Obama's Friends Form Strategy To Stay Close

New York Times:

Last Sunday night, President-elect Barack Obama's three closest friends -- Valerie Jarrett, Martin Nesbitt and Dr. Eric Whitaker -- sat down in the study of Mr. Nesbitt's house in Chicago for one of their increasingly frequent heart-to-hearts.

They were puzzling over a new question: how the Obamas, who hope to remain close to their Chicago friends, will spend time with them while living in the isolation chamber of the White House. Over Diet Cokes, the three drafted the beginnings of an elaborate visiting schedule that will bring Hyde Park to Washington, so the nation's new first family can have a little taste of home.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[Countdown09]

I suspect there will be some good times at Camp David in the coming years. It's great they are trying to make a effort to stay close, a happy President is a good thing.

[tesbama]

i love PE OHB

[adamsmith3]

How cute. Perhaps next the "paper of record" can write a story about Michelle and her book club friends or a story about how the two girls are doing in saying goodbye to their friends in Chicago. Also, I want to know more about how the stresses of the White House will affect his workout routine. All of these pressing stories and puff pieces need to be put in more detail. And then I think about why the NY Times is losing revenue.

[brynn6]

All newspapers are losing revenue. The power of the "click" is yours. To click or not to click, that is the question. Given the headline, perhaps not clicking would have been a better choice for you.

[adamsmith3]

True all papers are losing revenue; I'm just making the point that this kind of article belongs in People magazine or discussed on The View. To see it in the NY Times is kind of sad. I don't think it's healthy for any politician to be fawned over like this.

[Eyewideopen]

Thank you. Clearly people are interested in the "puff" pieces or they would not read and comment on said "puff" pieces.

[propitiousmoment]

All big newspapers have many sections, many about news and analysis of news, editorials, sports, real estate, finance, etc., etc., and yes, human interest. This story falls into the last category. So what? Unless you buy the whole paper you would not know what a small percentage of actual space it takes up. All you have to do is ignore it.....

[propitiousmoment]

Plus, you know what, now that I've read the whole article, it is very informative, much more than mere fluff. It is good to know about the kinds of people that the PE chooses to surround himself, what they're about and where they came from. Doesn't hurt to have a fully rounded picture of who the guy is, considering the impact he is going to have on this country in the next 4 years.

[Formeralaskangal]

I love that they are trying to keep their circle of true friends. That's nice! Quite frankly that Mr. Nesbitt is easy on the eyes.

[nomobull]

good for them

[Nia1999]

Yeah, that was a good story. I live in Detroit and my best friends (twins) since 3rd grade moved to Los Angeles after their 21st birthday. I'm the godmother to one of them. We have had a great time growing up in Detroit. The parties, the first date gab fest, the boyfriend break up and "he's the one I'll marry" and "I hate him", the jealousy, the pregnancy and delivery, the whole thing. Even when we got mad at each other we were friends. Our rule was no matter what, like it or not, we're friends, so "be happy"! We still laugh about the ofd days. I'll be in Los Angeles in February for 2 weeks and I can't wait. Even with their new friends in LA, I'm still number one. I don't think the Obama's and friends have anything to worry about.

[Formeralaskangal]

I have the same kind of BFF in Seattle. We've known each other since 4th grade. Funny thing is the first day I was new at school I didn't like her. I thought she was loud, and mean. Once I got to know her obviously that changed. We've been through so much together (including her father's very unexpected death just after Thanksgiving 2001). Her parents were like my second parents. It's so nice to have those kind of bonds.

[Daoud1]

GREAT piece on the Obamas' social life and actual pals!

This is an image of African-Americans that most of America doesn't see and All can learn from, if not emulate.

A Positive REAL example of how good friends can support each other.

Thanks for the link Huffpo.

Daoud

[ggmome]

This is the 'way of life' in the Black Community, realizing that these types of ties are the foundation of your being. We have friends that date back to Kindergarten and day care and those bonds are never broken. We don't re-locate often, but we never forget or not return to our true 'roots', which includes our friends from those times.

Some of us NEVER re-invent ourselves, because we can't and would never change the melonim in our skin, so becoming something we are not is impossible. So 'assuming' another identity is not probable or possible. Therefore, hidden agendas, skeletons, and backgrounds are sought by those who are accustomed to those traits being among most, but they will discover that our ties are ones that bind us,permanently, from necessity. We recognize, honor and respect our chains that bind us.

[4akinderworld]

Thank you for that. That was beautifully a beautiful written testimony. Maybe someday people will be able to find that kind of kinship just in being a part of humanity.

[stavros]

Best of luck keeping your friends through thick and thin.
Hope.

[4wehttam]

I love hearing stories like this.

[fumes2]

Look where Barack's hand is and the big smile on his friends face. Looks like somebody got their Christmas goose early this year.

[chewie2008]

Looks like you`re getting yours everyday,sweetie.

[fumes2]

That really doesn't make any sense.

[JoeBridgeman]

good for Big O. He will need these friends once he gets to DC.

[Bariis]

It's great and sweet to see them schedule and plan out their times together like that. It's nice that he's keeping his longtime dear and loyal friends so close. Don't know if there are many of those in the political world of D.C.

[fumes2]

also makes for a good photo op

[NotMcCain]

Really? Where? I'd like to see the photo of this.

[chewie2008]

La Familia and buen amigos.

[WWJD2]

Are they listening to Barbara sing "People who need people...