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Reporting and analysis from ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent and "This Week" Host George Stephanopoulos

George Stephanopoulos reports on events in politics, Congress and the White House for ABCNews, on the air and online. He interviews top newsmakers, discusses the events of the week and looks to the week ahead each Sunday on 'This Week.'

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Roses and Thorns

February 24, 2009 3:33 PM

We learned at the White House lunch today that the Obama's have a family tradition that I want to adopt at our house.

At dinner, they play a game called "Roses and Thorns." Everyone takes a turn describing a good thing that happened that day (rose) and a low moment or tough problem they had to deal with (thorn).

When the President finished his turn after a particularly challenging day at the White House (we didn't learn which one), Malia told her Dad: "You have a really thorny job."

Smart girl!

--George Stephanopoulos

February 24, 2009 in Barack Obama | Permalink | Share | User Comments (44)

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Good for the Obamas!
I must say, I like this idea too.

I ask each day what the kids learned in school that day (and "Nothing" is not an option). Not only do I find out if they have a good understanding of their lessons, but I get some good "kid-insight" type answers too.

Posted by: Jan | Feb 24, 2009 4:05:07 PM

What a great American family!! Keep working hard President Obama. The American People have got your back.We are praying incessantly that God protects you and your family and gives you the wisdom to guide the country through these difficult times.

Posted by: Alison | Feb 24, 2009 4:07:02 PM

George S.
After the underhanded way that you and Charlie Gibson tried to make a fool of Barack Obama during the debate with Hilary Clinton you should be ashamed to mention his name.
I will never again watch your Sunday morning show which had been a staple in my home. You and Charlie really showed your true colors. You just bet on the wrong horse!

Posted by: sylvia | Feb 24, 2009 4:08:07 PM

I heard they also play "JUMP OFF THE BRIDGE" how about little Georgie and Charlie play that

Posted by: DOH-bama Cabinet of Corruption | Feb 24, 2009 4:20:25 PM

Very cute. :)

Posted by: kaolin fire | Feb 24, 2009 4:23:39 PM

Ease up people. There are a lot of important things to think about without slamming everyone that leans a little bit one way or the the other.

Posted by: Bob | Feb 24, 2009 4:26:32 PM

Allow me to start a contest on here. Fill in the blank: During the Bush years, the Bush family had a similar tradition. They ____________________.

Posted by: bobby williston | Feb 24, 2009 4:30:32 PM

That tactic has been done at summer camps since I can remember. Now that the first family is doing it, it's worth recognition?! Come on!

Posted by: Donna | Feb 24, 2009 4:34:40 PM

George is deeply in love with Obama.
BTW who is that woman sat with them?It's not Michelle, right?
A nanny?
I thought the grandma is taking care of the kids.

Posted by: cilla | Feb 24, 2009 4:35:01 PM

Children take a while to unwind after school.Usually it will be around dinner when they will tell you if something is bothering them. We made a practice of finding something to be grateful for each night as we said bedtime prayers.Even if the day had gone badly we could think of something to say "Thank You" for.

Posted by: mhm | Feb 24, 2009 4:40:50 PM

Now we can expect to have posted on this website what kind of toilet paper the First Family uses. Sickening.

Posted by: Lisa Again | Feb 24, 2009 4:41:42 PM

The President's sister was the woman with long dark hair that sat with his daughters at the inauguration.

Posted by: mhm | Feb 24, 2009 4:42:54 PM

Now we can expect to have posted on this website what kind of toilet paper the First Family uses. .
Posted by: Lisa Again |
******************************************
We didn't know you had that type of fetish,
I wouldn't spread it out publicly so fast.

Posted by: spacerook1 | Feb 24, 2009 4:50:00 PM

Too bad he can't do that in his JOB...say something nice then something negative.

A management class that I had said the sandwich method was the best: Say something positive about the problem, something bad, then somethign positive. Sandwiching the negative between positive give you a better change to have things more positive....

Posted by: Sue | Feb 24, 2009 4:53:26 PM

If stock market is a measure of his performance on the economy, our Greatest Smartest Clueless Leader has almost all thorny days.

Unfortunately, it's thornier for the american people.

Posted by: kat | Feb 24, 2009 4:54:44 PM

I love the racism of the media and many of the Washington insiders. Gee...a black family actually discusses their day with each other! Wow! Amazing! Breaking news! Let's write an article about this amazing phenomena! Not only is Obama "articulate" or "well spoken" (or in Biden's thinking "clean") but a black family can act "just like us"! Amazing!

Posted by: Ed | Feb 24, 2009 4:55:59 PM

Kat...you should have "scream" louder in the past 8 years. Make that 8 months. Go drink your Mountain Dew, it keeps your thinking irrational. Buy a case!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: sngeorgia | Feb 24, 2009 5:07:26 PM

George this is really too much, even for you. Do you plan to have a daytime talk show similar to Oprah dedicated to the Obamas? You destroyed whatever credibility you had with the news that you "talk" to your friends in the White House EVERY FREAKIN day but this love note is beyond hilarious. You do still consider yourself a journalist?

Posted by: Michelle | Feb 24, 2009 5:07:34 PM

All of you "space cadets" need to go back to you capsule. No one think as you.

Posted by: sngeorgia | Feb 24, 2009 5:09:34 PM

Ed,

Actually, if more families did sit down at dinner together (not dinner is cooked and people sit around the tv or eat at different time) and talked it would make the First Family just like them. Unfortunately, that does not happen as often as it should.

Posted by: Mack | Feb 24, 2009 5:10:35 PM

Slurp! Slurp! You go, Georgie!

Posted by: Sabre460 | Feb 24, 2009 5:13:38 PM

come on we can't pick on everything they do............!!! It is a nice thing for families to chat at dinner. Lets face it he has one heck of a thorn to worry about............so give them all a break on this one !!

God Bless America, and I am a Republican

Posted by: outseln | Feb 24, 2009 5:19:10 PM

I have to admit. I'll give them that. They are; from this perspective a good role model for the American family. Too many households have kids that almost never see a parent except when there is trouble. I have to admit that even in my household, we might have to adapt something like that around our dinner table. Lord knows I'm trying to get more "meals at home" dinnertime where we are at the table together. This economy isn't helping.

Posted by: J Kline | Feb 24, 2009 5:19:40 PM

They set a wonderful example!

Posted by: obamamama | Feb 24, 2009 5:22:07 PM

This is what we our country has needed for a LONG time...
With the Obama's we got the ROSE.

It's too bad the GOP is all thorns...

They make me hat politics, while the Pres makes me love it.

Obama - the Rose
The GOP - Thorns

Posted by: AmericanWoman | Feb 24, 2009 5:36:25 PM

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