:06:00
It was an idealistic attempt.
:06:03
This was the late '50s, pre-hippie.
:06:06
We tried to establish a community based
on the idea of collective responsibility.
:06:10
It's a crazy idea. It was nuts.
:06:13
It was an unrealistic environment
for a child to grow up in.
:06:17
We moved to Philadelphia
when Bobby was three.
:06:21
It'll be cold today. Chilly, chilly as the leaves
of autumn make way for the wind of winter.
:06:26
Early snow was reported in some mountain
regions but don't dust off the skis yet, folks.
:06:31
Here in Philly it's a brisk 43.
:06:34
Now, Kelly Noble interiews
senatorial candidate Bob Roberts.
:06:38
I must say that I'm not a fan of your music.
I find it offensive.
:06:42
I wouldn't vote for you
if my life depended on it.
:06:46
Good morning, Philadelphia.
Our guest today is Bob Roberts,
:06:50
Pennsylvania senatorial candidate
and folk singer.
:06:53
Our viewers are curious about where it began.
Where did it start for you?
:06:57
Where did what start?
:06:59
Was it a small colonial home
:07:02
with a mom in a starched dress
and a dad in a seersucker suit?
:07:06
- You're speaking of my upbringing?
- Yes.
:07:08
I came to speak about the issues
but I will indulge your personality search.
:07:13
I was born and raised lower middle-class
:07:15
right outside the city of brotherly love,
Philadelphia.
:07:19
My father was a fry cook, my mother
a peacenik. I had no brothers or sisters.
:07:24
Make your judgements if you must.
:07:26
He was a model student.
:07:28
So full of life and energy.
:07:32
Some of the other kids didn't like him
very much. But I did. Very much.
:07:37
Increasing restlessness and trouble
with authority figures and classmates
:07:41
create problems for Bob in high school,
and by his senior year his grades have fallen.
:07:46
[Bob] I know what it's like to be without
a home. I was homeless when I was 17.
:07:51
I didn't ramble, I didn't roam.
No boxcars or park benches.
:07:56
No panhandling for me.
:07:58
I went straight to work,
earned enough money on my own