Last night kicked off Access Hollywood's four-part interview series with Barack Obama, wife Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha. Not only was it more evidence that Obama is now a big contributor to the celebrity news cycle, but it was a rare opportunity where the presidential hopeful allowed his daughters to be hit on by the press. Maria Menounos was with the family in Butte, Montana, where they were celebrating July 4th and Malia’s 10th birthday.
And it will be the absolute last time anyone gets access to his kids.
"We won't do it again," Obama told Matt Lauer on the also-owned-by-NBC Today show, saying he got "caught up in the moment" at the birthday party and didn't realize that, hey, maybe he should be shielding his kids from the media instead of holding them out as dartboards.
This, after there was apparently some controversy after word spread that he let Menounos tag along at the birthday party — enough time, it seems, to shoot footage worthy of a four-part series. Who, exactly, is delivering this criticism remains a mystery, but indeed, Obama is being criticized for it. Pandering to the soccer mom crowd crosses the line, does it?
Not that an interview on Access is going to be a piece of hard hitting journalism, or very critical of their subject. Among the controversial things that might show up on television?
• Obama saying daughter Malia "basically avoids me embarrassing her by giving me these tips. Especially when I am around her friends."
• Malia's advice to her dad about meeting kids: "You really don’t shake kids’ hands that much…You just wave or say hi."
• Malia on her parents, um, keeping their romance alive by holding hands: "Sometimes people think it is embarrassing. I like it."
• On what makes their parents mad: Sasha says whining, while Malia says, "Arguing is the worst thing because then they sit us down and say, ‘You know you guys are the best thing that you have in your life.’ We’re never going to get something as good as each other.’"
SCATHING!
Editorial Director
With Obama’s recent Flip-Flops (or has he calls them “refined” positions) on Iraq, troop withdrawal, gun control,
FISA/tele-com immunity, abortion, and public financing – his campaign has developed a new slogan:
“Obama – Change that Keeps on Changing!”
Frank Lobo…LAY DOWN
Is the girl in the white the "Access" reporter? She's pretty hot!
Montana for the poor kid's birthday? Maria Menounos of awful America Ferrera interview fame? WOW.
The kiddies are cute. And they look like kiddies which is increasingly rare these days thanks to rise in premature puberty and clothing choices.
I'm not loving Michelle's outfit. Turn the suburban housewife thing down a notch or three. I know some people don't like her because she's not on Valium (like some other first ladies that will go unnamed), leaving her capable of forming an opinion. Please don't waste your time trying to appease people who will only be happy when you become a Kate Cruise sort of wife but with JC Penney-looking duds.
I am just going to say that they are a model family. The girls are so beautiful and well behaved. Why would someone have a problem with the children doing interviews, this is the next first family and I for one would love to learn more about them. And when you say that Obama flip-flops, I would just assume that you haven't really been following the election or listened to McCain; now that is real flip=flopping!!!
This is a genuine, well balanced family that is an example for us all. Senator Obama often states that he tries to stay level in good times and bad, and that is clearly reflected in this happy family. I hope we are smart enough to elect a thoughtful, clear headed leader.
hello
I can say that barrack obama is right person to vote because he has a vision, with this vision he will make a great change.
thanks
christopher from nigeria
I actually like his kids. They seem well grounded and they look like children should look. Not made up in slutty kiddie pedophile attracting clothes.
Obama seems like a bit nerdy.. LOL
Better a smart President than a stupid one…
They criticize if you talk, they criticize if you don't talk, keep the kiddies away from the media, they are innocent children and somebody will start taking potshots at them, Maria Menounos is an airhead, why let her do the interview in the first place, she's as moronic as Tyra Banks,
As parents we all have some regrets, from the very small (giving my 10 year old TIVO) to the very big. I gave him a lot of credit this morning to say that he would have made a different choice. Wonder what would happen if more of us took a moment to say I did something wrong and it will not happen again. In addition, I remember how cruel the media was to Chelsea Clinton when she was in the white house, those late night jokes could have made her stronger or broken her young teen age spirit. Quite frankly I think she did OK for herself. So maybe its OK for the girls to get a taste of being on tV , becaue WHEN they become first daughters the media will certainly be working overtime to be nasty.
I remember how cruel the media was to Chelsea Clinton when she was in the white house
From before she was in the white house actually. I think she was 12. I think half of my respect for Hillary is due to how Chelsea turned out. I was made fun if in the privacy of my middle and high school. As a result, I developed two eating disorders and became a Mean Girl until I hit 20. She was made fun of by grown a– people on national television and radio. She gets some work done and straightens her hair, and becomes the sort of those very together, very successful young women. At 12, if I faced what she did, I would be some hybrid of Tara Reid and Lindsay Lohan
With the state of the economy and the shrinking of the dollar, the last thing I need is a governemnt and democratic president taking MORE of my hard-earned money!
Obama is a good man and I think he is going to win the election
I vote for obama cause he is such a strong person he stands up for what is right
Obama is the best thing right now for blacks because we need help bush bitch as sure don't care dum bastard
Obama is going to help black people I truely believe in him
Stehen Coblert bitch as don't know shit white crack fuck him and whatever he stand for
This world will be a sad place if McCain gets elected
hey Obama u r the best president go go go Obama
I think Barack Obama, is God sent to the United State of America…..also, his there for the entire Africa especially the giant of Africa (Nigeria). We Nigerian we love Obama…..Cheers
Nigerian…….
Congratulations Mr. Obama on your victory. America needs a President like you. May God continue to bless and keep you and your family.
we love you all …….God bless
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
They are so lucky and popular!!!
OBAMA rules this world!!! HE rocks to the charts!!!
I LOVE YOU, OBAMA!!!
i WOULD LOVE TO MEET HIS DAUGHTERS