President Obama's Father's Day Message

President Obama's Father's Day Message
Copyright 2009 / Parade Magazine
President Barack Obama is opening up about what fatherhood means to him in a new essay.

In the essay, which will appear this Sunday, Father’s Day, in Parademagazine, the president, who was raised by a single mom, says that he promised on the day his oldest daughter Malia was born "that I would give her what I never had -- that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father."

He also noted the lack of a father in his life, and wrote, "In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence -- both in my life and in the lives of others. I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill."

For the full essay, check out Parade magazine this Sunday.

Published 6/18/09 by the Insider

Comments (15)

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  • I think Fathers are just as important as Mothers. Happy Father Day Mr. President, and to all the wonderful Dads out there, who is not perfect, but you are there for your kids, no matter what.
    Anonymous 6/20/09 Reply
  • The President said he is not a perfect father. I don't know to many of them, but I do know alot of loving fathers who is there for their kids. Through the ups and downs, they are right there.
    Anonymous 6/20/09 Reply
  • Mr.Obama now is a new American Gorby
    ArthurLondon 6/19/09 Reply
  • I found a great site """"" links.com """""" It 's where you have the opportunity dreaming about dating a millionaire and make it true! I thought everyone needed to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy :)
    Anonymous 6/19/09 Reply
  • Pres Obama dye your hair , shave you face and stay cool like you are. I hope to see you in GQ soon.
    Anonymous 6/19/09 Reply
  • I love how he tries to stay grounded in a fish bowl. Pres Obama is a good father. Pres Obama keep courting your wife it is an example for my husband.
    Anonymous 6/18/09 Reply
  • I was bless to have a wonderful father, he's passed away now, but I am so thankful for him. That is a lovely picture of the President and his daughters.
    Anonymous 6/18/09 Reply
  • This is nice. I see where so many men help make the kid, but after that they are no where to be found. It's tough on the kids. Men need to step up to the plate, and be fathers to their children,you know who you are.
    Anonymous 6/18/09 Reply
  • Wow.... Maybe U don’t know, some guys are having fun with those sexy models on the interesting club ____.com___ , whether U are a fan or not, just have a try. So much fun there!
    Anonymous 6/18/09 Reply
  • 'If I could be anything, I'd be a good father'......... I think Sasha and Malia would say you are a good father.
    Anonymous 6/18/09 Reply
  • I plan to check out the Parade magazine this Sunday. I think these girls know that they are loved. That is a real nice picture of the President and the girls.
    Anonymous 6/18/09 Reply
  • I like because he showing the American Public the Biblical way of leading his household in a "covenant marriage", Loving and balanced husband and father. We need to follow his example because only "...the TRUTH can make you free."
    cowboyhatsbylj7 6/18/09 Reply
    • Sho 'nuff!
      Anonymous 6/24/09
  • Cool::)
    NeverLetGo 6/18/09 Reply
  • Cool:)
    SeReNaDe 6/18/09 Reply