“I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.” -President Obama’s letter to his daughters for PARADE
“My daughters are amazing girls. They’re smart, they’re funny. They take after their mom, and Michelle’s done a great job with them,” he gushed. “You get these teenage moments — they love you, but what I think really affects you most is they just don’t have time for you. It’s not an active disdain for you. It’s just their calendars start filling up and they’ve got all these friends who are much more interesting.” -President Obama to GQ Magazine.
“I’m inspired by the love people have for their children. And I’m inspired by my own children, how full they make my heart. They make me want to work to make the world a little bit better. And they make me want to be a better man.” -President Obama in The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.
“As some of you may know, it’s only a matter of time until Malia gets her learner’s permit. So I’m hoping to see one of those models that gets a top speed of 15 miles an hour, the ejector seat anytime boys are in the car.” -President Obama, during a speech
“After I received the news, Malia walked in and said, ‘Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize, and it is Bo’s birthday!’ And then Sasha added, ‘Plus, we have a three-day weekend coming up.’ So it’s good to have kids to keep things in perspective.” -President Obama, on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize
On healthcare and Sasha’s meningitis scare: “I still remember that feeling of just desperation, watching the nurse take her away to provide treatment for her,” he said. “But I was thinking, what if I hadn’t had insurance? What if I was looking at my bank account and I didn’t have the money to cover her? How would I be able to face my wife, and how would I be able to look in the mirror if I didn’t feel like I could somehow make sure they were okay?” -President Obama during a Town Hall meeting.
“Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes you’re growing up to become two strong, smart, beautiful young women, just like your mom. And I’m so proud of you guys.” -President Obama’s reelection speech
“Just yesterday, Malia started her first day of senior year. You know, I was sitting in her room because I was going to see her off her first day of school. She puts her head on my shoulder and she says, ‘Daddy, you know, you realize this is probably going to be the last time that you ever send me off for my first day of school,’” Obama told the audience. “I had to look away. I didn’t want to just be such a crybaby. It makes no sense. Michelle and I are way too young to have daughters who are both almost in college now. So as a parent, I was a little freaked out.” -President Obama, during a Michigan University speech
