PHOTOS: President-elect Obama hands out food at a Chicago church: "You can call me Barack"

[Amerigo Vespucci]

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama greets a man at a food bank as his daughter Malia (L) looks on in Chicago, November 26, 2008.
REUTERS/John Gress (UNITED STATES)







President-elect Barack Obama greets school children after making a surprise visit to St. Columbanus Catholic School on the South Side of Chicago, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)



U.S. President-elect Barack Obama (R) greets a patron at a food bank at St. Columbanus school and parish in Chicago, November 26, 2008. REUTERS/John Gress (UNITED STATES)

Thanksgiving a time for reflection for Bush, Obama

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20081126/obama-bush-thanksgiving/

LISA TOLIN | November 26, 2008 02:29 PM EST | AP

WASHINGTON — President George Bush is heading to Camp David for Thanksgiving, thankful for his almost-expired "privilege of serving as the president."

President-elect Barack Obama is staying in Chicago to "have a whole bunch of people over to the house" and squeeze in some Christmas shopping.

On a holiday designed for reflection, one man, historically unpopular, is heading to a remote mountaintop with his family. The other, promising change, is surrounding himself with dozens of people in a bustling city.

Dressed casually in a leather jacket and black scarf on Wednesday, Obama handed out food to the needy at a Chicago church with wife Michelle and their two daughters, shaking hands and jovially telling people "you can call me Barack."

He followed that with a quick visit to a school next door, where he asked the excited kids, "Who's going to have turkey?" "Who's going to have green beans?" "Who's going to have sweet potato pie?"

Obama has shown a knack for symbolism, in this case following the Thanksgiving tradition of helping the poor, said David Greenberg, a Rutgers University historian who is working on a history of political spin.

"Here he's showing a different side of himself, the president as national conscience or moral authority. I think that's probably a good note for him to introduce in a transition period that's been so heavily focused on Wall Street and the financial system and these economic problems," he said. "He's not forgetting who these economic problems are hurting the most."

[Parche]

1. you never saw bush do that

nor hw bush, nor reagan, nor nixon


Helping people, that is what a President, Our President is for

[teknomanzer]

8. Awww man...

I got something in my eye...

The article suggests spin... I say it is awareness, conscience, and compassion. Something the office has lacked for eight long years.

[geckosfeet]

32. I caught that too. They stopped just short of calling it a PR stunt - one of their

favorite whining points during the campaign.

They simply can't accept the fact that this man is leader of men.

[goren]

65. Thanksgiving

I read that this is the 4th year in a row tbat he has handed out food on Thankgsgiving.

[NMDemDist2]

66. welcome to DU goren

:hi:

you may find our DU Glossary both entertaining and informative

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_oet&address=358x190#d

[GoneOffShore]

69. Eight? Let's just say ever since Carter.

[skyounkin]

97. I think Clinton did this as well once or twice.

[ClassWarrior]

96. It's called leading by example.

NGU.

[xxqqqzme]

93. Aw, come on...

* picked up a hammer and whacked a couple of photo op nails for Habitat for Humanity about 5 years ago.

[MadMaddie]

94. Yea..and he held the hammer wrong...

ha..ha..ha..

[opihimoimoi]

102. I recollect that clip of him whacking away at a #6 nail 15 to 18 times and the nail was 1/2 way in

Gurly Mon...help the hammer 1/2 way up the handle like a 5 year old...

They took away the chain saw at the first photo op...he was too dangerous for the SS guys.

[Hekate]

95. What? Bush's plastic turkey didn't count? He gave it to the troops at, like, 2 in the morning...

Ugh. I will be unutterably grateful when the faux cowboy rides off into his faux sunset.

Hekate

[sufrommich]

2. "the president as national conscience "

A breath of fresh air.Our long national nightmare is over.

[Phx_Dem]

25. Yes it is. Thank you Jesus.

[billybob537]

3. Finally a pres we can be proud of

and tell our children to emulate.

[Kahuna]

29. Indeed..

:cry:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. This is an example of the change Obama represents

He is leading by example.

