Happy Belated Birthday Joe Biden 0 comments

Wishing a Happy 66th Birthday to our future Vice President

We've been taking part in 77 Days of Prayer for our New President 0 comments

Here is the prayer for Day 15. If you would like to participate you can sign up at the Presidential Prayer Team page at this link


For the complete safety and security of the President- and Vice President-Elect and their families
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men You save me.
—II Samuel 22:1-3

O God of peace and security, thank You for being strong and safe and secure. I praise You for being a solid and firm place to which we can go for protection and safety. Thank You for looking on all You have made with compassion and kindness; thank You for keeping Your loving eye on all You have made.

Today, as I pray for the new President and Vice President, I ask You to powerfully protect them. Send Your heavenly warriors to drive away anything or anyone who would do them harm. I ask You to protect their families in the same way, that no harm will be done to their spouses, children, grandchildren or parents. Cover them with Your complete protection moment by moment and day by day. In Jesus’ name, amen

President Elect Barack Obama's letter to the people of Illinois 0 comments

November 16, 2008

BY PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA
Today, I am ending one journey to begin another. After serving the people of Illinois in the United States Senate -- one of the highest honors and privileges of my life -- I am stepping down as senator to prepare for the responsibilities I will assume as our nation's next president. But I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.

More than two decades ago, I arrived in Illinois as a young man eager to do my part in building a better America. On the South Side of Chicago, I worked with families who had lost jobs and lost hope when the local steel plant closed. It wasn't easy, but we slowly rebuilt those neighborhoods one block at a time, and in the process I received the best education I ever had. It's an education that led me to organize a voter registration project in Chicago, stand up for the rights of Illinois families as an attorney and eventually run for the Illinois state Senate.

It was in Springfield, in the heartland of America, where I saw all that is America converge -- farmers and teachers, businessmen and laborers, all of them with a story to tell, all of them seeking a seat at the table, all of them clamoring to be heard. It was there that I learned to disagree without being disagreeable; to seek compromise while holding fast to those principles that can never be compromised, and to always assume the best in people instead of the worst. Later, when I made the decision to run for the United States Senate, the core decency and generosity of the American people is exactly what I saw as I traveled across our great state -- from Chicago to Cairo; from Decatur to Quincy.

I still remember the young woman in East St. Louis who had the grades, the drive and the will but not the money to go to college. I remember the young men and women I met at VFW halls across the state who serve our nation bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I will never forget the workers in Galesburg who faced the closing of a plant they had given their lives to, who wondered how they would provide health care to their sick children with no job and little savings.

Stories like these are why I came to Illinois all those years ago, and they will stay with me when I go to the White House in January. The challenges we face as a nation are now more numerous and difficult than when I first arrived in Chicago, but I have no doubt that we can meet them. For throughout my years in Illinois, I have heard hope as often as I have heard heartache. Where I have seen struggle, I have seen great strength. And in a state as broad and diverse in background and belief as any in our nation, I have found a spirit of unity and purpose that can steer us through the most troubled waters.

It was long ago that another son of Illinois left for Washington. A greater man who spoke to a nation far more divided, Abraham Lincoln, said of his home, "To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything." Today, I feel the same, and like Lincoln, I ask for your support, your prayers, and for us to "confidently hope that all will yet be well."

With your help, along with the service and sacrifice of Americans across the nation who are hungry for change and ready to bring it about, I have faith that all will in fact be well. And it is with that faith, and the high hopes I have for the enduring power of the American idea, that I offer the people of my beloved home a very affectionate thanks.

Obama Wins Nebraska Electoral Vote 0 comments


A well deserved win. He showed respect for ALL AMERICANS. AThose he agreed with and those he disagreed with
About Barack Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Obama Gives Ebony First Post-Election Interview, Photoshoot 0 comments


A great catch for Ebony Magazine.



Okay I know this is shallow but i always loved that Ebony magazine cover. Our President looks good.
About Barack Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Obama's inauguration may draw 1 million-plus 0 comments


If I could be there, I would go in a second. I hope to hook up with a local party. One way or another I will celebrate this moment and event to the fullest.
About President Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

A copy of the message Barack sent out election night 0 comments

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack

BarackObama.Com posted pictures of Wisconsin from election Night 0 comments



I hope we will all continue to unify and remember that America is built of people. Some we agree with, some we won't but President-Elect Obama will be President of them all. We can not just throw fellow Americans aside because they disagree with us on certain issues.

