Was the Obama family interview with Access Hollywood a mistake?
Just a day after the week's first installment aired, Obama seems to think so. MSNBC reports that the candidate all but called the sit-down with his wife and two daughters, Malia and Sasha, a lapse in judgment:
Barack Obama said it was a mistake to allow his daughters to be interviewed extensively by "Access Hollywood," and he will not allow it to happen again.
"I think that we got carried away in the moment," the Illinois senator and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told TODAY's Matt Lauer Wednesday. "We were having a birthday party, and everybody was laughing. And suddenly this thing cropped up. I didn’t catch it quickly enough. I was surprised by the attention it received."
Which is odd, because most of the reaction has been pretty positive, particularly about his daughters. Some of the revelations:
- Obama on his choice of mint chewing gum, never bubble: "I'm pretty conservative when it comes to my gum."
- Sasha on her dad's oratorical skills: "Blah blah blah blah blah."
- Malia on her parents' love life: "It also makes me feel good when [my parents], you know. Kids like it when their parents, you know, are all ... except sometimes when you get to be teenager-like. Sometimes people think it's embarrassing. I like it, though."
Now there's a supportive daughter. Two parts left to the weeklong interview series, and you can view them all, eventually, at Access Hollywood. While you're waiting for episodes three and four:
Tell us why below.
*Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press
For God`s sake,I think the same people who were saying they dont know this guy are again complaining about over-exposure.
I think that was one of the steps towards familiarizing the american public with this guy who seems to be eluding alot of people`s imaginations.I think the whole thing helped obama in a way that it made people realise that he may not be that elitist as some people suggest,it helps him show that side of him that is common with all american families.
Now,my opinion is that it was a calculated move, partly to play on some folks` emotions -people easily get drawned up the fervor and ecstasies sorrounding this guy.
Posted by: Otuya Odeke David | July 12, 2008 at 04:57 PM
While Malia is a very intelligent girl, you don't want her facing the critics at her tender age. And none other than Barack acknowledges that it was bad.
While many people have said positive things, it only takes ONE ill comment to damage a person's psyche -- young and old. And, nobody wants that to happen to anybody's kids.
Children are gifts from God and Barack and Michelle should not be sharing a special gift with the whole world. They are definitely great kids but only for friends and family. Some things you keep in the family.
They'll write their own memoirs when they are of age. That's when they'll tell what they thought about their dad as a presidential or fashion icon. You know!
Posted by: Mwila Chansa | July 12, 2008 at 07:42 AM
As someone who has had a lot of experience with young children, I found the Barack Obama and family interview, however spontaneous it was meant to seem, contrived.
Young children do not normally talk about their dad's" blah blah blah" when they are seven years old, and whether or not he shakes hands with friends of theirs as opposed to being kid cool when they are ten.
Real children are not programed to mimic what their mother might say or such. They talk about their own interests. They act in spontaneous ways.
Contrast this with JFK and his children, who it is often suggested Obama is trying so hard to imitate: JFK's children were completely unscripted, unposed, and natural. Obama's children, by comparison, seem phony, through no fault of their own.
Posted by: Loesjke | July 11, 2008 at 07:37 PM
There's a ton of ignorance and fear and hatred displayed by some people above--so sad. I thought the interview was great--the kids are well-mannered and charming and smart, and they are a lovely family. As a parent, I'd bet Obama watching the interview had this moment of "wow--my girls could be so vunerable in something like this," had the interviewer not done such a good job, etc. That is most likely why he will not do it again, but I think this once was such a great opportunity to see a wonderful family together for the 4th and for Malia's birthday.
Posted by: Patti | July 10, 2008 at 09:19 PM
This was a fantastic interview. The kids were absolutely charming, open and candid. The girls are drug addicts or alcoholics like other children. This is the best AD he could have ever put on tv...just play that interview instead of having anymore commercials. Hmmm...educated and eloquent young black kids. I bet many Americans were greatly surprised. I loved it!!!!!
Posted by: Me | July 10, 2008 at 06:38 PM
I've been uncomfortable with seeing Obama's minor children for a while now. I wish they were not in photos, and did not join Obama on stage before his speeches.
