Obama to visit grandmother, skip events

Posted: Monday, October 20, 2008 9:32 PM by Carrie Dann

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones
ON PLANE EN ROUTE ORLANDO TO WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Obama will cancel campaign events to travel to Honolulu, HI on Thursday evening to visit his ailing 86-year-old grandmother Madelyn Dunham.

The senator, who last saw Dunham in August, is cancelling his previously scheduled trips to Iowa and Wisconsin and will instead hold an event in Indianapolis Thursday. He will fly to Hawaii from Indiana, spend Friday with his grandmother and will return to the campaign trail on Saturday, according to aide Robert Gibbs, who said that every other function of campaign would continue.

The campaign released the following statement:

"Senator Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has always been one of the most important people in his life. Along with his mother and his grandfather, she raised him in Hawaii from the time he was born until the moment he left for college. As he said at the Democratic Convention, she poured everything she had into him. Recently, his Grandmother has become ill, and in the last few weeks, her health has deteriorated to the point where her situation is very serious. It is for that reason that Senator Obama has decided to change his schedule on Thursday and Friday so that he can see her and spend some time with her. He will be returning to the campaign trail on Saturday."

Gibbs took a few questions after reading the statement.

"His grandmother right now is at home," he said. "She was released late last week from the hospital."

Michelle Obama will not travel to Hawaii with her husband. She will hold events in place of Obama in Akron, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio on Friday, the campaign said.

Gibbs, who said Obama speaks with his grandmother very frequently, did not expect the senator to make any public remarks on the matter. He declined to share the specifics of Dunham's medical condition, citing privacy reasons, and would say only that it was "very serious."

"The decision Sen. Obama is making to go to Hawaii I think underscores the seriousness of the situation," he added.

The campaign said Obama would campaign in the West on Saturday, though they have not yet released any more information.

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Comments

Somewhere Michelle Bachmann has a smug little smile on her face, convinced Obama's trip to Hawaii somehow must be more proof of his anti-american proclivities.

Ian (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:43 PM)

God bless your grandma,Senator Obama.

cathy Milton Vt (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:43 PM)

Good for him, his relationship with her is obviously more important right now.....hopefully McCain/Palin will respect and call off the cheap shots of the campaign. Blessings to Senator Obama and his family

Karen in Portland Or (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:43 PM)

Senator Obama, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and specially with your Grandmother. We will be waiting for you to come back to us and continue your path to the White House and make her even prouder.

grace, san jose, california (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:44 PM)

Obama is an admirable man to leave his campaign to visit his sick Tutu. Many people made negative comments about his visit last summer.

I am praying that Tutu lives long enough to see Obama become President.

Tutu gave Obama down to earth common sense and good judgment.

Obama is showing that family is more important than his campaign. A man of "real" values.

Stan, Boston (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:44 PM)

Toots will be fine..please hang around until the inauguration day ma'am...Barry goes for Gold!

Michael, Houston (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:47 PM)

....i forgot. take all the time you need. just make sure to come back on January 20th for your inaguration as our 44th president. (8 is my favorite number!) you know 4+4.

grace, san jose, california (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:47 PM)

Can't he multi-task?

Mac Byfour (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:48 PM)

God bless you and I will send up a prayer for you and your Grandmother. I pray that she lives to see your second term as President. That she can be proud of all the effort that she put forth for you in making such a difference in the world through you.

RGSmith Logansport In. (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:49 PM)

Wow, this is really a tragedy on so many levels. Obviously, Senator Obama and his family are very much in my thoughts and prayers. I sincerely hope that I am wrong, but given the mean spiritedness of the GOP campaign, I fear that McCain and company are sitting in their war room as we speak trying to figure out how to best capitalize on and exploit this personal crisis.

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:49 PM)

So sorry Barack, to hear about your Grandma.

God be with you.

Andrea, New York City (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:49 PM)

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU MR.OBAMA

TRACT (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:50 PM)

God bless him at this time. I hope that the GOP does not see that as on opportunity to attack him even worse.

teacher3 (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:51 PM)

AWWW I will pray for Obama and his grandmother...he is a strong man and has a lot going on...

pittsburgh (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:52 PM)

My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Obama and his family. It is up to all of us to continue campaigning for him while he spends time at his grandmother's side. Obama's decision to spend time with her than stay on the campaign trail speaks volumes of his compassion and character.

JRS, Lugoff SC (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:53 PM)

God bless Senator Obama and his family during this difficult personal time. This demonstrates what a wonderful person he is and the depth of his core values.

PAMama4Obama (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:53 PM)

Hmmm...Obama's grandmother was released form the hospital last week.

