Best wishes to Madelyn Dunham
posted at 1:45 pm on October 21, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Barack Obama will leave the campaign trail for a couple of days at the end of this week to see his ailing grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who apparently has fallen ill. Robert Gibbs released this statement on behalf of Team Obama:
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 the the campaign trail on Saturday.
First and most importantly, we all hope that Mrs. Dunham recovers quickly from her serious illness. All other issues aside, we can certainly understand that Senator Obama needs to tend to family. I believe he’s her next of kin, and if the issues are that serious, then he has a responsibility that transcends a couple of campaign appearances, and he’s doing the right thing.
We’re getting some e-mail on this subject. First, Gibbs’ short bio is a little inaccurate, but hardly deceptive. Obama’s mother raised him until she sent him back from Indonesia, but it’s a harmless exaggeration in a blurb that’s intended to remind people of her importance to Obama.
Next, some people wonder whether Obama is really returning to Hawaii to get his birth certificate to respond to a couple of lawsuits. Obama could just as easily have signed a limited power of attorney and hired a couple of lawyers to do that. With $150 million in contributions last month, the campaign certainly could have afforded several top-flight lawyers for this task.
Obama will return to the campaign trail on Saturday. Team O can certainly run the campaign in his absence for 48 hours, and there shouldn’t be any calls to suspend the campaign or to stop running comparative advertising in the final two weeks. Team O ridiculed John McCain for doing just that in the midst of a national crisis, and it would be the worst kind of hypocrisy to demand that kind of treatment in the middle of a personal crisis.
Update: Ben Smith at Politico links this under the headline, “Dept. of Sanity”. That’s us! Although I’m going to disappoint one commenter in the thread who thinks I’m a closet Obama voter. Er, not really.
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Me: “Prayers for Granny”.
Media: “Let’s win this for Granny”
aquaviva on October 21, 2008 at 1:47 PM
If she’s so gravely ill, why wait to go see her?
Me-thinks something else is going on…although she probably is sick.
With narcissists: IT’S ALL ABOUT MEEEEE!
Let’s roll.
ex-Democrat on October 21, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Best wishes for his grandmother.
I have to ask, though: Is this the grandmother he referenced someone months ago with regard to racial issues?
MadisonConservative on October 21, 2008 at 1:48 PM
I wish his grandmother well, but I wonder what she knows about Obama and his history that he hopes nobody finds out.
ThackerAgency on October 21, 2008 at 1:49 PM
God Bless Her and prayers for her family.
Grandmas are extra special and those who raise their grandchildren are Extra EXTRA special.
Elizabetty on October 21, 2008 at 1:49 PM
She will be in my prayers, speedy recovery.
HoosierCon on October 21, 2008 at 1:50 PM
I’m certain that we have to “stay classy” on this subject, so no comment. I’ll save that for Kennedy.
On the other hand, I’m sure he, Hussein, is up to something diabolical in Hawaii. The devil never sleeps or takes a break from lying to people.
Look for comments from him about the race to surface soon. Or better yet, his attempt at a last minute teary-eyed moment like Hillary.
madmonkphotog on October 21, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Let me just say that in the context of all his lies and eceptions, I’m skeptical.
I hope I’m wrong.
davidk on October 21, 2008 at 1:51 PM
If your ungrateful grandchild who calls you a racist suddenly decides to visit you in Hawaii, show him the door.
RobCon on October 21, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Typical white granny.
Typical Obama ploy.
“Joe Hair-Plugs said what?!! Hey, Granny’s sick! Gotta go!”
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Regardless of our politics, I’m sure she’s proud of her grandson and let’s hope she gets better and sees the outcome of his “quest” even if we want his complete and utter defeat. Too bad she’s just characterized by her grandson as a “typical white person”.
Renwaa on October 21, 2008 at 1:52 PM
While I disagree with O!s politics, tactics, and philosophies, I agree wholeheartedly with his decision to go to her side.
At their time of supreme need, all of us should be willing to aid and comfort our progenitors-to the best of our abilities!
I have included her in my prayers ever since her condition came to light…
God bless her and keep her, and help improve her health…
Speedy recover to her
RocketmanBob on October 21, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Indeed, Ed. Some of the conspiracy theories about his need to stop. We can all sympathize with having to deal with an ailing relative.
Abby Adams on October 21, 2008 at 1:52 PM
“MadisonConservative on October 21, 2008 at 1:48 PM”
yes indeed that’s her [!!]
Buckaroo on October 21, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Rush says she broke her hip.