I don't think it is appropriate for minor children to be part of political campaigns. Their privacy should be respected, and they should be sheltered from becoming targets of the loonies out there, as much as possible.
I hope we really do see the Obama children disappear from campaign coverage.
Posted by: ST | July 10, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Just wanted to correct something, Maille Obama is only 10 not 12. I can't believe that anyone would start to judge children.
Posted by: grace | July 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM
what you expect now he is candite , now we will know the real person, regreats bad judgement those were the attacks against Hillary, but whose is surprise, his friend on trial, his pastor with all kind of anti-america rethoric.
I still dont undestand in what people base the support for him, he is another politician without any experience
Posted by: socorro | July 10, 2008 at 09:55 AM
It is every parent's right and responsibility to pick and choose when it is appropriate to expose their child to any given situation. It doesn't have to be, nor should it be, an "all or nothing" proposition when it comes to protecting our children. Only Obama himself should be scrutinized to that degree
Posted by: minneapplebird | July 10, 2008 at 08:59 AM
It was wonderful to see a well-adjusted family interacting together so beautifully. It's never a mistake to air an example of a happy family based on mutual respect - it's so rare to see, and it's inspiring.
Posted by: Nancy Reindl | July 10, 2008 at 08:56 AM
As a caring parent, I know that it can be a daunting task to find the balance between protecting children from the evils of our world, while at the same time preparing them to live fulfilling lives amidst those evils. It must be all the more difficult for individuals who have chosen very public lives for themselves. In such a media-powered world, Senator Obama's stated intent to spare his two daughters from this unpredictable glare seemed positively another one of his presented special perfections. However, it would have been better, if he had just done what he said he would do, instead of pronouncing that he would do it, and then not doing it at all. These continual self-pronounced and then soon-contradicted pieties are becoming troubling. In kind, until the Access Hollywood interview, I was puzzled by how the Senator managed to rationalize his promise to guarantee each year the deaths of more than a million other children, wonderful children like his own, by greasing the way for their continued abortion. Now I begin to understand. He doesn't really care about protecting his own children either. How much more will his supporters have to overlook and forgive to vote for him? Including everyone equally while ignoring the fact that some are not treated equally is a shameless deceptive act of bigotry and racism, too.
Posted by: James L. Sherley | July 10, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I think some of you are overreacting to nothing....this is no indication of his performance in the white house if he is elected.
no parent has made all perfect decisions regarding their kids...not that I think this was a bad idea. He should have no regrets about it. I thought it was a very good one. And how were the kids exploited?
If we wanted to use his family life as an example of his presidency....then it would be a good and successful one. He obviously made alot of good choices to have a happy, successful life, two beautiful and intelligent kids, happy marriage...and to top it off be a presidential candidate.
Posted by: naiima28 | July 10, 2008 at 06:18 AM
I don't think he made a mistake and neither should he. These are two young ladies, who were being honest and spontaneous. It shows a human daddy side. I found it very refreshing and human
Posted by: JoannC | July 10, 2008 at 06:02 AM
I'm an observer of people. Clearly Barack was uncomfortable and out of his safety net of speech groomers and press advisors. On the otherhand, I found his family's responses refreshing. Why would he be so adamant about the interview being a mistake? Can you say everyday life ?? What a jerk to be so reticent about everyday life. I think his reaction revealed a tragic flaw that I believe some real folks have "seen" through already.
Posted by: miner | July 10, 2008 at 01:23 AM
Some people in this country stinks! Why do this people have to go making nasty comments in relation to the girls? Why the hypocrisy from part of some Americans toward the Obama's family? The interview was pretty good, the girls are well educated, well cared for, Obama is a great example of achievment and good manners, and those girls are as intelligent. In addition, the reporter did a great job, my respect for Maria Menounos, the interview made me feel confident that Barack Obama is the best choice, well done! And last but not least, to all those nasty comments; back off , find a hobbie, bunch of hypocrites!
Posted by: roch20 | July 10, 2008 at 01:12 AM
"Do we really want a President that makes decisions based on the moment and then changes his mind???"
