Malia Obama lays on the pressure: Inaugural address ‘better be good.’
Malia Obama lays on the pressure: Inaugural address ‘better be good.’
In a discussion with the Washington Post about his hopes for revitalizing the District of Columbia, President-elect Obama described his family’s recent “field trip” to the Lincoln Memorial. When they looked at Lincoln’s Second Inaugural, Obama said, 10-year-old Malia upped the pressure on her father:
He said he then walked the girls over to the other side of the Lincoln Memorial, where the 16th president’s celebrated Civil War-era second inaugural address is etched. Obama said his younger daughter, 7-year-old Sasha, asked whether he would be giving a similar speech.
“And I said, ‘Well, actually, that’s a short version, but yeah, I will,’ ” Obama recalled. “And then Malia says, ‘First African American president — it better be good.’
“So I just want you to know the pressures I’m under here from my children.”
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What really matters are the next 4 years.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:47 am“Better be good?”
Obama has shown that he can stand up to the noise machine and propaganda of a divisive campaign.
Given what we have seen the previous 8 years, the bar is very low (anyone remember chimpy proclaiming we should go to mars?).
He will do fine, the pundits will lie as usually, and the rest of us will sit back and wait for some real leadership to address the havoc 8 years of repug/neocon control has wreaked on this nation and the world.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:52 amYou know… you have to like the man.
No matter what things he has on his plate, and he has quite a few, he seems to always be there for his children and to listen to what they say.
No matter what kind of President Obama will be, I think that we elected one hell of a man.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:57 am“And then Malia says, ‘First African American president — it better be good.’
– - Jenna Bush said pretty much the same thing before the 2000 inauguration of her father. She said, “‘First MBA president — it better be intelligible.’
January 16th, 2009 at 10:01 amHere is your family values, two sweet children. What a difference from the two party girl daughters of the Chimp family.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:03 amI’m still pissed that Bush, in the 11th hour, refused Obama & his family to stay at the guest house so John F’n Howard could stay there 1 night for a bogus ‘freedom medal’.
It turns out Howard wasn’t even booked there until Obama made the request, which would have enabled his daughters to begin school right away.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:04 amW, you may be in a ‘wistful’ mood, but you’re still a real prick.
raynman Says:
No matter what kind of President Obama will be, I think that we elected one hell of a man.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:57 am
___________
It’s true. I can’t help but like the guy, even if I disagree with him on a few policy details.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:09 amAnd then Malia says, ‘First African American president — it better be good.’
At 10 she already sounds more intelligent that both the Bush twins. Combined. Or that Dubya Bush, squared.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:09 amI like that kid.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:16 amrayman at #7
January 16th, 2009 at 10:21 amYeah I am already getting from my bushie acquaintances that Obama is the worst president ever. I just shake my head in amazement at the stupidity of shrubs faithful. I worked as a volunteer in his campaign and yes a few things don’t set perfectly in my mind but as the antithesis to those that laughed at his message of hope I am 75 and hopeful
Malia pointed out (whether she realized it or not) that it’s always tough to be the “first” anything. The first woman, the first African-American, the first Hispanic, etc. When a white male fills a position that has always been filled by white males, any mistakes he makes reflect only on himself. But when you’re the first “anything that deviates from white male”, expectations are enormous. And any slip-up you make dooms your entire race, religion, gender, or ethnicity.
Jackie Robinson knew this. Sandra Day O’Connor knew this. Sally Ride knew this. Fortunately, these were all exceptional people who would also have been exceptional if they had been white males.
Obama is also exceptional. And I have every confidence that he will give a speech that will not only meet the higher expectations of a “first African-American president”, but will be stirring, inspiring, eloquent, and will far exceed those of most of his predecessors.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:23 amGod Bless President-Elect Barack Obama, his wife and their beautiful daughters. This man is a decent and honorable person, and I wish him and his family the best-of-luck and success.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:25 amkonchster Says
January 16th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Yeah I am already getting from my bushie acquaintances that Obama is the worst president ever. I just shake my head in amazement at the stupidity of shrubs faithful.