Speedy recovery Grandma.
ctmom on October 21, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Dittos. She has my well-wishes if she really is ill, but I wouldn’t put ANYTHING past Senator Government at this point.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 21, 2008 at 1:53 PM
How close do the internal polling numbers have to be when you play the typical-white-granny-card?
Really, I’m asking.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Elizabetty- well said. Get well soon, Granny Durham!
Matticus Finch on October 21, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Best wishes to Grandma Dunham. May God bless her.
That being said, and I’m usually one for not questioning motives in times like these, what are the odds that we get a teary Obama talking about his grandma before the cameras sometime in the future?
amerpundit on October 21, 2008 at 1:54 PM
God Bless.
Grandma’s are off limits, period. Stick to the issues, that is where we win.
Hammerhead on October 21, 2008 at 1:54 PM
or Dunham!
Matticus Finch on October 21, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Well wishes to the grandmother but I still think there is another reason for this spur of the moment trip besides her being ill.
tee866 on October 21, 2008 at 1:55 PM
To be clear, I’m not questioning Grandma Dunham’s condition or the love Obama has for her. I’m just wondering if his strategists are going to try to exploit the situation for political gain.
amerpundit on October 21, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Granny’s hip has really curious timing……..
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 1:55 PM
And if she, God forbid, dies?
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 21, 2008 at 1:55 PM
About the birth certificate thingy….
Obama Files Motion in Citizenship Lawsuit
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 21, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Well I’m questioning it……
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Maybe she needs help getting out from underneath the bus.
Regardless I hope she is and will be fine.
Moaneeca on October 21, 2008 at 1:57 PM
That will depend on what the internal polling numbers say.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
rbj on October 21, 2008 at 1:58 PM
I Question the Timing!
/every Democrat on everything Bush says or does.
Speedwagon82 on October 21, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Having looked at Andy Martin’s suit briefly, one of the issues he raises against the governor and Health and Human Services head is the issue of why he was required to do everything in person for a civil suit when there’s no law saying it’s necessary.
If that’s the requirement they had for Martin, for whatever reason, they couldn’t very well have a different requirement for Obama in the very same suit. Although the suit isn’t against Obama himself; it’s against the people who can and should release his official birh certificate, especially since Obama waived his privacy objections when he posted what he said was his birth certificate.
I do have a gut feeling that this is very related to the birth certificate issue, mostly because he delayed the visit for 3 days after he was told it was a serious situation. If the lady’s not on hospice, then I would think they’d have her in the hospital for comfort measures if it’s that serious. If it’s not a previously-diagnosed thing like cancer, I’d think they’d put her back in the hospital if her health was declining after she left the hospital.
justincase on October 21, 2008 at 1:59 PM
If McCain was up in polls and had shady stuff about to unfold out there, the Left would be ‘questioning the timing’.
it does make it harder to attack him over Ayers/Wright with this sympathy card he has to play
jp on October 21, 2008 at 1:59 PM
I hope Obama’s grandmother gets better.
Stop raising questions people about if she knows something about him we should know. Or if he’s going there for another reason.
You wouldn’t be doing so if McCain was in Obama’s situation.
paultevis on October 21, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Well then, we might consider a bodyguard for granny.
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 21, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Obama returns home to visit ailing ‘Toot’
Well, that’s good.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 21, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Well then, their family Christmas get together will be much warmer than the Powell family…
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 21, 2008 at 2:02 PM
is this the “typical white person”? I hope she’s back on her feet soon.
marklmail on October 21, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Hey kids,
does anyone remember the phony “fainting female Obama fans in the audience” trick?
Remember? Obama then magically produced a fresh bottle of water from the podium and gave it to her.
And it happened several times…..at several different rallys……..and all from the same script…..
Remember?
….just saying…….
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:04 PM
STOP NOW!
Do not engage in these pathetic conspiracy theories. You only show yourself to be a deluded nutjob, and the personification of the terrible stereotypes given to conservatives. The epitome of stupidity.
Abby Adams on October 21, 2008 at 2:04 PM
It’s only hypocritical if the MSM says so. He can pick up a pass at will call if he wants.
Grafted on October 21, 2008 at 2:04 PM
What a wonderful, selfless woman this is. Not only was she the primary breadwinner, she took a bus to work to save money to pay for her grandson’s support. She never struck me as a typical white person, my impression of her has always been a loving, nurturing, accepting grandma. Best wishes for rest, recovery and comfort to Mrs. Dunham.