President-Elect Obama's Radio Address - November 8, 2008 0 comments



Thanks to David Shahin for uploading it as well as posting the transcript on Youtube. If you also appreciate this, please go and rate it.

Full text of Barack Obama's Nov. 8, 2008 Radio Address 0 comments

Thanks to Mlive for posting this. I know other places posted it also but this site is where I found it first and wanted to give them credit. You can check out there website by clicking this link.

Now on to the text:

On Tuesday, Americans stood in lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen. It didn’t matter who they were or where they came from; what they looked like or what party they belonged to – they came out and cast their ballot because they believed that in this country, our destiny is not written for us, but by us. We should all take pride in the fact that we once again displayed for the world the power of our democracy, and reaffirmed the great American ideal that this is a nation where anything is possible.

This week, I spoke with President Bush, who graciously offered his full support and assistance in this period of transition. Michelle and I look forward to meeting with him and the First Lady on Monday to begin that process. This speaks to a fundamental recognition that here in America we can compete vigorously in elections and challenge each other’s ideas, yet come together in service of a common purpose once the voting is done. And that is particularly important at a moment when we face the most serious challenges of our lifetime.

Yesterday, we woke to more sobering news about the state of our economy. The 240,000 jobs lost in October marks the 10th consecutive month that our economy has shed jobs. In total, we’ve lost nearly 1.2 million jobs this year, and more than 10 million Americans are now unemployed. Tens of millions of families are struggling to figure out how to pay the bills and stay in their homes. Their stories are an urgent reminder that we are facing the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime, and we must act swiftly to resolve them.

In the wake of these disturbing reports, I met with members of my Transition Economic Advisory Board, who will help guide the work of my transition team in developing a strong set of policies to respond to this crisis. While we must recognize that we only have one President at a time and that President Bush is the leader of our government, I want to ensure that we hit the ground running on January 20th because we don’t have a moment to lose.

We discussed several of the most immediate challenges facing our economy and key priorities on which to focus in the days and weeks ahead to ease the credit crisis, help hardworking families, and restore growth and prosperity.

First, we need a rescue plan for the middle class that invests in immediate efforts to create jobs and provides relief to families that are watching their paychecks shrink and their life savings disappear.

Then, we’ll address the spreading impact of the financial crisis on other sectors of our economy, and ensure that the rescue plan that passed Congress is working to stabilize financial markets while protecting taxpayers, helping homeowners, and not unduly rewarding the management of financial firms that are receiving government assistance.

Finally, we will move forward with a set of policies that will grow our middle-class and strengthen our economy in the long-term. We can’t afford to wait on moving forward on the key priorities that I identified during the campaign, including clean energy, health care, education and tax relief for middle class families.

Let me close by saying I do not underestimate the enormity of the task that lies ahead. We’ve taken some major actions to date, and we will need further actions during this transition and subsequent months. Some of those choices will be difficult, but America is a strong and resilient country. I know that we will succeed if we put aside partisanship and work together as one nation. And that is what I intend to do

This video really captures the spirit of working on the campaign 0 comments



The Obama volunteers ROCKED IT. People say we're too idealistic but it was a privilege to work for a campaign that worked to instill a sense of hope and belief that you had power than to feelings of despair or anger. I will never forget the feeling. People worked really hard and I must say again VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU. THOSE I MET ONLINE AND IN PERSON WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF CHERISHED MEMORIES.

Howard Dean (DNC Chairman) released this statement 0 comments

"This has been a truly historic, transformational election. Tonight, our country chose hope over fear, the future over the past, unity over division. This election also reflects the passing of the torch to a new generation. Barack Obama inspired young voters across this country to answer the call and get involved. They responded to his promise to put partisanship and divisiveness aside and come together as one nation to find solutions. They turned out. They made calls. They knocked on doors. And they helped change our country.

"The American people have given all of us - Democrats, Republicans and Independents - a simple mandate: to work together find big solutions to the big challenges facing our country. We must work together to change the direction of our wonderful country and to restore America. With the help of strong Democratic majorities in Congress, President Barack Obama is going to set this nation on a course to provide the change we need.

