Obama to Suspend His Activities to Visit Ill Grandmother

by Jonathan Singer, Mon Oct 20, 2008 at 05:10:21 PM EDT

NBC News is reporting Barack Obama will suspend his campaign Thursday and Friday to fly to Hawaii to visit his ailing grandmother. Our prayers are with the Obama family right now.

Update [2008-10-20 21:14:56 by Jonathan Singer]: More from the AP.

Update [2008-10-20 21:18:27 by Todd Beeton]:Rachel Maddow just reported that Michelle Obama will be headlining two events in Ohio in Barack's stead.

Tags: Barack Obama, White House 2008 (all tags)

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

I don't believe missing a few campaign events is equivalent to suspending your campaign. Maybe that is just me...

That being said he is doing the right thing here and we should all celebrate it and keep his family in our thoughts.

by JDF 2008-10-20 05:17PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

Yes, I don't like "suspend campaign" either. It smacks of McCain's stunt. This is a candidate taking a couple days off the trail; the campaign will remain in full force.

by Texas Gray Wolf 2008-10-20 05:46PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

Well look at it this way because I think its brilliant...

McCain Suspends his campaign for a half assed political stunt...

Obama suspends his campaign to go be by the side of a dying family member who was like a mother and raised him...

Don't think these comparisons won't come up from the talking heads... Obama looks a hell of a lot better than McCain.

by yitbos96bb 2008-10-20 06:48PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

I don't think it is brilliant at all. He could make be by his dying grandmother's side without making it seem like it would interfere with his ability to get the job done. I know how close he is to her, but in this economy, with the state of affairs in this country there are alot of people who would be scared to take off of work for this thing. He could get sympathy, but instead I fear this might rub some the wrong way especially if they don't have the so called luxury of taking time off of to be with a dying close relative (if they want to come back to a job that is). These type of times breeds a lot of resentment.

by jrsygrl 2008-10-20 08:43PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

This woman raised him for chrissakes. He's going to see her because she's on her death bed. Sorry if you think that's bad strategy.

by mikeinsf 2008-10-20 09:31PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

Look, putting on my coldhearted bastard cap... Obama often comes off as aloof. He'll only look better for showing some emotion and putting his family before his campaign at a point when he can. Dukakis, anyone? Emotionless candidates make people nervous.

Now taking off my cap... His fucking grandmother, one of two blood relatives he has left, is dying. Perhaps in Barack's life, this might seem a bit more important than it does to you.

by vcalzone 2008-10-20 09:53PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

Now taking off my cap... His fucking grandmother, one of two blood relatives he has left, is dying. Perhaps in Barack's life, this might seem a bit more important than it does to you.

No kidding. We all recognize how direly important this election is, and how important it is for Obama to win. That said, I could never begrudge another human being for putting aside their political work in a situation like this, because I would too.

I love my country. But my civic duties take a back seat to my closest family members' needs. On a much, much, much smaller level, I skipped out on a bunch of volunteer activities and phonebanking earlier this year because my mother was dying; and while I regretted not being able to contribute the time I promised to contribute then, I don't regret for one second the time I got to spend with my mom in her final days, selfish though some might have believed it to be.

I have absolutely no problem with Obama's decision here, nor do I care to speculate on political ramifications involved, because this isn't a political matter.

Life deals you certain cards, and you work with the cards that you have been dealt. If Obama's meant to be the 44th POTUS - and I firmly believe he is - this little life speedbump won't prevent it from happening.

by Obamaphile 2008-10-20 11:47PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

Did you read my post? I didn't say that he shouldn't go see her. I also said I knew what role she played in his life. What I said is that he should refute the claim that his campaign has been "suspended" and let the American people know that he will never suspend his comittment to us b/c that is the nature of his job.

Sorry but in this economy people go to work with all kinds of people at home on their deathbed. It is the nature for many frustrated, frightened and tired Americans of living in this country.

by jrsygrl 2008-10-21 06:41PM | 0 recs

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"Brilliant"?