_____________________________________________________________
You’re right — that truly is stupid. At least we allowed Dubya to be president for awhile (and actually DO some screwing up) before we branded him “worst ever”. I don’t recall anyone claiming that distinction before he even got inaugurated (although I did hear a couple of “least qualified” claims).
January 16th, 2009 at 10:26 amI am already getting from my bushie acquaintances that Obama is the worst president ever.
I am encouraged by this. It reminds me of the Groucho Marx line, “I wouldn’t belong to a club that would have me as a member”. The Bushie’s have nothing to fear but the absence of fear itself. They know they are in trouble.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:33 amComment: Now for the tricky bit, Obama
By Jonathan Mann
(CNN) – The easy part is about to end. Barack Obama takes office as U.S. president Tuesday.
The handsome candidate that so many people seem to love will become the leader of the hulking superpower they love to hate.
[...]
yea… that election thing was such a cake walk…
January 16th, 2009 at 10:40 amMother-in-laws never give 100% approval to son-in-laws.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:43 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
Malia pointed out (whether she realized it or not) that it’s always tough to be the “first” anything. The first woman, the first African-American, the first Hispanic, etc. When a white male fills a position that has always been filled by white males, any mistakes he makes reflect only on himself. But when you’re the first “anything that deviates from white male”, expectations are enormous. And any slip-up you make dooms your entire race, religion, gender, or ethnicity.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:23 am
____________
While I do agree, I can’t help but be annoyed by this unfortunate reality. It’s a sad state of affairs that shows just how far we have left to go in race relations and religious relations and gender relations in this country. Why should the first African-American President or first woman astronaut or first Hispanic attorney-general have to represent anything other than themselves?
January 16th, 2009 at 10:44 amraynman, cheers to that!!
January 16th, 2009 at 10:57 amDamn right it better be good. It’s been a while since I got my fix of hope and change. I’m Jonesin’ here.
While saving his better rhetorical performances for the most important moments and otherwise giving detailed well-reasoned adresses is exactly the right thing to do, it’s time to dust off the ol’ inspiration soapbox. Nobody wants a Clinton 17-point analysis, a Gore micro-policy from left field, a Kerry Zen-like drone, or any of the other correct but boring speeches we’ve gotten from Dems since… what, JFK?
Obama has consistently come through when he’s needed to craft some great oratory. But the event coming up is the grandest he’s ever faced. Frankly, I think his election night acceptance speech – while good – wasn’t quite up to what he can do. I hope the inauguration is.
If any Republicans out there want to pooh-pooh the importance of inspirational speechifying, it’s worth pointing out who their favorite Prez is – Reagan. And why JFK is so overrated. Then ask them to recite the opening lines of the Constitution, or the Declaration of Independence, or the Ghettysburg Address. What do all of those things have in common, other than the fact that they’re revered as cornerstones and centerpieces of American history?
January 16th, 2009 at 11:01 amAccording to our conference call informant, Obama said Sasha, who is 7 years old, stared at Lincoln’s second inaugural address and said, “Looks long.” She asked if her dad’s speech would be that long.
‘looks long’ …. lololol
damn, i love that kid… sasha is gonna be a force to be reckoned with when she’s older…
January 16th, 2009 at 11:02 amVery cute, also very ‘fluff’ and gossipy, and not my idea od relevant. :(
And yet….goddamit! I’m verklempt! :D
January 16th, 2009 at 11:19 amGood things happen for Good people/
January 16th, 2009 at 11:32 amThe young man with the big ears, big smile and big heart will do well. He only needs to be himself that should do just fine. Each Leader is unique in his/her own way. Lincoln make his own mark, JFK did his thing, Dr. King planeted an image of what only he saw and these man stood as Leaders. Words are powerful but Laders put actions behind the words for them to truely have meaning. Obama is now stepping on the stage of his time and let’s hear his words and see his actions. It is Time!
During his previous historcial speeches repugs tried to upsurge the event.
I accept no less from these crackers.