"Today I am humbled by what we have accomplished over the last four years. Together, we can build on this moment to bring our nation together and work as one to overcome the challenges we face. It is what we as Americans have always done. Under Barack Obama's leadership, we'll do it again."

Please excuse this 0 comments

I'm still trying to figure out Technorati

Technorati Profile

North Carolina Called For Obama 1 comments


It is great to see another state going for Obama. Thank you North Carolina.
About Election Results
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Positivity for Obama 0 comments

Received this in an email and thought it was worth passing on

Please repeat these affirmations daily during prayer, meditation or
whenever the mood hits you. This historic election has brought about a
lot of emotions of both high and low energy and I pray these
affirmations send shockwaves of positive vibrations throughout this
country.

**********
I affirm that President-elect Obama and his family are safe, secure and
healthy.

I affirm that President-elect Obama and his cabinet make decisions and
perform works that are pleasing to the Creator.

I bless our government and our country with love.

Please pass this on.....

Sharing this news from The Obama Experiment 0 comments

Obamians! WE DID IT!

Michael Cuffe just finished his new painting "The Hopeful Hearts Club." Inspired by the Beatles Sgt. Pepper album cover, The Hopeful Hearts Club includes many of the individuals that lead the Obama campaign and world in changing hearts and minds.

Watch Michael create the painting on the YouTube embed here:

http://www.theobamaexperiment.com/Videos.html

See the finished print available at:

http://www.theobamaexperiment.com/

Feel free to blog this, share it, pass it on to a friendly neighbor...

Thanks and Enjoy!
-Michael and Team Obama Experiment

Change.Gov Launched 0 comments


Like others I have not been able to access it yet. I am loving the idea and I plan on checking back later and trying again to get through.



Change.gov - what a great idea. It is always great to see the citizens of a nation actually informed and involved.
About President Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Natalie Portman Works Phones For Obama 0 comments


One thing I loved about this historic run was the sheer number of people who showed up to help any way they can. From so many walks of life. I truly commend all of the phonebankers.
About Election Day
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Urban, Diverse Areas Not Given Enough Voting Machines 0 comments


What the heck?



Nearly 400 people were firmly planted in line at 6:15 this morning, waiting for the polls to open at 7:00 AM. There is one voting machine to accommodate all of them.



ARE YOU SERIOUS.



Here we are the USA and we can't get it together for an election that we knew was coming. This is beyond ridiculous. Okay I know these kind of things happen, my problem is why aren't we more prepared. Every 4 years it seems like there is little or no progress being made.
About On The Ground 2008
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Dennis Hopper: I Voted For Obama Because Of Palin (VIDEO) 0 comments


It is great to see Dennis Hopper voting for Barack Obama. I also liked that he explained why. I have personally been turned off by the campaign McCain and Palin have run. It is disgusting to see the rhetoric that they have allowed during their campaign stops.
About Celebs Talk Politics
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

30 Days/30 Reasons 0 comments

#2 - Stop the Crazy



We must be united against some of the hat that has been generated in this election.

My Vote Today: Barack Obama and Joe Biden 0 comments


I liked that Steve Clemons explained his support for Obama in a clear manner. Another well thought out endorsement,.



Well written Steve Clemons and like you we are voting for Barack Obama. I hope people who are undecided will read your statement and vote for Barack Obama.
About Joe Biden
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

We Need your Help, We Need Your Vogte 0 comments

We need your help. Help us get out the vote today for Barack Obama. Tomorrow will be too late



http://wesupportobama.blogspot.com

A Letter From Hillary Clinton 0 comments

The man for the moment: Hillary Clinton makes the case for Barack Obama

BY HILLARY CLINTON

Sunday, November 2nd 2008, 12:24 PM
Bramhall/News

On Tuesday, New Yorkers and Americans have a big decision to make. Do we continue to pursue the policies of the past eight years or do we chart a new course? I believe we can and we must chart a new course led by President Barack Obama.

How can it be any other way? We find ourselves in an economic crisis born and bred by the failed policies of Washington Republicans: gut regulations; cut taxes for billionaires and big corporations instead of the middle class; continue tax breaks for oil companies, drug companies, insurance companies, and companies that ship jobs overseas; deny the home mortgage crisis; ignore the energy crisis; and dismiss the health care crisis.

The result?

