Obama Prank-Calls Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine

3 years ago

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Washington Reporter

While answering questions from constituents on his final "Ask the Governor" radio show yesterday, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine took a call from "Barry from D.C."

It wasn't the sort of comment or query the termed-out governor and chairman of the Democratic National Committee was expecting, and Barry was no ordinary caller.

"Governor Kaine, this is actually the president of the United States calling," a familiar voice said.

"No . . . ?" a surprised Kaine responded.

"I have some questions about traffic in Northern Virginia," President Obama said with a chuckle. "Rather than go there, I just want to say how proud we are of your service as governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and wish you and the family all the best this Christmas season, after a just terrific round of service for the people of Virginia."

Kaine will soon leave the statehouse as he terms out as governor, and the radio station -- WTOP in Washington -- had planned for months to send him off in style. The call from Obama remained a closely guarded secret until the White House confirmed it Tuesday morning.

"Kaine was giddy," host Mark Segraves told the Washington Post. "He was really surprised and very touched."

Also calling in to wish Kaine well was his replacement, Republican Gov.-elect Robert F. McDonnell.

Click play below to watch the CBS News video of Kaine taking Obama's call.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Filed Under: Democrats, Barack Obama, Governors

Tagged: daily guidance, DailyGuidance, radio, tim kaine, TimKaine, WTOP

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