>> i don't want us to lose sight that things are getting better. each successive generation seems to be making progress in changing attitudes when it comes to race. it doesn't mean we're in a post racial society. it doesn't mean racism is eliminated. but when i talk to mel ya and sasha and listen to their friends and see them interact, they are better than we are. they are better than we were on these issues. that's true in every community i've visited across the country. >> that is the president's great optimism about this next generation. do you share that optimism? are you doing better than we e are. >> i don't necessarily think so.