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.
-- Amina Khan
*Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press
Obama had said that his personal life/family were off limits, and he told the media to lay-off his wife. Then he throws them - especially his children - in front of the cameras. This makes it seem as if he's taking advantage of every opportunity, and one cannot fault him for that, but sometimes one can go too far. She may be only 12, but there is a certain arrogance when his daughter alreadys starts planning how she's going to redo a place she may never occupy. Overall, I don't think it looks good. I don't think it will affect the outcome of the election, but it can cause some to look at Obama and his family differently. Another time he has had to back off something.
Posted by: Ben | July 09, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I thought it was a very nice way to see how the family is reacting to the busy schedule. I enjoyed the way they responded to each other.
Posted by: Kathleen | July 09, 2008 at 01:07 PM
His children aren't running and this isn't a cutest family contest. He should conduct an adult campaign.
Posted by: Margaret | July 09, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Children are beautiful because of their innocence and lack of pretense in keeping up with media exposure. Interviews such as these change the thought process of children and drag them into the ugly side of media at a very young age.
Leave the kids alone.
Posted by: Salim | July 09, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I think the whole thing stinx.
Posted by: Stinky Pete | July 09, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I thought it was great. Just like an all American family. The girls are cute. Who cares that Access Hollywood got the interview. The reporter did a great job.
Posted by: B. Simpson | July 09, 2008 at 01:13 PM
the Obama interview made me see Obama as a "human being", a family man, someone that will take care of other people with families too, not just a stuffy, straight laced politician. I plan to vote for him now that I saw the interview with his family.
Posted by: Jenni | July 09, 2008 at 01:14 PM
I thought it was sweet and those girls are very cute. If McCain had a similar interview, all he can do is drag out that albino twig that he's married to. I liked the Obama family interview.
Posted by: Laura | July 09, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Vote for Nadar.
Posted by: Happiness | July 09, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Obamas just can't get enough of the limelight. They love attention and I don't believe he's sorry about this one. If he is and did not have enough sense to stop it, how would he function against the likes of Iran (go talk with them while they are blasting off missles), and other foreign countries. Not to swift, Barack Hussein
Posted by: Clyde Nugget | July 09, 2008 at 01:16 PM
This is a time when what is good as a candidate directly conflicts with what is good as a parent. It may not have been a good idea as a parent to have Malia and Sasha's personal thoughts exposed on national t.v. I believe him when he said that it was only while watching the video afterwards that he realized that it was a bad idea. Speaking as a voter, I thought the video was great. I loved seeing Senator Obama with his family. Liking a candidate as a person is as important as liking their policies, and this definitely helped me get to know him as a person.
Posted by: Melissa | July 09, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Having Obama's family interviewed is actually a very smart thing to do. It gives the American public an eye into his family life. By doing so, it would mostly make the public more comfortable with him, especially to see the loving, doting mother and father, with the two happy children. The "ideal" American family..... Well played Sir, well played.
Posted by: Amanda | July 09, 2008 at 01:18 PM
What causes greater concern is the fact that the Obama's were "caught up in the moment" and allowed this to happen. Now have decided it wasn't a good idea.
Do we really want a President that makes decisions based on the moment and then changes his mind???
This isn't the first time it's happened and it scares me.
Posted by: Carrie | July 09, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Ben, you think it’s arrogant for a little girl to day dream about a new place she might move into. Sounds like you are clutching at straws to find some way to criticize the Obamas. When I was young, I was always dreaming of ways I’d decorate a house we never actually moved to. It was just wishful thinking. More than arrogance, I’d say it’s probably something her mom and dad use as a way to help her comprehend the pretty major changes to her life that have occurred in the past year, and to get excited about potentially moving to a new home, new city, new school, etc.
Maybe you should find something more substantial to dislike Obama for, rather than call his kid arrogant. It’s a bit sad.
Posted by: LD | July 09, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I enjoyed the interview and think it helps to see the family interact. It's a good indication of the family's values and should go a long way toward showing that they're not radicals, but just a very nice family. I personally think that the McCain wife and daughter would be encouraged to give interviews if they weren't as phony-looking. Talk about elitist and out of touch!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 09, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I think it was a great interview. It shows they are a normal american family loving and caring for each other. Why is is that we want to hear all the dirt and none of the positive stuff. Shame on you all that can't get that!!!
Posted by: LJH | July 09, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Yawn! Is anyone else tired of the all mesiah like attention given to a man who is a communist and and ties to terrorists and other seedy charachters? This man may not be the anti Christ but his beliefes are anti American and bad!