Businesses can't find credit. Students can't find college loans. Retirees' nest eggs are starting to crack. I've met hardworking men and women near retirement who are afraid to check their 401(k)s. Health care premiums have doubled. On Thursday, we learned that the economy actually contracted in the last three months. And the United States has lost jobs for nine straight months; President Bush has the worst job creation record of any President since the Great Depression.

And the fact is, President Bush has practiced what Sen. John McCain has preached. We know that Sen. McCain and the Republicans are only offering more of the same.

The Republicans' answer to jobs being outsourced: continue tax incentives to companies that outsource jobs. Their answer to a broken health care system: throw everybody to the mercy of insurance companies. Their answer to rising economic insecurity: privatize Social Security. Their answer to rising costs and stagnant wages: trickle down tax cuts for millionaires instead of middle class families.

To McCain and the Republicans, America can't win unless most Americans lose. That's why they ignored the home mortgage crisis until it became a financial crisis. That's why McCain has proposed even more tax cuts for the oil companies and drug companies. And that's why McCain has said repeatedly that the fundamentals of our economy are strong.

We cannot afford four more years of the same broken ideological policies. Barack Obama must be our President. Joe Biden must be our vice president. And Democrats must once again clean up an economic mess the Republicans left behind. We've done it before, and we'll do it again.

By the close of the Clinton administration, America had created 22 million new jobs. Our nation built a new economy with the lowest child poverty rate in 20 years. Wages were rising and prosperity was shared. The country produced balanced budgets and a surplus. Now, eight years later, they had to add a digit to the national debt clock.

For two years on the campaign trail, for eight years as a United States senator, and for my entire adult life, I've been fighting for families left out and left behind; for every child's chance to reach his or her God-given potential; and for the people of this country who have felt invisible to their President. And that's who I will always fight for every day.

Wherever I travel around New York and the country campaigning for Obama and Biden and other Democratic candidates, I hear people asking "Who are you for?" But the more important question is, "Who is for you?"

Obama has proposed a tax cut for 95% of people earning a paycheck. He'll fight for equal pay for equal work. He'll protect Social Security. And Obama will promote policies that reflect the way parents are working and living today, including child care, long term care, and a stronger Family and Medical Leave Act.

Obama will invest new jobs in clean energy, manufacturing and infrastructure. And he'll fight for universal health care. I can't wait to stand on the South Lawn of the White House when President Obama signs into law health care for every American - no exception, no excuses.

I'm so grateful to the people of New York and proud of the record of accomplishment we've created together. I'm committed to doing all I can to continue to find solutions to the challenges we face. The most important step we can take right now to deliver the change New York and America needs is to close the book on eight years of failed policies - and elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

Obama's Grandmother Dies At Age 86 0 comments

Our thoughts and prayers are with Barack and May and the family. Rest in Peace Madelyn you raised some remarkable individuals. Your love for them shines through the way they conduct themselves



Praying
About Barack Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Dick Cheney's Hometown Paper Endorses Obama 0 comments


Sounds good to me. Every paper no matter where they are located should endorse who they believe will be best for the Country. That is truly putting the country over politics and party
About Barack Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Just a few of the People who endorse Obama 0 comments

The Economist - Click link to read their entire endorsement

He has earned it

So Mr Obama in that respect is a gamble. But the same goes for Mr McCain on at least as many counts, not least the possibility of President Palin. And this cannot be another election where the choice is based merely on fear. In terms of painting a brighter future for America and the world, Mr Obama has produced the more compelling and detailed portrait. He has campaigned with more style, intelligence and discipline than his opponent. Whether he can fulfil his immense potential remains to be seen. But Mr Obama deserves the presidency.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anchorage Daily News - Click link to read their endorsement in its entirety


Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain.

.....

Sen. McCain describes himself as a maverick, by which he seems to mean that he spent 25 years trying unsuccessfully to persuade his own party to follow his bipartisan, centrist lead. Sadly, maverick John McCain didn't show up for the campaign. Instead we have candidate McCain, who embraces the extreme Republican orthodoxy he once resisted and cynically asks Americans to buy for another four years.

It is Sen. Obama who truly promises fundamental change in Washington. You need look no further than the guilt-by-association lies and sound-bite distortions of the degenerating McCain campaign to see how readily he embraces the divisive, fear-mongering tactics of Karl Rove. And while Sen. McCain points to the fragile success of the troop surge in stabilizing conditions in Iraq, it is also plain that he was fundamentally wrong about the more crucial early decisions. Contrary to his assurances, we were not greeted as liberators; it was not a short, easy war; and Americans -- not Iraqi oil -- have had to pay for it. It was Sen. Obama who more clearly saw the danger ahead.

