Obama Family Interview

Sasha and Malia Obama

From the first press conference as President-elect, Obama made it clear that his daughters, Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, would be defining factors of his presidency. He talked about the dog he promised the girls that would be coming with them to the White House. The first issue: the dog must be hypoallergenic to accommodate Malia’s allergies.

"On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog," he said. "But obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts, like me. So the -- so, whether we're going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household."

Beyond gaining a new dog, the girls will gain a new life in Washington, leaving their Hyde Park community and prestigious University of Chicago Laboratory School. Michelle Obama chose another prestigious elementary school Sidwell Friends School, similar to Lab. Quakers founded Sidwell in 1883 and educated generations of DC’s elite.

The scrutiny and spotlight will be a difficult burden to bear, but with the resume and stability of Chelsea Clinton, the White House can definitely bring advantages to childhood.

(1) http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1268791,obama-press-conference-dog-110908.article

(2) http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2008/11/24/obama-girls-opt-for-a-posh-private-school.html

(3) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5086243.ece

Bad Blago

Before Tuesday, Illinois questioned who would fill the seat of their fast-rising Senate superstar. Post Tuesday, Illinois wonders if we’ll have the opportunity to replace current governor Rod Blagojevich. On Tuesday, reports surfaced that Blagojevich planned to sell Obama’s Senate seat to the highest bidder, and FBI agents arrested the scandal-plagued Democrat.

The 76-page indictment also outlines that Blagojevich demanded Obama appoint him Secretary of Health and Human Services in exchange for a senate seat filled to Obama’s liking.

Obama and other Illinois politicians face questioning over their relationship with Blagojevich. Included in that list are Illinois US House members Danny Davis, Jesse Jackson Jr., and Jan Schakowsky, all of which have been angling to fill the President-elect’s Senate seat.

The Illinois General Assembly will consider legislation Monday that could produce a special election to fill Obama's seat until 2010. Unfortunately, Blagojevich is still governor and could veto the bill.

Whoever does end up filling the position will face public scrutiny, no matter how well they serve in the Senate. Thanks, Blago. But what more could you expect from an Illinois governor?


Sources:

(1) http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865370,00.html

(2) http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/12/10/blagojevich/index1.html

(3) http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/388841/

(4) http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/10/blagojevich.senate.seat/index.html

(5) http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/12/10/dcl.hornick.chicago.politics.cnn