I wonder how much Obama's trip back to Hawaii has to do with the Emergency Petition filed before the Hawaii State Supreme Court to force the State of Hawaii to release any and all documents concerning the birth of Barack Obama?

USVet (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:55 PM)

Our prayers go out to Senator Obama and his family at his trying time.

Obama/Biden '08!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:56 PM)

I pray that she will recoup from whatever illness she's going through. It must be serious for him to cancel campaign events.

Meanwhile, Fox news has Hannity and Dick Morris bringing up Obama's past drug use and asking if he ever dealt drugs!!!! What else would they come up with next? The Republicans are truly pathetic.

Let's see if any of them will display an ounce of decency and back off with the attacks while Obama's deals with his grandma's illness. Somehow, I doubt it!

Obama/Biden '08!!

jodi, central jersey (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:57 PM)

I am praying for your family now.

S. Zachary Boynton Beach, FL (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:58 PM)

Our thoughts are with Mrs. Dunham and with Senator Obama and his family. Senator, I know your faith in God and love for your grandmother, and hers for you, will help both of you through whatever may come. We hope you find comfort, joy and hope in being able to spend some time together.

Just me and a few million other Americans, sending our love and prayers.

Karen, Davie, FL (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:00 PM)

Please G-d, let her and Ted Kennedy see him inaugurated on January 20, 2009!

I am planning on being there and if either does not make it, I will hold a sign in memory!

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:01 PM)

I will pray for her. If her condition is as serious as the reports have stated, may she continue to live long enough to see her grandson make world history. She sounds like an amazing woman and may god protect her in these trying times.

Che Chico, Los Angeles (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:02 PM)

These are very sad news. I am very sorry. I have a lot of respect for Senator Obama and as a man that was raised by his grandmother, I understand his situation. God bless.

Latino Voter for Obama, Ruther Glen VA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:03 PM)

This is a really responsible thing to do Mr. Obama you have my vote.

James, NY (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:04 PM)

All of our best wishes and thoughts go with Sen. Obama and his family during this time. Get well, Mrs. Dunham.

I noticed on some other news blogs that there are vicious comments posted in regard to this news. I find that shameful for any American to behave that way during what is clearly a very emotional time for this man who credits his grandparents for "putting everything they had into him". I just find it incredibly sad that my own countrymen find this a time to remain venoumous.

Wendy NC (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:05 PM)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved grandmother, Senator Obama. We will be here when you get back.

Cindy, California (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:05 PM)

Obama please know our prayers and thoughts are with your Grandmother.

Obama/Biden '08

C in Maryland (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:07 PM)

I believe that this will be a blessing in disguise. Barack has "not blinked" during other tough times. He will quietly undertake his mission to be with his grandmother. I remember he regretted not paying more attention to his own mother in her last days. The campaign is in a good place and in good hands. My prayers are with him and his family.

Grandma Middletown PA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:09 PM)

God-speed, Barack, God-speed. Our prayers are with you and your grandmother.

Kari Stroede, Augusta, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:09 PM)

Get well soon, Toot! I feel that, as I got to know Senator Obama through his book, I got to know his family as well. I find it a testiment to Senator Obama's impecible character that he would take a couple of days off from the campaign to be with her, and I want to thank him for doing so. It shows that there are still politicians who won't let the campaign dictate thier actions in the interest of political expediency.

Hopeing Toot can see her beloved grandson become our next president, I'm praying for her and her family.

With love.

Michelle F. Bentleyville, PA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:09 PM)

Family first. Obama is an honorable man and what he is doing shows everyone that he is a man with true family values. Should anyone critize his decision will show what family values they have. His campaign will carry on just fine while he attends to this dire family matter.

May God bless you and your family. Your grandmother is in my prayers.

Obama/Biden '08

Lee, So. CA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:13 PM)

My thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Obama and his family. It is apparent the close bond Sen. Obama has with his grandmother from hearing him speak about her throughout the campaign. Hopefully this will not affect his standing in the race, but I'm sure with the slime the republicans have been waging, they will take advantage of this for their own political gain. Sad, but true.

God bless you Sen. Obama and Mrs. Dunham...you have done well.

Lisa B. Florida (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:14 PM)

My heart goes out to you, Barack. My grandma raised me too, so I can imagine how special your bond must be to her. Many blessing to her, and to you. Blessed be.