[CTyankee]

5. This is what decent people do. It's been so long since we've had a president

who's decent, it's just thrilling to see. He certainly is the president for all of the people...

[AtomicKitten]

6. I'm proud to call him Mr. President.

[madamesilverspurs]

7. He is a good man, and it shows.

That's why my 89-year-old mother voted for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time in her life.

[JuniperLea]

12. As did my 70-year-old father...

Life long, dyed in the wool Republican, up until the 2008 primary.

Damn, I have something in my eye too...

[The Hope Mobile]

24. My 70 yr old dad and 67 yr old mom too

First time ever, hard core, ultra-conservative, Calvinist repubs. in a town where NOBODY ever voted dem before and MANY did this time.

"We just thought it was time for a change" was their commentary on the whole thing. :think: :applause:

[JuniperLea]

30. There's a lot of this going around!

I like this trend:)

[tigereye]

45. isn't that amazing??!!!

what a great thing to have happened. People were just fed-up with George and all the chaos he's created.


When I saw Obama signs this fall in the mostly Repub. small town where I grew up, I knew change was coming, and about damn time!

[nevergiveup]

79. Ditto for my 93 yr old mother-in-law

who had never voted for a Democratic. Much to the dismay of her conservative family and friends she voted for him because "he is such a good man".

[ClarkUSA]

9. What a great president he will be. Once a community organizer, always a community organizer.

:party: Obama Is 44. :woohoo:

[BeyondGeography]

37. Well said, Mr. ClarkUSA

:patriot: :toast:

[ClarkUSA]

41. Right on, Brother BG...

We always knew this time would come. And it has. :toast:

[Whisp]

90. what a wonderful person he is.

just looking at the many photos of him, he consistently looks genuinely happy to be with people. No fakery or crankiness.

He surely is the first decent man in office since Carter.

After so many years of me bellyaching about Bush/Clinton politics, my family finally paid attention when I started talking about Obama - now they are all fans too. I caught my daughter say 'I love him!' a few times. I do too!

Soooo nice to say that instead of ' I hate that bastard Bush '.

[CottonBear]

10. I am so happy that Mr. Obama will be our next president!

He is someone that we can all be proud to call our president!

[skeewee08]

11. Luv it! This is why we voted for him

he cares about ALL of us!

[Lithos]

13. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama (R) ??????

I think Reuters just did a Fauxism...

L-

On Edit: (R) in this case is (R)ight (hand side).

Still, was strange to see.

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

15. I think (R) is for right in that case

[Lithos]

16. Just figured it out

Was a bit unusual to say the least.

Sorry, I've seen Faux do this too many times.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

59. It's so easy to confuse the two of them.

They all look alike.

:eyes:

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

14. "his daughter Malia (L)"

Good thing they pointed out which one she is. If Obama has a 30-something white daughter, he has some SERIOUS explaining to do... :rofl:

[Ozma]

17. Gawd I love this new President guy!

He's Mr Cool...... "you can call me Barack"

[ecstatic]

18. Malia is going to be really tall! nt

[Jennicut]

19. He mentioned the sweet potato pie again...is that a sign he really wants it for Thanksgiving?

That man is a good man and it is so obvious to see, no spin necessary.

[awoke_in_2003]

54. I think it is...

remember that pic last week of him lustfully looking at a piece of blueberry pie? He has a pie problem (so do I, and if it is wrong I don't wanna be right)

[KittyWampus]

20. I like the jacket he is wearing. It's da bomb. Obama Aides, if any of ya are reading DU today

tell Obama to wear that jacket often for PR pictures.

[Sannum]

21. Cue the waterworks again!

:love:

[Obamanaut]

22. How in the world can I keep my image as a grump if you people

continue to post stuff that makes my eyes leak.

