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Obama's Grandmother Dies of Cancer

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November 03, 2008 4:48 PM

ABC News' Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller Report: A little more than a week after he visited her in Hawaii to say goodbye, Sen. Barack Obama's grandmother died of cancer, the Democratic presidential candidate said in a Monday statement issued with his sister.

At a rally in Charlotte, N.C., a visibly moved Obama told the crowd about his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, and her death, heralding her as one of the country's "quiet heroes".

"I'm not going to talk about it too long because it's hard, a little, to talk about it," he said.

"She’s one of those quiet heroes that we have all across America who –they’re not famous, their names aren’t in the newspapers, but each and every day they work hard. They look after their families. They sacrifice for their children and their grandchildren. They aren’t seeking the limelight. All they try to do is do the right thing," Obama said.

Obama learned the news just after 8 a.m. this morning in Florida, ahead of his 11 a.m. rally in Jacksonville. His grandmother passed away in Hawaii late last night, between 4 and 5 a.m. in Florida where Sen. Obama was.

In his statement released earlier Monday evening Obama described his grandmother as "the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring.  Our debt to her is beyond measure."

"Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time.  It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."

Republican presidential candidate John McCain offered "deepest condolences to Barack Obama and his family as they grieve the loss of their beloved grandmother."

In a statement issued with his wife, McCain said, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives."

At his Charlotte rally, Obama acknowledged the condolence message from the McCain's, describing John and Cindy McCain as "extraordinarily gracious".

The Obama campaign plans for all events to continue as scheduled.

November 3, 2008 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (516)

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Why he had never told public that his grandma had been battling with cancer when she was alive, even when he visited her recently?
People only knew she got a broken hip.

Posted by: crisis08 | Nov 3, 2008 4:57:55 PM

Rest In Peace Madelyn Dunham.

RNC - you can quit attacking Obama now for going to visit her.


Obama/Biden 08

Posted by: Already Voted | Nov 3, 2008 5:00:16 PM

So sorry Senator obama my Prayers are with you and your family

Posted by: Angie in PA | Nov 3, 2008 5:00:46 PM

Our thoughts are with you Barack.
We hope you win

Posted by: Lindaa | Nov 3, 2008 5:00:58 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with the Obama family now. This is so sad. I only wish she could have lived to see the fine man she helped raise, elected president.

Posted by: Emily | Nov 3, 2008 5:00:59 PM

I remember reading she had cancer, anyway it doesnt matter if she said it or not, he was not my choice canidate but it must e hard and my prayers go out to him and family.

Posted by: rachel | Nov 3, 2008 5:01:08 PM

it's none of our business. let it go.
his grandmother who basically raised him has died. what'ts the point of your comment?
let the family have some peace for once.

Posted by: heather speaks | Nov 3, 2008 5:01:13 PM

My prayers and thoughts are will Sen. Obama and his family now more than ever.

Peace be with your family, and may Toot rest in peace as well.

Posted by: Greg in MN | Nov 3, 2008 5:01:22 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sad news. It's unfortunate that she didn't at least make it through the election to see her grandson win the highest office in the land.

Posted by: Karl | Nov 3, 2008 5:01:32 PM

Very very SAD , the campaign being going on close to 2 years and to not hold out for 1 more day .

very sureal.

hope the family hang in there.

Posted by: mike | Nov 3, 2008 5:01:48 PM

So there Mccain supporters I dare you to claim his visit was fake you people are slime and that goes for you geeevil may god bless your souls!!!

Posted by: Angie in PA | Nov 3, 2008 5:01:52 PM

crisis08.....he was probably just respecting her wishes. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dunham and Obama families.

Posted by: akskimo | Nov 3, 2008 5:01:58 PM

crisis08 I think we did know this but nevertheless, why did he need to tell you or anybody else that his grandmother had cancer. Do you have a cure???
RIP Mrs. Dunham

Posted by: Leslie | Nov 3, 2008 5:02:02 PM

Crisi08: Would it have made a difference? Maybe he should have told us her shoe size too.

My deepest condolences go out to his family. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. Cancer really is a horrible disease.

Posted by: cristinaa | Nov 3, 2008 5:02:21 PM

Rest in peace, Mrs. Dunham. Your grandson will hopefully do you proud as POTUS.

Posted by: Csimmons | Nov 3, 2008 5:02:59 PM

I am very glad that Obama did take the time to go visit her while she still (I hope so) had the capacity to recognize him. I know that immediately after 11/04/2008, Obama will head for Hawaii for the funeral arrangements. Even if he was to leave today, there is nothing he can do. Her fondest wish was that she could have been able (even via TV) to have seen him sworn in as the 44th President of the USA but it was not to be.

The thing I hate is that neocoms such as Rush, Gibson, Hannity and the F&F trio will start criticizing Obama for not dropping everything and departing for Hawaii. Just shows how low class they are.

Posted by: Beto | Nov 3, 2008 5:04:00 PM

My heart goes out to Barack Obama and his family. I was hoping his grandma would make it to see him win the votes on Tuesday (or if he doesn't win, just see how many people do support Obama). It's too bad that she had to pass away now, one day before Election Day.

Posted by: florencegirl03 | Nov 3, 2008 5:04:45 PM

My condolences to Senator Obama and his family.

Posted by: Tom in MA | Nov 3, 2008 5:04:59 PM

May she rest in peace - our prayers are with the Obama family now. We are glad that he got a chance to say goodbye this time.

Posted by: rockymtngirl | Nov 3, 2008 5:05:14 PM

I am very sad that she never got to see him become President. I can only imagine the pain he (and his family) are going through now. Having to keep a brave face and campaign. I lost my mum not long ago and it is tough.
Thoughts are with you and your family.

Posted by: Paul | Nov 3, 2008 5:05:20 PM

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