Posted by: wej | July 09, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I see no harm done. The Obama's seem to be a typical family. Obama doesn't want to see his wife picked on. Fair enough. I do not see these interviews that way at all and I do not see how anyone could find mud here. My positive view of Obama is unchanged. So far. Much can happen in the next 118 days or so.
Posted by: joe | July 09, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Haha Margaret! Touche... but if it WERE a cutest family contest, the Obamas would crush the McCains. I don't agree that this interview was a mistake, but I do think it should be the one and only time interviews with his kids are allowed. Not sure why he's coming out with this surprising mea culpa.
Posted by: Tim | July 09, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Why people are now judging his family. he has a normal family like everybody else and shouldnt be judged for that. US media just try to take people's attention on things that has no value instead of looking at his policies and ideas that he has to offer for this country.
Even the presidential campaign is part of Hollywood here, which I think its radiculous. This shouldn't have been raised as an issue if he did the right or wrong things, there are other things that this nation has to look to improve rather than just trying to keep people stupid by showing them the hollywood life.
Posted by: BASHA | July 09, 2008 at 01:23 PM
I don't think it was a bad idea per se.
I'm assuming the goal was to make him look more wholesome and family-oriented.
However, has someone who is already having a problem being seen as experienced ... this didn't help. It made him look youthful and a good dad ... but no as someone who could run the country.
My bet would be THAT'S why he's not doing anymore family interviews ... and opposed to anything more noble.
Posted by: Ethan | July 09, 2008 at 01:25 PM
getr over Obama already and start giving equal time to McCain. There is som,ething wrong with people who make this man out to be a god when every thing he wants to do is bad for the nation and he is a anti American communist. OBAMA does not even qualify for a security clearance of the lowest level bcause he is a communist.
How can he swear to uphold the constitution when he is a communist and against everything that made this country great! His activities as a college student we unamerican and contrary to the US Constitution.
Posted by: Shiraz Zarihs | July 09, 2008 at 01:26 PM
It's absolutely fine that he allowed a television program to interview his children, as it is important for people to understand what type of family he has created. A man is judged not only on his accomplishments in business and government, but also by his family. I think they are wonderful, and it's nice to know not every politician has drunken teenagers or trophy wives. It is a reflection of what we all are coming to realize, Mr. Obama is a decent, hardworking and knowledgable man with a beautiful family to boot.
Posted by: Charles | July 09, 2008 at 01:27 PM
It shows that the Obamas are a really good family, what with bright, adorable, and loving children. Apples don't fall far from the tree. On the other hand, I dread how negatively the entertainers posing as journalists will spin this story. They're pretty adept at turning just about anything into some form of poison or other.
Posted by: Mike | July 09, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I think that it was a wonderful moment to show his family side. His daughters were great, ecpecially the older one. As a grandmother of 6 and a great aunt of 2, I love to watch kids reactions to life. The were honest yet polite. I wish I could see more of them together in a normal family setting. I feeel that the reporters that not snag this story are just p----d off because they were not the lucky one to get this story.
This man is a great example of what a leadershould be. Never in my life have I given to any political party, or listen more closely to what is being said and done as now.
Please, lets see more of your family.
We Love you all, and pray for you daily.
REason
Posted by: REason | July 09, 2008 at 01:32 PM
This is typical Obama. He flip flops on everything! Even his children!
And his supporters and the media said terrible things about Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, and she was an adult! But they think it is fine to put these small children in front of the media and world. Yes, typical HYPOCRITES and ANYTHING TO WIN Obama!
Posted by: DEM NOW IND | July 09, 2008 at 01:34 PM
I thought it demonstrated just how good the Obama marriage and family life are. Just more proof of Obama's integrity, centeredness, and dedication to families.
I agree that it should be a one time thing, however. It wouldn't be long before Fox News was demonizing Malia and Sasha.
Posted by: Vickie | July 09, 2008 at 01:35 PM
they're cute kids and it makes him a bit human. the other guy is married to a beer baroness who can't string a sentence together.
Posted by: malach hamovess | July 09, 2008 at 01:35 PM
"I think we got carried away in the moment..."
If Obama is elected I believe a nation will be saying the same thing 6 months down the road...
If you think you can fly a plane and you're not a pilot - go ahead. If you think you can do surgery on a heart but you're not a doctor - go ahead. If you think you can race at Indianapolis but you don't have a drivers license - go ahead.
