Obama: I want to develop ‘whole new generation of talent’

President Obama said in an interview broadcast Monday that he wants to build up the Democratic Party by helping to develop a “whole new generation of talent” after he leaves the White House.

“There are such incredible young people who not only worked on my campaign, but I’ve seen in advocacy groups,” Obama told NPR.

Obama said he’s seen young people speak out on issues such as climate change, criminal justice reform and a livable wage, adding that he wants to make sure he uses “whatever resources, credibility, spotlight that I can bring to help them rise up.”

{mosads}That’s something both he and first lady Michelle Obama can do well, he added.

“That’s part of what makes me optimistic about our future because I know those young people are out there ready to lead,” he said, “and when they start moving into more and more positions of authority, then I think the issues that I care most deeply about are going to be well served.”

When asked if he wanted to be a “talent scout,” Obama said he also hopes to be “a coach” and “a friend.”

“Somebody who can build on the incredible work that has already been done by young people,” he said, “and that to a large degree was responsible for getting me elected.”