Obama To Visit Grave Of Grandfather, Who Fought In WWII

TNR's Michael Crowley notes that this will "make for a fascinating political and cultural moment":

To underline his own family's military pedigree, Obama plans a trip in coming weeks to the Punchbowl National Cemetery in Hawaii, where his grandfather, who served in World War II, is buried.

Comments

[zell]

Obama's grandfather and mother were exceptional people. Obama's grandmother is an exceptional person. The reason I say this is because I am an african-american and I have never seen white grandparents( in a mixed marriage) that exhibited the love we have seen in the photographs of the Senator with his grandparents. They remind me of the many african-american grandparents that have loved their mixed grandchildren, without reservation.. Reading the book, "Dreams of my father," it is apparent that his grandfather was concerned about him and spent time with him. Senator Obama has been very fortunate. I know many cases of mixed marriages and children born of them that do not have the relationships with their grandparents that Obama has had with his grandparents.

[leftoflennon]

Just adorable photo !

[eej]

That's an adorable picture.

My dad fought in WW II also. Thank you, Obama's grandpappy.

[Cil]

Thank You Barack's Parents and Grandparents,

For giving Barack so much love. Just looking at this picture with Barack and his Grandfather, who can fault his Parents and Grandparents? This picture is all about love and caring. Colour is rendered insignificant, and this is the way that it should be, God Bless America!

[Cil]

People, people,

Please take a look at that little boy on his Grandfather's Shoulder. He is so happy, his Grandfather is so happy. This is a young American who lost his parents (one white and one black) and even his Grandfather ( a white American) who gave him love, and helped to instill in him the American Dream. This young American eventually with the help of his white Grandmother overcame all odds and became a community organizer, this young American has worked his way through the very depths of America, and now he is willing to show the American People the way to become once again the great United States of America and lead the rest of the world to better things!
Americans if you do not take this chance to really change the world as it is right now, please don't blame anyone but yourselves!

[goldstategirl]

Wow he looks so much like his grandfather - awesome photo.

[walk0nwalls]

Cute picture

[SOOKOOYAH_GURL]

I wish Obama's parents (with all their faults), and grandpa could be here to see his accomplishments!

They would be more than proud!!!

[levibatgirl]

I laugh every time I see this picture. He looks so much like his Grandpa.

Too cute!

[helonias]

So he is visiting his grandfathers grave site.

Nothing more nothing less.

After memorial day weekend I will visit the uncle I never knew, at the Korean War memorial in Atlantic City.

He was a marine that didn't have other priorities.

[1will]

Unless Obama's grandfather is running for president from the afterlife I don't care that he had a relative that fought in WWII.
Has Obams done so little that he actually has to campaign on the actions of his grandfather?

[NoahVail]

Like Admiral John Sidney McCain? Or John Sidney McCain, Jr?

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jsmccain.htm

Sons and grandsons of plantation owners. Yeah, Plantation America- that's where I want to live! Sorry, but I want a man of the people, no matter who his grandfather was.

[1will]

Unless McCain was out beating slaves on the same plantation I really don't care about what his great great grandparents did.

[trevorfsj]

You people are all living in Cuckoo Land. His political advisers have determined that a picture of him at the gravesite will appeal to a certain section of the electorate so off he goes to Hawaii. Same old political gamesmanship and you are all falling for it hook, line and sinker!
When are you going to take off the rose colored glasses and see that he is no different to the rest of them, he is just packaged by smarter people is all.
He changed his position on meeting with Raoul Castro as well, an unconditional meeting suddenly had pre-conditions attached when he decided he had to pander to the Miami Cuban Community....same old, same old!
I am still shaking my head over that trip to Africa, you remember, the one where he was so caring and concerned and just wanted to re-visit his 'roots'. Declaring himself as a candidate for the Presidency was just an after-thought I guess once he returned from the high publicity jaunt.
Wake-up people, you are being played like a violin here!

[globalcitizenlinda]

Your post is not very informed about Obama's recent visit to Kenya in Africa.

With a little bit of research, you would have known that Obama had previously visited Kenya - when he was in college and had photos in his first book to prove it.

So do you think that even in college, Obama was not looking for his father's roots but just doing political posturing so that he could win student council?

Please get the facts correct at least before you make these fake arguments

[helonias]

I guess you didn't visit any of your veterans/relatives graves today huh?

[LettuceB1]

Sorry to burst your bubble but Obama visits his Grandfather's grave every Memorial Day.

[MsLourdes]

With respect to your comments regarding Cuba, I beg to differ. Obama, unlike others in more than four decades, refused to say and do the say old things and engage in the insulting pandering of playing maracas, donning a guayabera and drinking Cuban coffee in the heart of Little Havana. He realizes that the Cuban American community is no longer monolithic in their views and party afiliation, but rather, particularly among the young and educated, hold rather nuanced and "out of the Cuban box" views. His speech last Friday at the annual CANF luncheon was powerful and courageous.

Cuban-Americans for Obama!

[trevorfsj]

I don't deny what you are saying but his position did change right?

[rzan]

I see where he gets his smile.

[realtalk]

Obama visits Hawaii a few times a year. It is no surprise that he would go to Hawaii and visit his grandmother, who lives there, and his sister who also lives there, as well as to visit his grandfather's gravesite whih is also in Hawaii .

[mommamia526]

I did not know Granpa was running for Office! Is it not the case that EVERYONE's Granpa of a certain age served in the military? And how will that help us get better government? How will granpa solve our problems? I think I should start runnign for office next time. My granpa and my father, both, were in the military. My dad an officer at a very, very young age. That qualifies me! Do not you think?

[walk0nwalls]

You know you should really pick your battles you people. It's memorial day. Have a little respect, family is still family.

[FiveFortyOne]

Wow. You anti-Obama people sound so bitter and desperate. I pity you.

[springsm]

oh my gosh, you snipey, caustic, cynical woman. Go ahead...run for office and let your mouth run before you. And who is bringing this all up I wonder. Yup your party ..the GOP. It may come as total surprise to you mommamia...but this is MEMORIAL day...we remember those who fought and gave the utmost for this country, we remember those who are OURS whether they fought or not...for gawd's sakes, grow up.