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Obama: Daughters 'Won't Be Heartbroken' Over November Loss

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July 23, 2008 11:55 AM

ABC News' Nitya Venkataraman Reports: If Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama doesn't win the White House in November, his daughters' might be rejoicing alongside his Republican presidential rival.

Ht_people_obama_080723_main "They have a wonderful life in Chicago," the Illinois senator tells PEOPLE magazine in their latest issue hitting newsstands on Friday. "So I'm sure there's a part of them that won't be heartbroken if things don't work out."

In the PEOPLE exclusive, Obama and his wife Michelle say they're trying to create a life of stability for their two daughters amidst the chaos of a presidential campaign.

Obama's half-sister Maya Soetero-Ng told PEOPLE routine was something she and Obama missed out on during their younger years.

"Our childhood was constant moving and adventure but little stability," says Soetoro-Ng. "Barack wants for his girls a rootedness and community that he didn’t have."

The Obamas outline orderly days for their daughters, Malia, 10 and Sasha, 7: the girls earn a $1/week from their father for doing chores that include setting and clearing the dinner table, making their beds, cleaning their toy closet and abiding by an 8:30 bedtime.

The apples seem not to fall too far from the trees either in the Obama household.

"Our girls love to talk," Michelle Obama says, "They feel confident in their own opinions because we value them even if they’re silly or wrong or a little off."

It's a life of limits, too, for the Obama girls who receive no Christmas or birthday presents from their parents who "strive to teach some limits".

Says Mrs. Obama, "Malia says, 'I know there is a Santa because there's no way you'd buy me all that stuff.'"

While the young Obamas are not untouched by the constant media coverage, Obama tells PEOPLE the sometimes bruising race for the presidency has seemed to roll off his daughters, "I've been really happy by how nonplussed they've been by the whole thing," he says.

"When some folks were attacking Michelle, Malia just asked, 'What was that all about?' And we talked it through," he says. Fortunately, he adds "She’s completely confident about her mommy’s wonderfulness."

Ultimately, the Obamas believe the experience will be a rewarding one for their children. Obama says, ""If I ever thought this was ruining my family, I wouldn't do it."

July 23, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (57)

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But wait! I thought Ms. Michelle said that children would be killed if Obama isn't elected.

Posted by: Tony | Jul 23, 2008 3:01:02 PM

I didn't think Obama was going to let his daughters do another interview. Another flip-flop! However, I think he has wonderful kids and I agree, they should stay out of the limelight. The kids can't help the fact that their dad, Barack, continually lies and flip-flops during this campaign.

Posted by: david from texas | Jul 23, 2008 3:09:53 PM

teri, unfortunately PEOPLE magazine is not interested in your candidate McBush, because they cannot make money out of old McSame and lemon Cindy. God bless America and God bless Obama. OBAMA08.

Posted by: BKMC | Jul 23, 2008 3:29:26 PM

Jo at 12:27 is dead on....THOUGHT THE OBAMASSIAN WASN'T GOING TO USE HIS GIRLS ANYMORE FOR ATTENTION? You don't see McCain trotting out his two sons in the service his college grad daughter and their adopted daughter Mother Theresa handed to Cindy with a cleft palate years ago.
I'm just glad they finally get what a detriment Michelle is and pushed her to the back with her lack of pride in her country, mean ol America hating self!
Their Rezko manse keeps them pretty happy, I'm sure.....let's hope that's the only white house the Obamas ever live in.

Posted by: Debra | Jul 23, 2008 3:42:56 PM

Some of the positively absurd assertions that you haters of Obama "dream up" would have long since been revealed as truth if they actually were. Don't you think the main stream media or some newspaper (particularly conservative ones) would investigate as much as possible to get some factual, concrete evidence of any unethical,unlawful, illegal, illicit, immoral or whatever other type of deeds you accuse the Obamas of, if there were even a slight chance that it was true, since that is what media is supposed to do? They would not be showing Obama in a positive light if in fact he was guilty of all the "made-up" accusations you constantly hurl at him. Even the so-called "liberal" press would uncover anything that was based in fact, and would reveal it, because getting at the truth is their JOB. Nothing has come to light because nothing exists - except in your small minds. You want to believe all the corruption crap - that's your problem. You just CANNOT AND WILL NOT accept the fact that a black man could possibly be our next President, regardless of how intelligent and qualified he may be.

Posted by: geecee | Jul 23, 2008 3:54:15 PM

Ok...some people really do not think before they write...The Obamas did this interview LAST month, as most magazines are compiled an entire month before the issue goes to press...Duh!

