Obama Described By People Who Know Him Best From Hawaii To Senate

Schoolfriends remember his love for comic books, basketball and teasing the girls. A former boss recalls him as a young man running a community project in Chicago. A fellow senator remembers being beaten by him at poker. Gifted student, quiet persuader, charismatic speaker, loyal friend... We speak to the people who knew Barack Obama best, revealing an intimate, often touching, portrait of a man on the brink of greatness.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[DanSmith]

No drama Obama is correct. The kid threw a rock at his head and he just got quiet. Nice young boy.

[ricitizen]

I didn't know Barack has a half sister named Auma Obama. The right always like to talk about his half brother (who is doing just fine,) but never his sister (no mention on the left either.) Seems like she's doing very well and Barack speaks with her often. He get's his intelligence from both sides of his family.

[jah2008]

Wonderful stories. Descriptions of Obama by his friends and families is one of a buddhist monk.

[ArmyCentrist]

I try to temper my "fire" with "air" everyday...I'm going to try to be more laid-back like Obama @ work today

[Winter Maiden]

You know, there is so much focus on the various aspects of Obama's identity that I never think about the fact that he is, to all intents and purposes, a product of Hawaii. Isn't it cool that we have representatives of our 49th and 50th states running for the major offices this time? The old paradigms really are shifting.

[ohiodem250]

I shudder to think there is even a question as to this election. Anyone who thinks this man should not be our President really needs to examine their souls. God have mercy on them. One hopes there actually is a reward for them in heaven, because they should be allowed none here on earth.

[BluePrideSMW]

He brings with him experiences from the many and varied places he has lived... I'm so impressed that we're going from a sub-hundred IQ to another man of brilliance.

Moms Mabley singing: Abraham, Martin & John.
http://current.com/items/89450598_obama_08_abraham_martin_john

[Semper]

I think America got lucky with Obama. Its seems to me that this is truly a quality American.

[KiwisCanFly]

For me these accounts from people who personally know Obama at differing stages of his life, show a consistency of the personable and authentic Obama. Making the claims of elitism by Obama dissenters, just look really partisan and silly.

[vernbvb]

On target!

[filo]

My thoughts exactly. It shows that he really hasn't changed who he is to win.

What you see is what you get with Obama. What I see is a very smart, even tempered man who gets it. It being: What this country is supposed to be about.

[whit4brains]

'Time is just a collection of human experiences combined so that they make a long, flowing stream of thought.'

--------------------
I just love this quote. And to think he was only 14 years-old at the time.

His mother sounds like she was a truly amazing woman and parent. I wish she could see how many people have been inspired by her son.

[vernbvb]

I sincerely believe she knew and it might have been one of the reasons she brought him back to America for his education. And she is smiling down on him right now with all her love.

[springsm]

And Toots raised the mom....and had a big hand in Barack. I see some of the same confidence and charisma in the girls too. Michele is a keeper. After the witnessing from friends I wonder how anybody could even look at McCain/Palin.

[Tom Payned]

These stories or recountings of people who have known Barack, have made me feel better of what I've heard others say and the feelings I've developed myself in watching him over the last 20 months. No, Obama was not my first choice in the Primaries, (I'm a long time Biden admirer) nor was he my second choice, but when it got down to two, he became my sole choice.

And while there were times he frustrated me, by not counter punching immediately, (it's why I couldn't even mount a successful run for VP in my own home of two) he has proved to be right, and it is a characteristic ascribed to him going back decades, not just a campaign facade.

Do I expect this article will change the minds of those opposed or still on the fence? No, sadly I don't.

But I do beleive it will make like minded people as me sleep better.

I've of course forwarded the link to everyone I know regardless of their position.

I figure it can't hurt. Can it?

[vernbvb]

I felt the same way you did once i read the article and i know you are right about his character being shaped years ago. I believe he is destined to be our leader but more than that he is the type of leader who will give the government back to the people as it was intended. So that government of the people, by the people and for the people will once again have true meaning.

[vickris]

I read these accounts from those who've known him throughout the years and had to grab the kleenix to keep the tears in check (I'm at work right now). I want him to win soo bad! I know I'm going to cry on election night once he reaches that magic 270. At the meeting for precinct captains back in late Dec/early Jan others were saying that he's the real deal. This article shows that he really is. I live about a 1/2 mile from Occidental College and am so proud to say that he lived in my town for a couple of years. Go Barack!

[swift goat pet for truth]

Why can't US publications do this kind of article?

[BinKbar]

http://www.theobamafile.com/ObamaFamily.htm
http://www.theobamafile.com/ObamaEducation.htm

[pbfishtaco]

trollbama

[XME]

Most of them are afraid to because every time they say anything decent about him, the McCain campaign cries about them being "in the tank" for Obama...even though in actuality it's just being honest.

[longtimeamericalover]

Read this last night in The Guardian. Had an excellent night's sleep as a result. Finally, someone who IS what he appears to be and what he says he is. And has character and personality that are consistent and true. I still won't budge before the election but this holds out hope for moving back to the US.

[honestpolitician]

Great Article...He will be a well respected leader..

NEW POLITICAL TV AD ATTACK'S http://politicaladattacks.blogspot.com/

[walk0nwalls]

Something about Hawaii people

They're all so laid back.