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The first family, plus one

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 9, 2009 03:46 PM

President-elect Barack Obama's mother-in-law will definitely be taking up residence at the White House, at least for a while.

Obama's transition office announced this afternoon that Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, will join the family.

Katie McCormick Lelyveld, the press secretary for Michelle Obama, told the Associated Press that Robinson would decide in coming months whether she wants to stay in Washington.

Robinson played a key role during the campaign, retiring from her job as a bank executive secretary to help care for the Obamas' daughters Sasha and Malia, while the couple stumped across the country.

By all accounts, Obama has a good relationship with his mother-in-law, whom he has called one of the unsung heroes of his campaign.

When asked by "60 Minutes" if Robinson would move in, he quipped: "Well, I don't tell my mother-in-law what to do. But I'm not stupid. That's why I got elected president, man."

The AP says Michelle Obama also made another hotly awaited decision: She's keeping the White House chef. Cristeta Comerford took the job in 2005 and is the first woman and first minority to serve as executive chef.

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I don't want to pay for the first grandmother to be in the white house.
first its the grandmother, then it will be the great aunt, then the cousins.

I voted for Obama, NOT his extended family.

Posted by anonymous January 9, 09 04:55 PM
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A grandmother who raises your kids is not extended family - she is part of the nuclear family. Would you have the same response as if they had a live in au-pair or nanny?

As a working professional who lives with 3 kids, a husband and my own mother I find your comments horribly offensive. Relegating a grandmother to a separate house is common practice in the United States, but not in most other parts of the world. and even in the U.S. it is becoming much more common as families find that the lderly (living on a fixed income) and the young (often having to have two parents working to make ends meet) can benefit when the nuclear family is expanded to meet eveverybody's needs. Open your mind a little anonymous.

Posted by jmd January 9, 09 06:03 PM
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I am so happy that the girls will have their grandmother there. What an excellent example of a healthy, functioning family.

Posted by Edna January 9, 09 06:22 PM
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As long as he doesn't start parking the car in the yard, I guess it's OK.

Posted by JSmithVA January 9, 09 07:23 PM
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I am Proud that family is important to our new president. It seems that america has lost since of it's self, and I consider myself blessed to know that my president still clings to family values. Bod bless you Barack, and know that my family and I will be praying for you and yours

Posted by Rev. Max A.Flaskamp January 9, 09 09:42 PM
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You will not be paying for his family. The President pays their own bills (food, energy, etc.)

Posted by Greg January 9, 09 09:44 PM
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I think it's great that Mrs. Robinson is moving into the white house to help with the children. If President elect Obama and Michelle are ok with it, then who are we to make any comments. Afterall they are family. Who ever wants to move in can move in. GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!

Posted by Eva Love January 9, 09 10:42 PM
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Its the mothers job not the grandmothers. I thought they said family came first. What other job does Michelle have? She isn't the one voted in. Other past presidents didn't have someone else do their job for them. This really make me angry.

Posted by Linda T January 12, 09 08:15 AM
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Let us take note from other cultures in reference to having the grandmother live in the white house. Her presence will offer such a wonderful experience for the entire family. She is a part of the family and the mother of Michelle. The white house is huge and she will probably have her own separate wing which will give everyone a sense of privacy. Our elderly are not throwaway people to be place in a home and forgotten about forever.

Posted by Lisa January 20, 09 12:38 AM
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