JustTruth101 on October 21, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Get well soon, Mrs. Dunham.
Absolutely. Tell it to her grandson.
Cuffy Meigs on October 21, 2008 at 2:04 PM
This is one post title that should be easy for all to Ditto.
sanjeevn on October 21, 2008 at 2:05 PM
SHUT UP NOW!
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:05 PM
let the “socialism” drive the attacks
use wright and ayers as garnish
battleoflepanto1571 on October 21, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Man, you guys really have no self-control.
Darth Executor on October 21, 2008 at 2:08 PM
I’ve done the math Ed. Using all of last month’s contributions, the campaign could afford to hire exactly 3 top-flight lawyers.
Get well Grandma Dunham. Mine lived to the age of 98, and I have nothing but fond memories of a great lady who lived much of her life in a far different world than most of us here.
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 2:08 PM
My granny just fell last night and broke BOTH her hips.
I would really appreciate it if you didn’t attack me.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Actually I’d hope you’re right, because that would mean his granny really isn’t sick. It would make Obama a calculating and manipulative politician the likes of which even a Clinton cannot compete with, but we already know he is one without this.
Esthier on October 21, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Wrong place for your racist post.
Decorum is dead among Democrats.
Elizabetty on October 21, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Why? Just because you are giving ammo to the liberal masses over at dailykos, DU, etc.? I will not be silenced. I will stand my ground and loudly proclaim that you and people like you do NOT speak for conservatives or the conservative movement.
You are the fringe.
Abby Adams on October 21, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Prayers for Mrs. Dunham.
But really, I’m sure Barack throwing her under the bus so many moons ago didn’t help her.
Typical Barack Obama.
BKennedy on October 21, 2008 at 2:11 PM
No offensive, but why should you be given better treatment than you’re willing to give Obama?
Esthier on October 21, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Ditto on the best wishes for granny.
It’s hard to attack someone of Socialism and “spreading the wealth”, also one’s Gaffenmeister VP, when they are involved with illness and dying. Two days out of 14 is an eternity in this cycle.
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Best wishes for Mrs. Dunham and her family.
omnipotent on October 21, 2008 at 2:14 PM
May her recovery be a speedy one and the time he spends with her filled with happiness and the joy that old memories bring to those who share them.
And may Sen. Obama’s journey to and from Hawaii be a safe and uneventful one.
I want him back in one piece so McCain can destroy him on election day.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 2:14 PM
What was racist about it? The “typical white person” is a reference to something Obama said. I think you were reading too much into the comment, but it wasn’t mine so I can’t speak for the poster.
Esthier on October 21, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Two weeks from today is the pivotal day in the life of our nation. History books will be rocked for centuries to come.
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:15 PM
My granny just fell last night and broke BOTH her hips.
I would really appreciate it if you didn’t attack me.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Because I’m grieving.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Best wishes for Madely Dunham. Nothing her son has done warrants anything less than my well-wishes for their family.
It’s sad that some are so steeped in political partisanship that they cannot give themselves over to simple gestures of love. What the f*ck is wrong with you people?
When your mom is on her death bed, I pray that nobody subjects you to such ridiculous scrutiny.
When a loved on is dying there is nothing else that matters. If your lives are so shallow that you cannot understand that perhaps you should get a pet or perhaps a blowup doll. You can at least pretend to have empathy.
***
ex Dem = manchurian commenter
The Race Card on October 21, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Well, to be fair, McCain’s too old to be in Obama’s situation.
Esthier on October 21, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Way to stay classy, Five.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 2:18 PM
That’s the spirit. Thanks for reminding me that every bulb has not burned out.
The Race Card on October 21, 2008 at 2:18 PM
And he’s not?
Esthier on October 21, 2008 at 2:18 PM
No one sane is questioning anything. We are merely making fun of the leftist idiots who think its more important to dig into Palin’s pregnancy records than anything the Obamessiah has done.
Speedwagon82 on October 21, 2008 at 2:18 PM
My granny just broke both her hips, and I’m in a depressed and foul mood, so all you people should give me a pass.
It would be the compassionate thing to do.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:19 PM
There is a right way and a wrong way to do these things. I demonstrated the right way. Others, alas, are demonstrating the wrong way.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 2:20 PM
And Obama’s not? Shut-up jerkwad.
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 2:20 PM
A man who admired and respected his grandmother wouldn’t call her a “typical white person” and smear her as a racist.
I hope he’s going there to beg her forgiveness for the shameful way he has used her in this campaign. That would be a healing thing.
