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First Granny Moving into White House!
And so it turns out that President-elect Obama's 71 year old mother-in-law is moving into the White House. Below is my article on First Granny-elect Marian Robinson, published last November...
***
It was election night when I first laid eyes on her: First Granny-elect Marian Robinson.
After Obama's Grant Park speech, the whole family walked onto the stage to join the newly elected President. While the rest of the world was in solemn observation of America's first black commander-in-chief, I was transfixed by the energy - the light - emanating from this older black woman. She was at once both demure, even chic, and undeniably "real." Think the sass of Tyra Banks, combined with the grit of Miss Jane Pittman. All in the package of a younger, sexier Ruby Dee.
You can see glimpses of her here, starting at 2:30. (Far too much coverage is given here to Joe Biden's 90 year old mother who is, with all due respect, a poor man's version of John McCain's 96 year old mother.)
Who was this woman?! I had to know.
Born Marian Shields in the hardscrabble Woodlawn section of the South Side in 1937, she married at 23 and stayed home to raise her two kids. She tirelessly kept them on the straight and narrow, before seeing them both off to the Ivy League. After Michelle left for Princeton, Marian went to work as a bank secretary, from which she retired last year. She still lives in the house where she raised her kids.
Rightly described as "the linchpin of Barack Obama's presidential campaign," she served as Malia and Sasha's protector-in-chief while Barack and Michelle were on the road. (Even before the campaign began, she rarely let a day pass without visiting her grandkids.) Now she might be moving into the White House, at least part-time. With their granny around, there's little chance that Malia and Sasha would fall prey to the pitfalls that have cursed previous First Kids. (With Marian standing guard, who would even dare to tempt the girls?!)
My favorite part of the post-election 60 Minutes interview with President-elect Obama was his mention of his mother-in-law:
Look out, Rahm Emanuel. You might be the Chief of Staff. But Marian Robinson could end up running the whole White House - unless, of course, Oprah gives her her own daytime series. (Move over, Gayle!)
It is, of course, a perfect scandal that Marian Robinson doesn't have her own wikipedia entry!
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***
It was election night when I first laid eyes on her: First Granny-elect Marian Robinson.
After Obama's Grant Park speech, the whole family walked onto the stage to join the newly elected President. While the rest of the world was in solemn observation of America's first black commander-in-chief, I was transfixed by the energy - the light - emanating from this older black woman. She was at once both demure, even chic, and undeniably "real." Think the sass of Tyra Banks, combined with the grit of Miss Jane Pittman. All in the package of a younger, sexier Ruby Dee.
You can see glimpses of her here, starting at 2:30. (Far too much coverage is given here to Joe Biden's 90 year old mother who is, with all due respect, a poor man's version of John McCain's 96 year old mother.)
Who was this woman?! I had to know.
Born Marian Shields in the hardscrabble Woodlawn section of the South Side in 1937, she married at 23 and stayed home to raise her two kids. She tirelessly kept them on the straight and narrow, before seeing them both off to the Ivy League. After Michelle left for Princeton, Marian went to work as a bank secretary, from which she retired last year. She still lives in the house where she raised her kids.
Rightly described as "the linchpin of Barack Obama's presidential campaign," she served as Malia and Sasha's protector-in-chief while Barack and Michelle were on the road. (Even before the campaign began, she rarely let a day pass without visiting her grandkids.) Now she might be moving into the White House, at least part-time. With their granny around, there's little chance that Malia and Sasha would fall prey to the pitfalls that have cursed previous First Kids. (With Marian standing guard, who would even dare to tempt the girls?!)
My favorite part of the post-election 60 Minutes interview with President-elect Obama was his mention of his mother-in-law:
Look out, Rahm Emanuel. You might be the Chief of Staff. But Marian Robinson could end up running the whole White House - unless, of course, Oprah gives her her own daytime series. (Move over, Gayle!)
It is, of course, a perfect scandal that Marian Robinson doesn't have her own wikipedia entry!
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Comments (80)
torii
11:40PM Jan 3rd 2009
I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT MY TAX PAYERS DOLLARS ARE NOT SPENT TAKING CARE OF MICHELLE'S MOTHER FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. THEIR WEALTH CAN CERTAINLY PROVIDE TO HOUSE AND BOARD THIS WOMAN. IF SHE IS NEEDED AS A NANNY--PAY HER--BUT PLEASE DON'T BURDEN THE TAX PAYER WITH PROVIDING ROOM AND BOARD, DOCTOR BILLS, SECRET SERVICE PROTECTION, ETC. FOR THIS WOMAN. WHEN THEY LIVED IN CHICAGO SHE DID BABYSIT BUT SHE CERTAINLY WASN'T A RESIDENT IN THEIR HOME.
