More from Obama's Interview With CNN

On public's Veep fever: “The vice presidency is the most important decision that I'll make before I'm president. It's something that I take very seriously."

Notes that Bill Clinton took the process seriously, as his wife would. Said he will go through a procedure and he'll meet with a range of people before making his decision.

“Everybody just needs to settle down. We've just completeed this arduous process. It's only been two days...

"I will be deliberate and systematic about it. This will be my final counselor when I'm making decisions in the White House and I want to make sure I get it right.”

On feeling the pressure to pick Clinton: “I am a big believer in making decisions well, not making them fast and not responding to pressure.”

Says that the nomination season just ended and both of them need to catch their breaths, "we want to take stock."

“She and I will have a conversation. We won't be doing it through surrogates or the press. We will figure out the best way to win November.”

On Israel-Palestinian conflict: Says there needs to be a system where everyone has access to the extraordinary religious sites but it will be mostly Israel's claim to the land.

On Iraq: Outlined his withdrawal plan, says it's a "very complicated operation" and "I've got no interest in doing this carelessly." Thinks it's important to tell the Iraqis that the U.S. won't stay for the long haul, suggested the UN and other peacekeeping agencies to be placed as monitors.