Posted by: Cass | Jul 23, 2008 6:47:59 PM

They have a wonderful life? Hmmmm! I wonder how wonderful are the little children lives in the 13th ward???

Hmmmmmmm!

Posted by: disgusted in Illinois | Jul 23, 2008 8:05:45 PM

Didn't he just say after the July 4th interview that he wasn't going to use his family again? Lasted 2 weeks on that one. At least it appears that Michelle was air brushed and I don't see a halo around his head. That helps.

Posted by: RL in Illinois | Jul 23, 2008 11:23:22 PM

Here is the biggest load of crap on these comments:The McCains are multi-millionaires, hace 15 personal mansions across the country.They never speak of their children or have been seen anywhere in public over the years.
WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

MY God PEOPLE, I live in Arizona and know for a fact this is crap. Don't type lies on comment sections, IT AIN'T right.

HEY, PEOPLE get with PUMA.

Posted by: bpower | Jul 24, 2008 12:23:14 AM

Yup, the phony knew he will lose in November. Why not just quit and give someone else a sure win? Isn't this another boneheaded mistake like he has been making daily?


Posted by: fact check | Jul 24, 2008 12:29:59 AM

I am by far NOT an Obama fan... far far far from it. however, they do seem to have a nice family. Eventhough I think he and his friends are elitists and way too arrogant... most young and all wealthy. Definitely the American Dream... no where else can we get the opportunities like we do in America... so no idea about the "America is a down right mean place".
Any way, I think it's nice that they only get $1/wk. Kids have no need for money any way, they should just be kids and enjoy the innocence of life. Further, we don't give our kids X-mas presents and B-Day presents either... they have Santa, aunts, uncles... kids who have the essentials don't need too much gifts... they need to learn to appreciate what they have. So, I say great for the Obama's for giving their children some education on the value of money.

Posted by: K | Jul 24, 2008 12:35:38 AM

I hope none of voters vote for him because don't want to break his children's hearts.

Posted by: catleya | Jul 24, 2008 12:47:16 AM

None of media cover McCain's sons who both of them serve in Military.
Why?

Posted by: catleya | Jul 24, 2008 12:49:25 AM

catleya,

First because McCain only has one son in Iraq. Second because McCain doesn't want this covered, because he is worried about his boy being targeted - you dumb-ass!

Posted by: Davis | Jul 24, 2008 2:30:19 AM

FOR ALL HILLARY PUMAS AND SORE LOSERS ON THIS BLOG...

I know that you are all here, some more vocal than others, most now in the disguise of McBush supporters now. For the life of me I can't figure out what the problem is.

If you are over 65 then I get it, you are the typical dried up die hard Hillary supporter. Other than that there is no excuse for your constant bashing of Barack. He is a good guy and cares about womens issues, the country, the military and our standing as Americans in the world.

Hillary and the PUMA's do not have 18 million supporters, that is just a lie... If you don't believe it just go here and see.

http://pewresearch.org/pubs/902/should-women-worry-obama

It would be nice if you were all blogging for us, instead of pining for something that will never happen. Hillary probably won't be VP either (because of Bill and other reasons), so it is time to move on and support the Democrat Party.

Just face the facts, do you think Hillary would have been been recieved on a trip overseas like Obama was this week? Probably not, but maybe. Regardless though everyone in the Dem party must face the fact that Obama is our nominee - that is a fact.

So come and help us blog against this idiot McSenile that will only continue the pain we are all feeling in the country now, Thanks for your support!

Obama '08!

Posted by: Davis | Jul 24, 2008 2:31:35 AM

This change is the change we've been waiting to change. That's been my position all along.

Posted by: Jim | Jul 24, 2008 7:54:07 AM

This change is the change we've been waiting to change. That's been my position all along.

Posted by: Jim | Jul 24, 2008 7:55:20 AM

I am beginning to think the Comments section of the internet will be this country's downfall. It is destroying the myth that we are a country of intelligent, tolerant people.

Posted by: msgijoe | Jul 24, 2008 7:55:47 AM

The Obama's are so KEEEEEEUUUUTTTE!
The best reason to make him president!

Posted by: Texas Lil | Jul 24, 2008 9:22:08 AM

Obama is the elephant in this circus.
He's been a distraction for the Democratic party.
The media is the only ones loving him.
Americans feel quite differently.
He's too cocky and acts as if he already is the president.
Democrats are totally embarrassed in my community.

Posted by: Al from NJ | Jul 24, 2008 9:34:31 AM

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