I DON'T KNOW THE COST OF BOARD AND ROOM ALONG WITH ALL THE AMENITIES THE WHITE HOUSE OFFERS TO THE FIRST FAMILY--BUT I DON'T THINK THE TAXPAYERS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UPKEEP OF ALL THE RELATIVES. WHO MIGHT BE NEXT? HIS AUNTIE FROM BOSTON OR HIS BROTHER FROM KENYA??? AND WHERE WILL THEY PUT THE MOTHER-IN-LAW? THE LINCOLN BEDROOM?
I CAN BARELY AFFORD MY OWN TAXES AND DON'T NEED AN INCREASE TO HOUSE THE MOTHER. OBAMA'S ARE MILLIONAIRES--THEY SHOULD PAY FOR HER UPKEEP (MAYBE BUY HER A HOUSE SO SHE CAN VISIT) OR hIRE HER AS A NANNY--BUT TO EXPECT THE TAXPAYER TO PAY FOR HER FOR 4 OR 8 YEARS IS A LITTLE MUCH. I CANNOT AFFORD AN INCREASE IN MY TAXES TO SUPPORT HER.
I DON'T KNOW THE COST OF BOARD AND ROOM ALONG WITH ALL THE AMENITIES THE WHITE HOUSE OFFERS TO THE FIRST FAMILY--BUT I DON'T THINK THE TAXPAYERS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UPKEEP OF ALL THE RELATIVES. WHO MIGHT BE NEXT? HIS AUNTIE FROM BOSTON OR HIS BROTHER FROM KENYA??? AND WHERE WILL THEY PUT THE MOTHER-IN-LAW? THE LINCOLN BEDROOM?
I CAN BARELY AFFORD MY OWN TAXES AND DON'T NEED AN INCREASE TO HOUSE THE MOTHER. OBAMA'S ARE MILLIONAIRES--THEY SHOULD PAY FOR HER UPKEEP (MAYBE BUY HER A HOUSE SO SHE CAN VISIT) OR hIRE HER AS A NANNY--BUT TO EXPECT THE TAXPAYER TO PAY FOR HER FOR 4 OR 8 YEARS IS A LITTLE MUCH. I CANNOT AFFORD AN INCREASE IN MY TAXES TO SUPPORT HER.
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Anne Wingate
1:33AM Nov 24th 2008
Meow.
I'm sure there is room in the White House for a grandmother. I expect she will have access to family funds, and will not expect to be paid as a nanny, which I as a grandmother would find very insulting. As far as Secret Service protection, I assure you from my knowledge of the Secret Service, which is pretty strong for someone who was never actually an agent, that protecting Granny is a lot cheaper than trying to rescue her if she were kidnapped.
I didn't vote for Obama. But he'll soon be President, and he has a right to expect to be treated as such--and that includes having his mother-in-law live in the White House if he wants to.
Anne Wingate
I'm sure there is room in the White House for a grandmother. I expect she will have access to family funds, and will not expect to be paid as a nanny, which I as a grandmother would find very insulting. As far as Secret Service protection, I assure you from my knowledge of the Secret Service, which is pretty strong for someone who was never actually an agent, that protecting Granny is a lot cheaper than trying to rescue her if she were kidnapped.
I didn't vote for Obama. But he'll soon be President, and he has a right to expect to be treated as such--and that includes having his mother-in-law live in the White House if he wants to.
Anne Wingate
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(0) jan
1:38AM Nov 24th 2008
I seriously don't think we need to worry. And SOMEONE will need to help with the kids. Perhaps the Obamas will pay; there's a protocol for this sort of thing. You won't notice! Do you think you paid for somone to walk Bush's dog? For his food?
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(0) Marstn
1:50AM Nov 24th 2008
torii, what are you getting so worked up about? Should we lock up the Obama children for the next 4 or 8 years? There is nothing wrong with their Grandmother living with them in the White House. Let me list the reasons.
1.) The secret service will need to protect her simply because of who she is. It's less costly to protect a group than individually.