If you think you can run the biggest ecomony and the most powerful military in the world but you have never held a job or served in the Armed Forces - you gotta be out of your frigging mind.
I love the whole "I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night..." campaign, but who ever dreamed someone would watch it and then decide to run for President of the United States of America??? More unbelievable is that millions of people would watch the commercials and then support a man that "HOPES" he can pick it all up on the fly!
Obama you are a great speaker with incredable writers, but here in Hollywood people in the biz always wink wink when talent starts thinking they really can DO all those big things the writers tell them to say.... My advice is to stick with daytime TV, write some more books, and get a long term deal with Oprah (look what it did for Dr. Phil!)
But PLEASE leave the important things like running the world to people that have a little more training than "stand here, now turn this way, (somebody please get a few more white people behind OB - I need a LATTE PLEASE I AM TRYING TO WORK HERE PEOPLE!!!) now wave, now smile, now bring in the kids and wife... OK now where is the Access Hollywood crew?"
Good luck guy and break a leg -
Posted by: RSW | July 09, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Regardless of how the reaction from the public was to the interview (which I personally found charming), if Barack and Michelle Obama feel the exposure of their children was beyond their comfort level, then that is their perogative. They don't ususally allow the press to even photograph the children. What I actually found odd in this article was the statement of how it is "odd" that Obama could be uncomfortable since the public reaction was so positive. Public reaction to his children's personal life is not the measure by which the Oboma's are raising their children, I'm sure. So, such a statement by the author shows lack of depth of thought, in my humble opinion. It ain't always about politics folks, and to me, Obama's feelings about the interview show me a side of him that appears to be genuine and likeable.
Posted by: Lisa K. from Tacoma | July 09, 2008 at 01:36 PM
I thought it demonstrated just how good the Obama marriage and family life are. Just more proof of Obama's integrity, centeredness, and dedication to families.
I agree that it should be a one time thing, however. It wouldn't be long before Fox News was demonizing Malia and Sasha.
Posted by: Vickie | July 09, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I think that the interview shows how much that he can connect with the American people. He's just a capable man with a family trying to change American for the good, he is not someone who is unreachable. I'm pretty sure he didn't show off his family to the media just to win a cutest family contest. Yes, he should be focusing on the job, but I want to see someone in office that will do the job and someone I can relate with. To have this attribute would give me move faith and trust in a candidate. Oh, bye the way, his daughter turned 10, not 12....and she's a kid, of course they are going to have big ideas and get excited when you tell them they MIGHT be getting a new room. Kids get more excited than adults, they don't hear "might", they are going to prepare for the good, not think about the bad. Not too many kids I would call arrogant either.
Posted by: Heather | July 09, 2008 at 01:38 PM
If Mr. Obama cannot decide, from one week to the next, whether a media interview was a lapse in judgment, how can we have confidence in his judgment as future "leader of the free world"? When he negotiates with Congress on issues that boost or destroy America's economy--or with foreign powers on matters of international security--will he second-guess himself the week after, wondering if that decision was also a lapse in judgment?
His message of hope and change is inspiring; but his continuous second-guessing of his previous decisions suggests that he needs considerably more experience in assessing the ramifications of his actions. To paraphrase the old political line: Diplomacy and statesmanship ain't beanbag, either!
Posted by: libba | July 09, 2008 at 01:39 PM
It's a joy to see any family thriving in the blessings of a nurturing environment. Many among us either look forward to sharing similar moments in their lives or reflect on similar moments in their past. Unfortunately, the medias attention to Obama's family also fuels those with evil intentions among us who may be crazed enough to act out.
Posted by: Christopher | July 09, 2008 at 01:39 PM
really do admire this candidate, great man, great family...will make a great president and a great first family......finally something for america to be proud of....
Posted by: Mark | July 09, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I thought it was refreshing to see a different side of him. Children are very honest and the love they show for their father shined through the interview. He showed himself as a man of standards and that he follows through, because his children respect him.
Posted by: Vi | July 09, 2008 at 01:44 PM
The Obama's were clearly unscripted and relaxed. So what if he had a casual interview? Mom and Dad listened beautifully while the girls spoke and kept it very light. We, as a country, over think every word and move our candidates make. The country needs to lighten up and let the candidates be human. Maybe it was good decision maybe not? Who cares! I think people should spend more time reading about each candidate and self educating themselves on the issues to make an informed voting decision.
