Obama on 2016: Americans Want a ‘New Car Smell,’ ‘Fresh Start’

In an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos Sunday morning, President Barack Obama said American voters will want a “clean slate” and a “fresh start” in anticipation of the 2016 presidential election.

Stephanopoulos also asked the president what his relationship will be like the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton if she decides to run for president, to which Obama praised Clinton as an effective Cabinet member, a friend, and a “formidable” candidate. Obama noted that while he wants a Democratic successor, Clinton obviously does not agree with him on everything, and said the best way forward is a blank slate that does not involve him or the “dings” he has acquired as president.

RELATED: Stephanopoulos to Obama: What’s Stopping Future Presidents From Not Enforcing Tax Laws?

“I think the American people, they’re going to want that new car smell,” Obama said. “They want to drive something off the lot that doesn’t have as much mileage as me.”

Obama also acknowledged that Democratic candidates probably would not him to campaign for them.

Watch the video below, via ABC (Note: the interview segment is immediately followed by a panel discussion):

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[Image via screengrab]

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[Note: Mediaite intern Andrew Desiderio is a student at The George Washington University.]

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