2.) No one would have to pay for background checks or any of the other checks from the Secret Service, FBI, or any other agency for this lady.
3.) The girls will be leaving everything they have known and everyone from their old neighborhood. They will need loving care especially to adjust. They will be giving up their freedom. No longer can they just go for a walk or walk to a park. Their little lives will be run by schedules.
4.) There are going to be times when the children will not be able to travel with their parents. Having Grandma there will help Barack and Michelle to not feel too guilty as they take care of us, the people.
Due to the children's ages, I think it only fair and right that Marian Robinson move into the White House with the first family. As far as raising your taxes to pay for Mrs. Robinson's board and room, I don't think that's even a reasonable argument. What is the difference between paying Mrs. Robinson as a "nanny" or letting her move in.
Should we charge her for food, heat, etc.? Why? We do not charge foreign dignitaries who visit the White House. Many guests have visited the White House and stayed over in many of the different rooms. None of these have been sent a bill for room and board either. What would these same dignitaries say if they knew that you wanted to charge the First Grandmother for room and board when she really does have a job, even if we don't pay her for it. All Grandmothers will tell you that when their grand children were born, their responsibility started and it won't end until we die! Whether we get paid or not, we all take our responsibilities seriously! It doesn't matter what color you are, one thing runs true... no one has a more beautiful grandchild than us and no one better even think of hurting one of our grandchildren!
1.) The secret service will need to protect her simply because of who she is. It's less costly to protect a group than individually.
2.) No one would have to pay for background checks or any of the other checks from the Secret Service, FBI, or any other agency for this lady.
3.) The girls will be leaving everything they have known and everyone from their old neighborhood. They will need loving care especially to adjust. They will be giving up their freedom. No longer can they just go for a walk or walk to a park. Their little lives will be run by schedules.
4.) There are going to be times when the children will not be able to travel with their parents. Having Grandma there will help Barack and Michelle to not feel too guilty as they take care of us, the people.
Due to the children's ages, I think it only fair and right that Marian Robinson move into the White House with the first family. As far as raising your taxes to pay for Mrs. Robinson's board and room, I don't think that's even a reasonable argument. What is the difference between paying Mrs. Robinson as a "nanny" or letting her move in.
Should we charge her for food, heat, etc.? Why? We do not charge foreign dignitaries who visit the White House. Many guests have visited the White House and stayed over in many of the different rooms. None of these have been sent a bill for room and board either. What would these same dignitaries say if they knew that you wanted to charge the First Grandmother for room and board when she really does have a job, even if we don't pay her for it. All Grandmothers will tell you that when their grand children were born, their responsibility started and it won't end until we die! Whether we get paid or not, we all take our responsibilities seriously! It doesn't matter what color you are, one thing runs true... no one has a more beautiful grandchild than us and no one better even think of hurting one of our grandchildren!
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(0) bc
4:40AM Nov 24th 2008
his mother-in-law in the whitehouse - no - his whole village from kenya - no - the whole continent?
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(0) Fabrashamx
5:53AM Nov 24th 2008
This shouldnt even surprise me that people are being so petty and mean about this, it's the same people that were screaming about his birth certificate.
Many presidents have had extended family live with them. Jimmy Carters mother lived at the White House, as did the family members of many republican presidents.
Any nanny would be live in, and would need secret service protection, and the services of the staff at the white house. I suspect what you are trying not to admit is that it galls your little pea brain that a black lady with a different last name than the President elect is going to reside at the White house. Your comment about the Lincoln bedroom confirms that.
This racist behavior cloaked in petty financial conservitism is so obvious. You still dont get it, many many many white people. Myself and my entire family included, voted for and support President elect Obama and his family. right wingers have brought this country to the edge of ruin, look around you, the damn country is falling down around our ears while Bush and Chaney run out the back door with suitcases full of cash. Those of us who are sane and want this country back as it really is, not as the religeous right THINKS it should be, are in charge and we arent letting go anytime soon.
Many presidents have had extended family live with them. Jimmy Carters mother lived at the White House, as did the family members of many republican presidents.
Any nanny would be live in, and would need secret service protection, and the services of the staff at the white house. I suspect what you are trying not to admit is that it galls your little pea brain that a black lady with a different last name than the President elect is going to reside at the White house. Your comment about the Lincoln bedroom confirms that.