People in the Middle for Obama - Suzanne 0 comments




It's not to late to volunteer to help Barack Obama become the next President of the US. Please see how you can help at www.barackobama.com/splash/volunteer.html

30 Days/30 Reasons - #4 0 comments



Each day counts and each vote counts. Please speak to someone today about voting for Barack Obama. Combat the derogatory rhetoric with reality.

People in the Middle for Obama - Bob Morgan 0 comments

another great series I found. Please take a look, rate, share, subscribe, pass on



I've always enjoyed seeing the wide range of people that support Obama and how diversity is welcome

Toni Morrison endorses Barack Obama 0 comments

Dear Senator Obama,



This letter represents a first for me--a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.



May I describe to you my thoughts?



I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or "new-centrist" ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me "proud."



In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.



When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country's citizens as "we," not "they"? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?



Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.



There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.



Good luck to you and to us.



Toni Morrison

A Message for all Voters 0 comments

"Please take the time to Vote or spend the next 4 years wishing you had! VoteForChange. com and ***EARLY VOTE*** Problems Voting? Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE"

Forget the polls we need to be sure we don't have another Election night like 2000 or 2004, Fight like we are down and we will win this!

Yes We Can!

30 Days/30 Reasons a VIR - Very Important Reason 0 comments

#6 Week to Week



Unfortunately, I can relate. The good thing is I truly believe that Barack Obama relates more than Mr. McCain. I have listened to Mr. McCain and too often it seems as if he doesn't have a clue.

30 Days/30 Restraints 0 comments

#7 Restraint



my word for it - Class. Barack Obama has been attacked on everything. From his birth to his wife, nonexistent tapes, frivoulous lawsuits - you name it they have gone there. Every day you see a new attack. I am thankful Barack Obama has remained classy and I pray that he can finish it out taking the high road (because you know the mess is not going to stop)

30 Days/30 Reasons (I'm almost caught up) 0 comments

#8 Kids



again if you like this series please rate them on Youtube so the uploader will know.

Words from Joe Biden 0 comments

"In my view, over the last few weeks, John McCain's campaign has gone way over the top," said Biden Saturday at an outdoor rally on Evansville, Indiana's Main Street. "They are trying to take the low road to the highest office in the land. It's not only George Bush's economic policies that John McCain has bought hook, line and sinker. He's also bought Karl Rove's brand of political tactics."

"It is disappointing, I never thought I'd see this from a McCain campaign," Biden continued. "They're calling Barack Obama every name in the book. They are going out in a way that I don't recall it being more personally vicious."


Keep up the fight everyone. I know it is hard but return the vile accusations with calm words of fact. Pray for each other. At the end of the day we must stand United. No matter your religion or the color of your skin you are important. Go vote and go out today to make a difference.

Ohio people come on out - November 2nd (and please go vote) 0 comments

RSVP AT http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/ohbocleveland

Change We Need Rally
with Barack and Michelle Obama
and Special Guest Bruce Springsteen

Please join us this Sunday, November 2nd, for a rally in Cleveland with Barack and Michelle Obama featuring special guest Bruce Springsteen:

Change We Need Rally
with Barack and Michelle Obama
and Special Guest Bruce Springsteen


Malls A, B, and C
Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114

Sunday, November 2nd
Doors Open: 2:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 3:45 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted.

Oprah Opts For Early-Voting, Has Voting Booth Meltdown (VIDEO) 0 comments


A great reminder to make sure your vote is counted. Also make sure you report any voting problems IMMEDIATELY.



Know the deadlines in your state. Many absentee ballots were received to late to be mailed back. You must take them in to count.



Go to barackobama.com and sign up to help at an office near you. We really need to get serious about getting out the votes and making sure they count. Vote today if you can - and take someone with you
About Early Voting
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Making It Official: I Endorse Barack Obama 0 comments


Ron Reagan endorses Obama. Way to go.



I also find it interesting that a number of people associated with Ronald Reagan endorse, supports or is voting for Barack Obama
About Barack Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

30 Reasons - #12 Priorities 0 comments



I love that Barack Obama is a family man. He has always cherished his family