Why would you even categorize it that way or otherwise? This wasnt a political move at all. If you've read his books, he writes very lovingly about his grandmother and she's a stand-out. He obviously has much affection for her as he's shown on the campaign trail, crediting her for his personal success and his morals and values. He took attacks from Cokie Roberts and those like her, who said Obama shouldn't have gone to Hawaii to visit his family for a week because it would look bad politically, especially in this economic climate. Barack had not seen his grandmother in over a year and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible because he knew her time was running out, so it's very obvious why he would feel the need to visit now. The phonecall must have been very dire and serious, considering his grandmother had just a week ago been hospitalized. And Biden took 2 days off the campaign trail just recently to be with his dying mother-in-law who did recently pass away as well. Fuck the optics and politics of the situation right now. McCain took vacations every weekend in his ranch in arizona. Every weekend this summer and occasionally in the Fall. There's no use in criticizing Obama for this, and frankly, i would seriously question a politician's character, if they didnt visit their last living parent. After Madelyn Dunham, there's no one left. Just Barack and Maya.

by iamold 2008-10-20 10:33PM | 0 recs

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Re: "Brilliant"?

I agree with you.

I use the word Brilliant in the framing of this by the blogs and hopefully by the media. Should Obama mine this for personal gain... of course not. Should Obama supporters not associated with the campaign and who get no direction from the campaign frame it this way in articles, postings and interviews in a hope to draw the comparison with McCain's suspension? Abso-fucking-lutely they should.

To summarize, Brilliant was directed to the posting and the frame used... NOT Obama going to his Grandma's side, although Brilliant in a sense of one being a caring Human Being would be an apt adjective.

by yitbos96bb 2008-10-21 05:27AM | 0 recs

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Re: "Brilliant"?

I didn't bring the word "brilliant" into this. I responded to someone else who first coined the phrase.

by jrsygrl 2008-10-21 06:42PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

Yeah, but you are a bit of a drama concern troll and thus I really don't care what your opinion is on the matter.

by yitbos96bb 2008-10-21 05:23AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

A)Having half a brain does not make one a "drama concern troll," but then again based upon your post I understand you don't know what it is like to have a half a brain to begin with. Perhaps then you would know I didn't ask, nor was I concerned, if YOU cared about my post.

by jrsygrl 2008-10-21 06:45PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

That was exactly what i was thinking. When McCain suspended his campaign, it turned out terrible and it showed poor judgment. I can't see a way that this could turn around and bite Obama in the ass in that sense.

by selfevident 2008-10-20 10:20PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign

He's already announced the campaign is not suspended; Michelle, Joe and the Clintons will be out there hitting the trail hard and fast.

God bless them all. He sure has good people watching his back.

by Spiffarino 2008-10-20 07:54PM | 0 recs

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It's not a suspension

Michelle, Biden, and other surrogates will still be out there. It's just that Obama is taking a couple days off the campaign trail.

by Angry White Democrat 2008-10-20 05:26PM | 0 recs

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Re: It's not a suspension

Then the campaign should release a statement saying his campaign is NOT suspended and he is capable of handling his personal issues and his professional duties without conflict or problem.

by jrsygrl 2008-10-20 08:44PM | 0 recs

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The one he calls "Toot"

This woman helped shape his life and ensure his bright future. She and her husband - despite being of modest means - managed to get him into the prestigious Punahoe school, which created even more educational opportunities for Barack.

Don't let people BS you about how "rich" his grands were. At the height of their earning power, his grandparents were decidedly middle class; she was VP of a local bank and his grandfather sold insurance. What they had they shared with him and his mother and sister. It's no wonder he wants to be close to her now, and it's the right thing for him to do.

Seems like we're always hearing that about Barack Obama.

by Spiffarino 2008-10-20 05:43PM | 0 recs

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Re: The one he calls "Toot"

I wish her all the best. At the very, very least I hope that she recovers sufficiently that she gets to see Nov. 5. I'm holding out for at least late January.

by Texas Gray Wolf 2008-10-20 05:51PM | 0 recs

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Re: The one he calls "Toot"

That's the first thing I'd thought when I heard she was so ill. Wouldn't it be wonderful for her to see her grandson elected president. Pray it so...there are only two more weeks to go.

by Spiffarino 2008-10-20 07:49PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign to Visit Ill Grandmo

Suspending?! We must dismiss this shameless pander for what it is: a shameless, last-ditch effort to increase his favorability among the old white women he failed to reach in the primary.

</snark>

by username 2008-10-20 05:52PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign to Visit Ill Grandmo

Wow hope his grandma pulls through...