This racist behavior cloaked in petty financial conservitism is so obvious. You still dont get it, many many many white people. Myself and my entire family included, voted for and support President elect Obama and his family. right wingers have brought this country to the edge of ruin, look around you, the damn country is falling down around our ears while Bush and Chaney run out the back door with suitcases full of cash. Those of us who are sane and want this country back as it really is, not as the religeous right THINKS it should be, are in charge and we arent letting go anytime soon.
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(0) bob
6:40AM Nov 24th 2008
Well I guess we know who wears the pants in that family.
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(0) smokey9494
7:31AM Nov 24th 2008
There is no reason she needs to live in the White House to help with the kids. Many "nannys" live outside of the home. She can as well.
I can't stand Obama or his wife. He is NOT the POTUS yet and even after Jan 20th,he will still not be my President. His ego is to big, his "ideas" about the cival securty force are scary. I have zero respect for the man.
I can't stand Obama or his wife. He is NOT the POTUS yet and even after Jan 20th,he will still not be my President. His ego is to big, his "ideas" about the cival securty force are scary. I have zero respect for the man.
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(0) Mary Alice
5:21PM Nov 24th 2008
By all means, Grandma stays with the kids. She is their "rock" when parents are professionally busy. Didn't anyone ever tell you that "move" is a 4-letter word in the grand tradition of 4-letter words? It is the one hardest on children. Choosing a school comparable to "Lab" and bringing Grandma along to continue to be the thread of consistency for the girls is to me, essential. Go for it!
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(0) mrsssi
9:03AM Nov 24th 2008
We can't afford a "granny" at the white house? We'll not have money to bail out the banks, fuel up AF1, or wage war in Iraq? We can't have our great nation spending money to take care of an old "granny"? What type of image will we project? To have a First Family that actually wants Granny around is truly an example of the values we should all hold dear. I guess the Obama's don't pay lip service to "family values", they walk the walk. Good for them. Good for us. To think otherwise is petty and short sighted.
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(0) JUDY fERGUSON
9:27AM Nov 24th 2008
The Clinton's rented the Bedrooms in return for campaign contributions out and no one had a problem with that! We are going to end up paying for someone so why not pay for grandma who the children feel most confortable with? The mentality of some of you people is just unreal, but one thing that is real for sure you have a Black President for the next 4 years who will worked very hard to reverse the stagged financial crisis that GWB assured Americans was fundamentally strong.
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(0) b
9:17AM Nov 24th 2008
How can there be so much hate over a grandmother? If she wants to come to the White House she should! This election shows how much prejudice is still in this country.
Example:smokey94947:31AMNov 24th 2008
There is no reason she needs to live in the White House to help with the kids. Many "nannys" live outside of the home. She can as well.
I can't stand Obama or his wife. He is NOT the POTUS yet and even after Jan 20th,he will still not be my President. His ego is to big, his "ideas" about the cival securty force are scary. I have zero respect for the man.
I am sure many countries would love to have you as a guest in their country for 8 years. Seriously....people are over the edge.
Both of my grandmothers were strong influences in my life and I was blessed to have their love as well as love from my parents. President Elect Obama's children are young and this kind of move like any will be stressful, if Grandma comes along she offers love and security unlike any White House staffer. These girls are full of life and promise, God Bless them and the entire family. God Bless the people who write the hateful blogs.
Example:smokey94947:31AMNov 24th 2008
There is no reason she needs to live in the White House to help with the kids. Many "nannys" live outside of the home. She can as well.
I can't stand Obama or his wife. He is NOT the POTUS yet and even after Jan 20th,he will still not be my President. His ego is to big, his "ideas" about the cival securty force are scary. I have zero respect for the man.
I am sure many countries would love to have you as a guest in their country for 8 years. Seriously....people are over the edge.
Both of my grandmothers were strong influences in my life and I was blessed to have their love as well as love from my parents. President Elect Obama's children are young and this kind of move like any will be stressful, if Grandma comes along she offers love and security unlike any White House staffer. These girls are full of life and promise, God Bless them and the entire family. God Bless the people who write the hateful blogs.
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(0) mbc90210
9:41AM Nov 24th 2008
smokey94947:31AMNov 24th 2008
There is no reason she needs to live in the White House to help with the kids. Many "nannys" live outside of the home. She can as well.
I can't stand Obama or his wife. He is NOT the POTUS yet and even after Jan 20th,he will still not be my President. His ego is to big, his "ideas" about the cival securty force are scary. I have zero respect for the man.
