WASHINGTON - You mean it wasn’t just about the fun stuff on the campaign trail — like junk food, picnics and parades?
Soon to be dad-in-chief, Barack Obama, explains to his young daughters why he ran for president in an open letter published this week by Parade magazine.
Obama tells Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, that as a young man he thought life was “all about me” — until they entered his life. And suddenly all of his big plans for himself didn’t seem so important anymore, he said.
“I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours,” he said. “In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for president: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation,” Obama said.
Good schools, the chance to go to college, and good jobs with benefits are some of the things Obama says he wants for every child in America.
“And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have,” Obama said. “That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.”
A new chapter in the adventure opens on Tuesday when the Obamas move into the White House.
Photo credit: Reuters/Gary Hershorn. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama arrives to speak to supporters with his wife Michelle (R) and their children Malia (2nd R) and Sasha during his election night rally in Chicago November 4, 2008.
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2 comments so far
Sounds disingenuous. It should be a private matter between Obama and his daughters. He can take care of his daughters like I can take care of my children. I am not asking him to do anything for me and my family, thank you very much.
What works for him doesn’t mean it will work everyone.
- Posted by TCThis is a quote from H.G. Wells in his great work “The Outline of History”. I would like President Elect Obama to know of this quote.
- Posted by Chris Mills“If human greatness is a matter of scale and glitter, then no doubt Alexander the Great is at the apex of human greatness. But is greatness that? Is not a great man rather one who, in a great position or amidst great opportunities–and great gifts are no more than great opportunities–serves God and his fellows with a humble heart?”