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Sixteen years and counting

Posted by Scott Helman, Political Reporter October 3, 2008 03:58 PM

obamaflrs.jpg
(Reuters/JASON REED)

GLENSIDE, Pa. -- "Let's get a dozen of those."

With that, Barack Obama had his white roses, a little anniversary gift for his wife as they celebrate 16 years together tonight. Obama is making an unusual Friday night departure from the campaign trail to head home to Chicago for the occasion; he and his wife, Michelle, are going to dinner at an Italian restaurant they like.

After a rally in Abington, Pa. Obama stopped by Penny’s Flowers in nearby Glenside. "So I’m thinking maybe just some roses," he said. "I'm thinking maybe not red, maybe yellow?" After surveying the options, he went with white.

A worker at the store, Mary Darcy, wrapped them up with baby's breath and cellophane. The owner brought over an Obama sign, which he signed with a Sharpie. He paid the bill -- $47.70 -- on a credit card, and went outside to greet about 200 people who had gathered on the street. Two blocks later, the motorcade was driving past a group of screaming elementary school children. Obama couldn't resist; he got out and shook a few hands.

The other night, on a flight from Washington to Grand Rapids, Mich. Obama was offering reporters some tips on maintaining a healthy marriage. No real gems of wisdom, just some self-evident rules of the road: "Sense of humor, listening."

"Never forget an anniversary?" he was asked.

"No, because Michelle forgot my first one," he said, adding "Never get so mad that you forget why you love them."

Of course, nothing's terribly romantic when you're tailed more or less all the time by a small battalion of aides, Secret Service agents, and media.

"I wish I could just slip in and get some flowers for my wife," he lamented while shopping at Penny's.

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They are such a sweet couple, what genuine affection and love they show toward each other as a family. I think they will make a wonderful First Family, and a positive example for so many out there who are struggling.

Posted by Dave October 3, 08 04:48 PM
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He is so sweet! What a romantic man and a great example of how marriage should work when you love each other and work at its success.

Posted by Brenda Bailey October 3, 08 04:49 PM
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Obama good role model for men!

One can never be too busy to celebrate his anniversary...even if one is running for president. Obama and Biden are good husbands and dads...unlike republican Maccain who first picked a trophy wife then a trophy v.p/jerry springer trash.

Posted by anonymous October 3, 08 05:14 PM
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awwwww, how sweet and what a delightful photo op. Pleeeeease. I'm betting that the other 3 people involved on both sides had,have or will have anniversaries. I have already stopped watching tv because of the drivel, Now the computer goes too.

Posted by Dianne October 3, 08 05:23 PM
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Here's a man who married a woman who is his equal. A strong partner requires a man of strong character. The Obamas as President and First Lady will be a true indicator of what it means to be brought up in America, land of opportunity, liberty and justice.

Posted by anonymous October 3, 08 05:27 PM
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Hopefully, Obama will be a role model for a lot people.

Posted by Mimi October 3, 08 05:38 PM
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Happy Anniversary Michelle and Barack! A beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers....and a breath of fresh air for this country! Many, many more!

Posted by Susan R October 3, 08 05:48 PM
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Obama is genuine and a true husband and father. He would serve well as our President.

Posted by Scooter Magrooter October 3, 08 05:51 PM
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Happy Anniversary Michelle and Barack! A beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers....and a breath of fresh air for this country! Many, many more!

Posted by Susan R October 3, 08 05:52 PM
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This is America's opportunity and I sincerely hope the people wil grab it.

Posted by Terence Fernando October 3, 08 05:53 PM
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How is this news? Gimmee a break!

Posted by tellthetruth October 3, 08 05:54 PM
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Mr.Obama is such a perfect example for a lot of men out there who could use some incentives to show love and appreciation for their spouses. He still takes time out from campaigning to celebrate their anniversary, what a guy!
This country not only needs a good leader, good man but most of all, a role model to us Americans, Mr.Obama is it!
Obama/Biden 08!

Posted by S K Tomczak October 3, 08 06:01 PM
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how great that sensitivity, intelligence, a sense of honor, a strong belief in what is possible, and a willingness to serve selflessly may be the attributes of a President of the people of this country... BRAVO.. wake up America.. look beyond the surface and see that what we need is within our grasp...

Posted by Michael October 3, 08 06:10 PM
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This drivel is so much better than all that negative stuff and half truths and spin. Its really nice to see something very positive and caring for a change. Live is so much more than issues and debate and politics. There is probably more truth in this simple exchange than we have seen all year.

Posted by Phyllis Lethin October 3, 08 06:12 PM
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Beautiful. How wonderful that he did this.. His first marriage too--unlinke McCain who left his first wife on her deathbed after having numerous affairs--only to marry the trophy stepford blonde...

Posted by Katie Segal October 3, 08 06:13 PM
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and he didn't know hes on TV? oh, come on!
this is so cheap!

Posted by cheryl October 3, 08 06:14 PM
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Imagine a debate between Michelle and Palin's husband.
This is not so crazy if you consider how much Michelle likes being on TV.

Are we voting for Obama or Michelle? Or kind of for both and only one will actually be the President?

Why is Michelle on TV talking politics and principles anyway?

Posted by cheryl October 3, 08 06:17 PM
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Wow! How sweeeet! I pary that they have many, many moore years together. It is nice to see aman appreciate his mate again. Hurry home Mr. President!

Posted by obamacratic October 3, 08 06:31 PM
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Not as bad as McCain actually INVITING 25 reporters and 5 photographers along when he visited his son's classroom, years ago. I mean, how cheesy was that? Ruined a day at school for 35 kids. Actually, more like 55, as he had recently slashed teachers' salaries at the time.

Posted by moe hong October 3, 08 06:44 PM
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This makes me feel so wonderful and I love this feeling. The election is so ugly...and this is so beautiful.

Posted by CreoleInDC October 3, 08 07:15 PM
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To cheryl, in response to "Why is Michelle on TV talking politics and principles anyway?"

Probably because she has something called a brain.

Posted by Chris October 3, 08 07:22 PM
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Michelle is a lucky woman..... I am so much in love with this man, i plan on changing my name of Obama. filled out the paper work last week. May God Bless him and his beautiful wife.

Posted by jackie October 3, 08 09:47 PM
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Excellent. I am so happy to see our future candidate showing so much respect and love for his wife (and family). He is an excellent role model and I hope they have a wonderful evening together.

Posted by Susan October 3, 08 10:48 PM
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Please turn off such phony reporting. Frankly, nobody believes anything that this political couple does now is for real. It's all for show. I'm not saying that they don't love each other, or they don't celebrate their anniversary. I don't know if they do/ever did, and I don't think it matters for my vote. It's just that under these circumstances, whatever they do is not genuine. Why waste your time to report it and our time to read it?

Posted by mk October 4, 08 01:12 PM
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I sincerely hope that this election doesn't change this loving family. They've got so much to share with us (and so much to keep private.) What love! What a beautiful couple.
The whole Obama package is a wonderful inspirational gift to the world. To the Obamas: Bless you, and your loving family too.

Posted by cassandra October 5, 08 12:51 PM
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