The above is just an example of the hate posted on this blog about a grandmother and her two grandchildren. This transition will be difficult for President Elect Obama's children. If their grandmother wants to come, she certainly should. My grandmothers were strong influences in my life and they contributed their love to us almost daily. God Bless the Obama family and God Bless the blog writers who are filled with hate and prejudice!
There is no reason she needs to live in the White House to help with the kids. Many "nannys" live outside of the home. She can as well.
I can't stand Obama or his wife. He is NOT the POTUS yet and even after Jan 20th,he will still not be my President. His ego is to big, his "ideas" about the cival securty force are scary. I have zero respect for the man.
The above is just an example of the hate posted on this blog about a grandmother and her two grandchildren. This transition will be difficult for President Elect Obama's children. If their grandmother wants to come, she certainly should. My grandmothers were strong influences in my life and they contributed their love to us almost daily. God Bless the Obama family and God Bless the blog writers who are filled with hate and prejudice!
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(0) les
10:37AM Nov 24th 2008
MBC - I don't see hate in the above post - I see an opinion. This is someone who obviously did not vote for Obama and does not like his policies. I am sick and tired of differing opinions being touted as "hate".
I may not tolerate people or stand to be around them, but I seldom "hate" anyone.
I may not tolerate people or stand to be around them, but I seldom "hate" anyone.
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(0) bob
10:11AM Nov 24th 2008
JUDY fERGUSON9:27AMNov 24th 2008
The Clinton's rented the Bedrooms in return for campaign contributions out and no one had a problem with that!
**************
Actually, there were a lot of people who had a problem with that.
As for granny, hey if the guy has to put her up in order to keep the family peace I don't have a problem with it. Most little old ladies I know eat like birds, pinch pennies and don't toss out anything until it's well beyond being usable. Given what I'm hearing from him so far (stimulus packages, make-work programs, prospective bailouts, etc), I think having that kind of influence around the house might be a good thing.
The Clinton's rented the Bedrooms in return for campaign contributions out and no one had a problem with that!
**************
Actually, there were a lot of people who had a problem with that.
As for granny, hey if the guy has to put her up in order to keep the family peace I don't have a problem with it. Most little old ladies I know eat like birds, pinch pennies and don't toss out anything until it's well beyond being usable. Given what I'm hearing from him so far (stimulus packages, make-work programs, prospective bailouts, etc), I think having that kind of influence around the house might be a good thing.
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(0) brntrewesl
10:30AM Nov 24th 2008
Will Michelle and Marian allow Barack to sit-in on some of the Cabinet meetings?
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(0) Tonya
10:39AM Nov 24th 2008
Some people are just plain ignorant of family matters, evidently. And have no respect or thought for their elders either. This type of thinking is what has led this country to the condition it's in. Why should those girls have a nanny whose love is dealt from a paycheck and from the privilege of their father's staus when they can have their own Granny whose love is from that place in our hearts that overlaps with our souls? Is it possible that these naysayers are simply envious because a Black family is making a very strong example of...family values? I have two young children at home, became disabled 5 years ago in an accident and we are broke but we eat. I also have four grandchildren from our older two kids...and taking care of them as i do my own children is something I'd be hurt if I could not do. Just last night my oldest grandbaby and i put togethr a wonderful posterboard project for her 4th grade assignment. We grandparents, most of us anyway, love being near those children as much as we possibly can. We have major influence in their lives. major. I feel so bad for kids who don't have loving grandparents.
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(0) JBL
11:08AM Nov 24th 2008
She's just another welfare person living off the hard-working taxpayer's money...
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(0) Bas
11:43AM Nov 24th 2008
Why not? My mother-in-law moved in with us 2 years ago - her savings had been wiped out by medical bills, and her social security is not enough for her to live on her own. She is a part of our family. If I can do it, why not the Obamas? If they had 3 or 4 children, would we ask them to leave a couple back in Chicago because the cost might be too much?
Oh, and to mbc90210 - so Obama won't be YOUR president after he's sworn in? So where are you moving to?
Oh, and to mbc90210 - so Obama won't be YOUR president after he's sworn in? So where are you moving to?
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(0) Bas
11:45AM Nov 24th 2008
mbc90210 - So SORRY! - my comment should have been addressed to smokey9494! Sorry! Sometimes the hands type faster than the brain processes...
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