As for Ms. Dunham, best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery.
bonnie_ on October 21, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I don’t know. Do you?
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I don’t know, do you?
Calling me names? Classy!
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:22 PM
We don’t know if you’re grieving either. STFU.
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 2:23 PM
FiveWays, if you’re grieving, and I feel for your grandma, and for your family, if what you claim is true, then why are you here, now?
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Do not be an inadvertent tool. This is not an “either/or” situation. It is politics which is a full contact sport.
This guy not just an incompetent empty suit – he is evil. He treats his friends and associates like Kleenex – once used, throw away. This includes this “typical white” woman.
Your emotionalism is what will bring disrepute on our team – not our sharp eyesight seeing beyond the obvious.
Go to your room and have a good cry. Come back when you’re done.
platypus on October 21, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Are you questioning my timing?
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:23 PM
No, I’m not questioning your timing, I’m questioning your priorities.
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:24 PM
http://www.americasright.com/
Bit more on the lawsuit.
One thing here I question is the timing… now, to be fair, she may have taken a turn for the worse… but from what I’ve read She is already out of the hospital.
Obama going to Hawaii. Biden off the trail for some reason… and the Berg V Obama lawsuit not only still going, but Obamas lawyers missed a very important deadline to fight this… (see above link).
Not sure whether to laugh this off as a Co Inky Dink… or put on my Tinfoil Hat.
Romeo13 on October 21, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Who are YOU to question my priorities?
Are you questioning Obama?
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:25 PM
You need to brush up on your reading comprehension and stop being the self appointed disputer on these threads.
Elizabetty on October 21, 2008 at 2:26 PM
If you know how to read/interpret, then you know the answer, FiveWays.
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:26 PM
So you question MY priorities-
BUT
you DON’T question Obama’s veracity?
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Entelechy, I noticed he skirted answering your question by asking another. Typical ploy of someone who’s honesty is not to be trusted.
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Spell it out.
Say it.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Does anyone have a link on her illness/injury other than “so and so says”? I’m sure they have news people there that would typically be very interested in her situation and health status.
CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”
CapedConservative on October 21, 2008 at 2:28 PM
FiveWays, it is obvious to almost all here that I ALWAYS question the One’s verocity.
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM
uhm…..didn’t you just describe OBAMA?
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM
We would not question McCain because he is of a different character. Most people can associate the word honest with McCain.
All I am asking, has anyone (MSM) verified that Dunham is actually sick?
The MSM went batshit crazy when Palin was picked and went as far as accusing the family of covering up molestation.
If she is ill, my thoughts are with BHO and his family. I understand what it is like to loose a parent, especially at a young age.
But I would not put it past him to make this up, due to his past behavior. What else can we base our decisions on if not proof?
lsutiger on October 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM
I did. In this thread. I won’t repeat myself for you.
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Oh really?
When can we expect that on THIS thread?
…..3…..2……1…..
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Getting run over by a bus does have its drawbacks.
Buford Gooch on October 21, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Yes, but not only him.
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Then direct me to your post….I’ll quote you.
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:31 PM
I don’t know that he is anymore than I know you are. See?
Please, Five. You can’t expect people to treat you better here. It’s illogical and unkind.
OK. After you take the stick out of your @ss, maybe you can try again, only this time read what I wrote instead of assuming you’re always right.
Esthier on October 21, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Nom de plume is FiveWays.
My first comment on this thread. I’m done with you. You waste too much of all others’ time/energy.
Entelechy on October 21, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Best regards to Granny, but Biden can pick up the slack. No need to even resort to the “multitasking card.”
Beat them up on Biden’s remarks. Beat them up on the Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder themes. And The NYT has given McCain a gift with the Dodd editorial–dump on Obama and all the other Fannie and Freddie enablers for the credit crisis.
For crying out loud, they’re going to hold hearings…after the election. And Americans thought the missing 18 minutes of Nixon’s tapes was bad. McCain needs to play on voter outrage about incompetence and lack of accountability.
BuckeyeSam on October 21, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Then I can expect you to call out Obama on this thread like you just did me……right pal?
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:32 PM
1) Best wishes for a speedy recovery to grandma.
2) Both Obama and Biden are “off the campaign trail” for a few days AT THE SAME TIME…crisis huddle, anyone?! Sure, Obama gets “sympathy” press from a Hawaii trip, but there’s some serious trickery going on during the “calm.”
Lockstein13 on October 21, 2008 at 2:33 PM
BUSTED!
FiveWays on October 21, 2008 at 2:33 PM
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