreme Court and it’s involvement in the progression of racial equality in the United States, Obama stated that affirmative action is no longer to be held in such high importance. Obama said that affirmative action is not the problem or solution that many people think it is. However, Obama did address the fact that race does play a part in admission to college and chances of getting a job in parts of the nation.

The discussion went on to the top news story in the world, as well as the most searched story in the history of the Internet, the passing of entertainment legend Michael Jackson. Obama touted Jackson, calling his work brilliant. Obama expressed his penchant for Jackson’s music by saying “I still have all his stuff on my iPod.” Obama concluded his thoughts on the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, by saying, “I’m glad to see that he is being remembered primarily for the great joy that he brought to a lot of people through his extraordinary gifts as an entertainer.”

As more insight was asked about the personal life of Obama, the man whose approval ratings are still high after six months of being President informed the world that both he and his wife Michelle have a high affinity for the White House chef’s pie, which Obama called “The best pie I have ever tasted.” When asked a common question among basketball fans, “Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan?” Obama quickly responded “Michael.”

On Sunday, Obama will leave for Russia, which will be followed with a meeting of the international community in Italy, then a trip to Africa, Obama’s first as President of the United States.

An interview with the President could not end without mention of the current issues in both Iran and North Korea. Obama said he was happy with Russia for being on the same side as the United Nations in trying to get Iran and North Korea to end their nuclear weapon programs.

Much like his work in the United States of America, Obama urges the international community that “it’s time to move forward in a different direction.”

The unemployment rate was also addressed. Obama said that he was worried about the current situation, but still has faith in the stimulus package succeeding and the economy turning around.

While success was not immediate, faith is still high in the package and it’s ability to help America rise up once again.