Thom Davis, Champaign, IL (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:19 PM)

thoughts and prayers are with Senator Obama and his grandmother...he has always made her proud...he makes all of us proud to be Americans

Janet Baldocchi, San Francisco, Ca (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:21 PM)

This just goes to show the Nation once again that Barack’s character is truly one of good nature, compassion, and selflessness. Barack is at a crucial time of what might be the most important election we have ever faced. Two weeks to go and yet, he keeps things in perspective and selflessly chooses to leave the campaign trail to visit his seriously ill grandmother. That’s the kind of President that I can vote for! Once Undecided Independent now Obama supporter.

j8205, Maria Del Rey, CA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 10:22 PM)

Hope she gets well soon. And this is not an instance to talk politics but rather to be a compassionate Human Being. Therefore, lets hope the best for Mr. Obama's grandmother and leave this situation from getting involved with politics. If the republican's had someone who was not doing well health wise I would hope for them to get soon even though I'm a Democrat.

Smarty Jones, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:33 AM)

No one can fault him for that. He is a caring guy and is doing what he needs to do. Hope his gramma is ok!

M. Groves (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:42 AM)

Having lived through my Grandparents illnesses (and eventual passing), I hope that Senator Obama's Grandmother's situation improves. The Inevitability of our mortality never makes it any easier. But I'm pretty sure she is proud of her Grandson's accomplishments.

Davy Eugene, OR (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:17 AM)

Putting all the conflict, rage and division aside for a moment:

My family's thoughts and prayers are with you Sen. Obama

Best Wishes, LA, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:24 AM)

I am a strong supporter of Senator o'bama and I would like him to know that I hope his Grandmother is O.K. healthwise. He has been such a wonderful candidate during these difficult times. My prayers are with you and I want your Grandmother to be by your side, with the rest of your lovely family on Inauguration Day. She must be very proud of you. Thank you again for the hope you have given us..I voted for you and Senator Biden yesterday with great pride in my country. Thank you again..

Mary Goldwater (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:35 AM)

Senator Obama,
You during the right thing to visit your grandmother. I wish her the best of health. And for you sir, you are given the American people the very best of the best of "YES WE CAN and HOPE". And sir, I Thank You for that. To help you to feel good, Sir . I am just a 60 year old man who spent 20 years in the USAF and a small businessman with a staff of 16, who is paying the required business taxes for over 20 years.
I sir, voted early for you and proud to be an American.

Jack H, Fayetteville, NC (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:42 AM)

Senator Obama, My husband and I have your family in our thoughts and prayers. don't worry we will carry on the campaign for you!

Obama/Biden '08

Heather Windsor, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:58 AM)

The only time in 2 years I have seen Obama get overcome - even though it was only for a moment - was when he FINALLY accepted the nomination of the democratic party and became the presumptive nominee (in June and I don't remember the state it was a blur by then ... but it was the last one - it was the night of the Michelle Obama fist bump). He did mention something like, "that woman poured everything she was into me" and he stopped and took a breath and he was momentarily overcome. I wish I had the tape of it - you can see him become emotional. I wish Obama and his grandmother and family the best.

stephanie, NY (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:58 AM)

Good for him.

Jeremy, Martinez, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:02 AM)

I disagree with Rachel Maddow and any other pundit who thinks this can hurt Obama's campaign. He has a legitimate reason to put his campaign unlike his opposition. The respect I have for him has grown tenfold because it shows how much he cares for his family. I can only imagine the headlines if he would have chosen to stay on the campaign trail. I do hope McCain/Pail will not exploit this family issue, but I know they will not set aside their jabs, smears, or hate filled desperation..My thoughts and prayers go out to Obama and his family during this time.

Kim W Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:08 AM)

Obama continually demonstrates his ability to triage events and make rational decisions about relative importance. Undoubtedly the Mcslime campaign will attempt to take political advantage of this decision, however just like the rest of their mud it will rebound on them. Frankly, I respect and admire Obama for his decision and steadfast devotion to his grandmother; a pivotal influence in his life, a loving and demanding figure that inculcated the values which he displays in both “normal” life and the incredible stress of this campaign.

Reading between the lines and with years of healthcare management experience, makes me believe that she decided to spend her last days in the comfort of her home, with her grandson and this will be his last chance to see her alive.
Based on all that I read, this will be only a blip in his Presidential campaign but it will be a defining moment in his life and I respect that. I can both sympathize and emphasize with what he must be feeling and dreading; my sincere condolences to you, Sir.

jaybee, Tucson AZ (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:25 AM)

I am ashamed of the media not at the very least stating that all our prayers are with Sen.Obama's grandmother Madelyn Dunham at this time and we are all pulling for to see her Grandson become the next possible President
of America!

Beverly Covington,Ocala,FL (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:53 AM)

my prayers and thoughts are with the entire OBAMA FAMILY

Carmen Nashville Tn (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:10 AM)

OBAMA GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR GRANDMOTHER MY PRAYS ARE YOU AND THE FAMILY .GOD BLESS YOU

SANDRA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 4:11 AM)

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