Local News

Barack Obama’s beautiful words for his daughters as he prepares to leave the White House

The girls grew up under the most intense spotlight in the world.

Having your father in arguably the most powerful office in the world can’t have been easy for Sasha and Malia, who were just 7 and 10 when they moved into the White House.

But the young women, now 15 and 18, have been a credit to both their mother and father.

Barack Obama had some beautiful words for his girls as he spoke to ABC News’ The Week about his 8 years as President of the United States.

“You don’t know how it would have turned out if they had grown up in Chicago instead in a more normal environment,” he began. “All I can say is they have turned out to be terrific young women.”

“We were concerned mostly about whether they would develop an attitude. And they are sweet, kind, funny, smart, respectful people, and they treat everybody with respect.”

Obama says it’s mostly down to Michelle (aww!) and they love it when they get praise about their daughters from other parents:

“You know, we feel pretty good when we hear back from friends. They still have sleepovers and they go to other folks’ houses and when the parents say, ‘Oh, you know, Malia, she’s just so sweet,’ or ‘Sasha helped to pick up the dishes. What is it that you’re doing?” ‘he said.

Obama said the girls’ only gripe was being followed around by the Secret Service with guns and microphones once they became teenagers, which, we guess would be a bit of a drag…

“But they’ve handled it with grace, and I give Michelle most of the credit for how well they’ve done,” he concluded.

The Obamas will remain in Washington, DC until Sasha finishes high school. Malia is currently taking a gap year before heading to Harvard.

Related stories

An intimate interview with Michelle Obama
Celebrity News

An intimate interview with Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is used to multi-tasking. For years, she has juggled the roles of wife, mother, public servant and mentor. This month, she takes on another — that of First Lady — following her husband Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th president of the United States of America and the couple’s move into the White […]

Prince Harry joins Michelle Obama for Mothers' Day
Royals

Prince Harry joins Michelle Obama for Mothers’ Day

Prince Harry is used to a rock star welcome when he travels around the world, and adoring fans know the drill as well. Hundreds of women crowded in Washington DC, jostling to get closest to Britain’s most eligible bachelor as he touched down in the US for his week-long tour. But screaming teens and excited […]