First of all I don't wish ill on anyone but secondly I'd love for her to see her grandson sworn in as President..particularly since his mother can't...

I'm not sure if "suspend" is the right term....doesn't really matter ..

by obama4presidente 2008-10-20 05:56PM | 0 recs

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Please edit title

Could this thread title be edited to remove the words "suspend campaign", please?

He's not "suspending his campaign" - every activity of his campaign will continue as normal, with the exception of his personal public events being cancelled.

Michelle, Joe, Jill, Hillary, Bill and others doing public events will continue to do so.

Canvassing will continue.

Advertising will continue.

Phonebanking will continue.

Fundraising will continue.

Media bookings with surrogates will continue.

The campaign is in no way, shape, or form, "suspended".

Seriously... edit this thread title, especially since it's a front page thread.

by Obamaphile 2008-10-20 06:03PM | 0 recs

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Re: Please edit title

Sorry I failed to mention this in my last post... prayers to Ms. Dunham, and prayers for our candidate. This has to be a rough time for him.

by Obamaphile 2008-10-20 06:04PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend Campaign to Visit Ill Grandmo

Thread title incorrect: HE IS NOT SUSPENDING! Perhaps NBC used the word incorrectly but thats not what I am reading came out of Obama campaign.

by obama4presidente 2008-10-20 06:09PM | 0 recs

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Can he be off the trail?

Even if it's only two days, you can't give McCain any opening. Look what happend the last time he went to Hawaii. I understand the situation, but
he can't give anything away.

by esconded 2008-10-20 07:08PM | 0 recs

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Re: Can he be off the trail?

The way I see it this helps run out the clock.. all McCain has left are attacks on Obama the person.. he can't well do this when Obama is off visiting his ailing grandmother..or he could but it wouldn't play well

The way I see it this means nothing much can happen until next Monday by which point there are only 7 days..

I actually think this is from a political standpoint- which is not where it comes from- brilliant because in addition to the running out the clock benefit it also gets the picture of him with his white grandparents out there more which I think is helpful...

by obama4presidente 2008-10-20 07:22PM | 0 recs

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Re: Can he be off the trail?

I have to agree. I think McSame looks like a total asshole if he goes personal on Barack while he's in Hawaii. However, time will run out on Barack after a while. American voters are notorious for short attention spans. At most he'll get four or five days before the attacks begin to have an effect.

by Spiffarino 2008-10-20 07:59PM | 0 recs

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Re: Everyone else will still be campaigning

...when has that ever stopped him?

by nathanp 2008-10-20 09:50PM | 0 recs

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Re: Everyone else will still be campaigning

It hasn't. But for him to do so now would be at his own peril.

I think McCain would be wise not to be overly harsh on Obama during this... it will backfire against McCain, bigtime.

by Obamaphile 2008-10-20 11:52PM | 0 recs

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Re: Can he be off the trail?

Don't worry, I think he won't be bodysurfing this time. Jesus Christ.

by vcalzone 2008-10-20 09:57PM | 0 recs

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Just to let you know...

The last time he was in hawaii wasnt just to vacation. It was to spend a week with his grandmother, who is very frail and lives alone. He hadnt seen her in nearly a year. She had been hospitalized several times before that. He knew the political costs. But he wanted to spend as much time with her incase..

by iamold 2008-10-20 10:37PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama to Suspend His Activities to Visit Ill G

I'm praying for Obama's Grandmother, him and his family.

It just brings into stark relief how this "other" has so much more in common with me than McCain (Admirals' son and married into wealth). Obama was raised by his mom and grandparents. I trust a lot of share this experience. This hasn't gotten a lot of attention in the MSM but is true.

by nintendofanboy 2008-10-20 07:43PM | 0 recs

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It's called doing the right thing....

I always thought Obama had a line in the sand he would draw...

What WOULDN'T he do to win...

McCain and the Republicans have no such line.

The right thing for us Democrats to do?

Honor the man who has run the best campaign in my lifetime, let him do the right thing, and spend
maybe the last days he will have with his grandmother.

We will not punish him for doing the right thing, and neither will the American voters.

by WashStateBlue 2008-10-20 07:51PM | 0 recs

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Re: It's called doing the right thing....

Amen.

by Shaun Appleby 2008-10-20 10:07PM | 0 recs