January 16th, 2009 at 12:36 pm“And then Malia says, ‘First African American president — it better be good.’
What is that trope we hear all the time?
“Children should be seen and not heard.” Isn’t that how it goes?
“From the mouthes of babes” is another I’ve heard.
I guess how one deals with “Honesty” is the deciding factor behind which view of children a person subscribes?
January 16th, 2009 at 2:16 pmGOD it will be nice to have the grown-ups back in charge. I truly underestimated just what a catastrophe on every level Chimpy McShortbus would be.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:10 pmI’m with you on that Eugene. NEVER in a million years did I think it would ever be this bad. My parents, who are depression babies also never thought we’d see the likes of this disaster. They lived through one already. Never thought it would happen again. Whats that line about history repeating itself?
January 16th, 2009 at 8:48 pmMalia may or may not know that Bush hates black people.
Systa Souljah visits Andrew Wang’s blog and asks, “Isn’t there any hope that Bush might mend his ways, and want to reach out to black people?”
Anonymous said…
Mr. Wang,
Isn’t there any hope that Bush might mend his ways, and want to reach out to black people? What would be so criminal about him phoning up the Obamas?
What law would he be breaking by phoning them?
Also, if they’re living in the White House, would the Obamas really answer the phone themselves? Isn’t that why they have servants?
How do we, as Americans, differentiate between communicating with our leaders to let our voices be heard, and the criminal harassment such as you describe?
Also, do you think Bush should have any rights as an American citizen, or has he forfeited them through his behavior?
Systa Souljah
January 8, 2009 8:17 AM
Retrieved January 8, 2009, from http://andrewyu-jenwang.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-at-white-house-for-meeting-with.html
Andrew Yu-Jen Wang said…
Systa Souljah:
I hope this new year is a good one for you!
I deeply regret that there is no hope that Bush might mend his ways and want to reach out to black people.
There would be nothing criminal about Bush phoning up the Obamas for the first time. However, if any person in the family of Obama gave Bush the verbal warning and notice I indicated, then it may be criminal if Bush contacted Obama again. If Bush contacted Obama in violation of such a verbal warning and notice, then it may constitute “criminal harassment.” If Bush engaged in a “course of conduct” in contacting Obama in violation of such a verbal warning and notice, then it may constitute “criminal stalking.” Bush does not at all have to threaten to physically harm Obama in order for it to constitute “criminal stalking.”
Pursuant to living in the White House, the Obamas probably have people who answer the phone for them. I was just talking off of the top of my head in indicating the scenario where Sasha, Malia, or Michelle would have answered the phone.
The American people should definitely communicate with their leaders to let their voices be heard. The hypothetical “criminal-harassment” thing I described was only for the purpose of indicating that Obama should avoid any further contact with Bush in order to avoid “misrepresentation.” Obama would make only a fool of himself if he continuously had contact with a person who is notoriously known to hate black people, specifically, George W. Bush.
Certainly not all white presidents hate black people. There are former white presidents who respect black people. George W. Bush unfortunately happened to be one evil president who hates black people and discriminated against black people relentlessly. I am positive that there will be future white presidents who respect black people and wish them well.
Bush has rights as an American citizen. However, in the worst-case scenario for Bush, some or all of those rights will be taken away if Bush is prosecuted for war crimes or murders or whatever crimes.
Systa Souljah—black people are cool!
Very truly yours,
Andrew
January 8, 2009 4:45 PM
Retrieved January 8, 2009, from http://andrewyu-jenwang.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-at-white-house-for-meeting-with.html
Submitted by Andrew Yu-Jen Wang
B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1996
Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA, 1993
“GEORGE W. BUSH IS THE WORST PRESIDENT IN U.S. HISTORY” BLOG OF ANDREW YU-JEN WANG
ONLINE ANTI-BUSH SCHOLASTIC RESEARCH: LISTING OF MAJOR ISSUES
http://andrewyu-jenwang.blogspot.com/2008/10/bush-is-worst-president-in-american.html
January 18th, 2009 at 1:05 am