Absolutely. Having the ability to admit when you're wrong, to change your mind in the face of new evidence, is a STRENGTH, not a weakness. It's the foundation of the scientific method.
What the conservatives like to deride as 'flip flipping' is called 'learning from your experience'. People who don't/can't do that are SCARY.
"This isn't the first time it's happened and it scares me."
What should scare you are people who's opinions are NOT subject to change. See: Bush. See: any religious zealot.
Straight from the dictionary:
con·ser·va·tive
adj.
1. Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.
lib·er·al
adj.
1. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
2. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
The fact that the Republicans have managed to turn 'liberal' in a four letter word, shows have fundamentally flawed their ideology is. If southern conservatives had their way, we'd still have slavery in this country.
You shouldn't be afraid of change, you should be afraid of people who are incapable of change.
Posted by: EricT | July 10, 2008 at 12:37 AM
The family portrait was fascinating and especially the younger daughter making her blah blah blah gestures about her father's speeches. Her elder sister showed considerable presence and clarity. The girls like ice cream and want a puppy after the campaign is over and there are two parents at home. It was Butte Montana for God's sake. What could be sweeter and more engaging than for the family to let us meet them. I can see why the candidate would have mixed feelings about exposing his family to the kind of projections that people seem to do about celebrity people. Still, it was good politics I think. Nothing like a family portrait where famous father gets plenty of humility. Good stuff. Healthy.
Posted by: Gaias Child | July 10, 2008 at 12:30 AM
The interview was a great idea, but the after-thought is surely not! The interview showed us Obama's happy family side. Its a very important. However, the after-thought about the interview puts his decision making in poor light.
Posted by: Keshu | July 09, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Speaking of Flip Flops Google McCain Flip Flops. Why would a "war hero" hide his Military Records? Kerry signed the Form 180 waiver, why does McCain refuse to release his Military Records? Do a search on his military history and you will find some very interesting things about him. He even admits to collaborating with the enemy and being a war criminal on 60 Minutes, CBS News, 1997 for bombing innocent women and children. Do some research on him and you will find plently more. Is this why he is not releasing his Military Records?
Posted by: emily | July 09, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Seeing how Obama interacts with his family and manages his campaign tells me much more about what kind of president he will be than any debates, townhall meetings, policy arguments can provide. He demonstrates that he is a pragmatic guy with sound judgment and he is not afraid to admit mistakes and change positions when new information arrives. This is exactly the attribute a president must have in this changing world. If Bush had the same willingness to listen and change positions with new information, we won't be in the current mass. After all, he wanted to do the right thing but made the wrong decision. I like McCain personally but think he is just as stubborn as Bush. You just can't entrust them to make important decisions in today's world.
Posted by: Brent | July 09, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I like the quote how he leaves his luggage in everyone's way for the wife or maid to pick up after him. Typical misogynist refusing to do "women's" work.
Nice to know too how the daughters can hear them going at it with the house being as large as it is.
No wonder they won't be doing any more interviews.
Posted by: xbjlllb | July 09, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Anyone who thinks Obama is "sorry" about this interview is a sucker's sucker. Never mind buyer the Brooklyn bridge, how about the whole United States? I can get you a great price and I offer financing at competitive rates.
Posted by: Erick Blair | July 09, 2008 at 10:46 PM
@CHAD your comment is exactly why we need change. Your attitude is a disgrace to the Republican party and the People of America. It is idiots such as you that should not be allowed to vote - PLEASE look up the word "character", "honesty", "integrity" - is there a color or race anywhere in the definition? You certainly are lacking character and class. I'm embarassed for you.
Posted by: Jen | July 09, 2008 at 09:51 PM
VOTE 4 OBAMA. HE IS THE GREATESTTTTTTTTTT
Posted by: Proud American | July 09, 2008 at 09:28 PM
I think it was ok. the one daugher got carried away about the private life of her parents but its not anything they cant talk about to get her not to say things like that anymore but beeing in the lite their father is right and about the interview I really cant say.
Posted by: cheryl seger | July 09, 2008 at 07:16 PM