Posted by: Susan Tornlof | July 09, 2008 at 01:45 PM
I thought the interview was nice. His daughters are pleasant, well-behaved young ladies and to see the interaction among the family gives me a better understanding of his character.
If someone doesn't approve of his children being included in his campaign (a very small interview), maybe we should consider not allowing the other candidate to exploit his military service.
Posted by: Jen | July 09, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Children express true honesty. He has an adorable family and the obvious love they have for each other can't be faked - good family values for once!!
Posted by: Gage | July 09, 2008 at 01:47 PM
He is using the children to win votes, Hillary never used Chelsea when she was young!
Candidate ofchange." For what?
Posted by: gloria | July 09, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I'd like to see the demographics on this survey's respondents. Seeing that -currently- 68.5% say "No," it wasn't a bad idea, I wonder how many respondents are stereotypical Los Angeles residents, ones who think trash mags (US Weekly, InTouch, etc.) and celebrity-idol worship are cool elements of our society. I voted "Yes" mostly because I dislike TV programs like Access Hollywood. I'd much rather read a newspaper, which is how I learned about this valuable story. Access Hollywood, if I could psycho-analyze it, is a show that offers self-esteem-lacking, fame-desiring Americans a place to feel "closer" to movie stars, musicians, and the like. Don't get me wrong: I very much respect a lot of the stars for what they do in their day jobs and volunteer efforts... but just because photographers follow them around every day doesn't mean we're forced to look, watch, and listen. For the people who just watch a show like Access Hollywood purely as entertainment, I'd recommend finding a hobby or using the time to meditate. There are many social causes, whether liberal or conservaitve, that need promotion... so what if -during the time you usually watch Access Hollywood- you wrote your politicians (or even movie stars!) to make positive change in your community and your world.
Posted by: J.A. Britton | July 09, 2008 at 01:49 PM
It was a lovely interview, showing the family in a relaxed and natural way, without guile or coaching. They have a warm, affectionate relationship among each other. The interview was certainly not a mistake and I very much enjoyed it.
Posted by: Denise | July 09, 2008 at 01:50 PM
The same people that are critical of Barack Obama introducing his family to the public and would be voters, are more than likely the same people that would wonder if he were hiding something if he had not introduced them. For the people that are not going to vote for Sen. Obama, everything that he has done and everything that he will do will only validate their opinions and what the choose to believe. There is no reaching out to a closed mind.
Posted by: Kevin | July 09, 2008 at 01:50 PM
"He should conduct an adult campaign." Margaret
Oh, you can taste the anger and contempt!
Posted by: TheDiplomat | July 09, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Barack is a good guy who is right on time for America, but he HAS to stop this second guessing and pumping. Set your limits on paper, follow through. Never admit a mistake of this sort anyway. Kids are kids...now go become President!
Posted by: Antonio | July 09, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Obama to kids: You're grounded.
Posted by: Rex | July 09, 2008 at 01:52 PM
It made their family look so real and down to earth. Who needs a dog to show you are a family guy when you have family chemistry like that.
Posted by: Ad-Rock | July 09, 2008 at 01:56 PM
What's more than a little scary is the 'lapse in judgement'. Either go with the flow, or don't. But to be the potential President of the greatest country in the free world, and to have a 'slip up', get 'caught off guard', etc. etc. with your own kids is a bit disconcerting to the common man or woman who will need the President to be in top form, always. The interview, whether a slip-up or not, was simply fine, no harm no foul, kids are kids and Mr Obama has a nice family. He should've just "gone with the flow".
Posted by: Peter | July 09, 2008 at 02:02 PM
what a misleading title. you just dont get it. its not a mistake because of any political damage which there were none. this was a great interview and insight into his family. but obama doesn't want his children to be a focus of media spotlight. you know how crazy the media can get, he's just trying to find a balance between introducing them to the world and not having them over exposed and letting them have normal lives. an attempt to see this any other way is disappointing that journalists are so shortsighted to only look for a "gotcha" moment in every story.
Posted by: john | July 09, 2008 at 02:04 PM
While I voted 'No' I'm reconsidering after reading the comments. Perhaps it was a mistake simply because it opens the family up to non-stop nitpicking and overanalyzing by strangers (us) of their personal family time.
In short, the Obama's deserve the preserve this one area where they aren't being held up to scrutiny by the entire world. Let's let the family remain a family and a safe zone for them all.
Posted by: Panda | July 09, 2008 at 02:10 PM