The smiles (Mr Obama and daughter)in the second photo and the outstretched arms of the little boy with the yellow shirt - these can't be faked. What a refreshing time we're in for in this new age of Bamalot (not my expression - heard it this morning on the CBS early show)

edited to add thanks for the photos

[Kahuna]

31. Don't make me link the Obama with babies thread...

:hi:

[awoke_in_2003]

55. Take it easy on the guy.

:)

[Kahuna]

62. Him, I will take it easy on. But for YOU!....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=7922303

[awoke_in_2003]

64. That's okay...

I am tough enough to know that it is okay to choke up every once in a while. I can even pull off wearing a purple shirt :) Funny thing about those pics, is how at ease the babies are around Obama. I have seen pics of Bush with babies, and they are always crying, but the ones with Obama are so relaxed. Children (and dogs) have an innate ability to sense sincerity and when someone is a phony.

[Obamanaut]

67. Looked at them all. Thanks. As Morgan Freeman's

character said at the end of Shawshank Redemption - "I hope."

[Bette Noir]

83. What a dad.

What an honestly good man.

[Faygo Kid]

23. Better Thanksgiving pics than Sarah's, you betcha, and as of Jan. 20, it's Mr. President.

"Barack" is OK for now, but after January 20, it's Mr. President, and we can't have it any other way.

Reminds me of the story about how FDR called George Marshall "George" one time. And only one time. He expected - and got - called General Marshall. FDR respected him for it.

Eleanor was the only one (besides his mother) who called FDR "Franklin" once he became president.

[jwirr]

87. That is a important point. My mother was always upset that we called

Bill Clinton by his name instead of President Clinton. She said that was never done to any other president she could remember. It is a sign of respect not only for him but also for the office.

[JDPriestly]

101. Sorry, but your mother was incorrect. Ike was always Ike.

And Teddy was often called Teddy -- Roosevelt.

The President ____ is used to denote the office, the man's name may properly be used to refer to the man. (Same would be true for a woman.)

[JDPriestly]

100. You should respect his wishes on what he wants to be called.

In America, everyone is called by their first name. Titles are nice, but do not forget that they are a legacy from a time in which societies were governed by monarchies and such.

In a democracy, it's OK to refer to a leader by his or her first name. Teddy Roosevelt was Teddy. Eisenhower was Ike except on more official, formal occasions. We are all equal. Titles are appropriate in ceremonies in which the focus is not on the individual filling and office for the moment, but on the office and the duties associated with the office.

On a personal level, Obama will be affectionately be called Obama or, if he prefers, Barack, just as Clinton was called Clinton. I don't think Clinton was commonly called Bill -- probably because it the name Bill is too common and no one would have known what Bill was being talked about.

[monmouth]

26. He is also setting a great example to others. This will be his last

Holiday season (for a long while) as "just call me Barack" and I think he's trying to squeeze every "normal" moment he can out of it. Lovely man, my President.

[Nightjock]

27. I'm glad my friends can't see me now

I'm a 48 year old man, known as a bit of a curmudgeon, in front of my pc crying over some pictures.

Dear God I LOVE this man!

[democrank]

51. A beautiful reply, Nightjock.

Happy Thanksgiving.

[Kahuna]

28. Awww... Somebody pinch me. He's just too good to be true..

:cry:

[MrCoffee]

33. Did Malia grow about a foot since election night?

Isn't she 11? She's tall!

[Kahuna]

34. She's going to be very tall. And very beautiful. nt

[TygrBright]

35. I would be willing to bet that at least one person, told to "call me Barack," said...

...'but it feels so GOOD to call you "Mr. President-elect"'!

That's what I'd say, anyhow.

Dang, he just keeps hitting those high C's, doesn't he? Amazing and wonderful.

appreciatively,
Bright

[KaryninMiami]

36. I almost made it for three days without crying-- ah well, here come those tears again.

For a while I would start weeping every time someone said "President Elect Obama"-- now every few days something (such as photos like these) sets me off again. Sure beats crying over the latest Bush crimes!!

Happy Thanksgiving all- this is one year when we really do have much to be greatful for.

[Born_A_Truman]

38. I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

Having a hard time typing through tears. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe it really is true. We elected Barack Obama. Yay us!

[nc4bo]

39. Happily K&R'in. nt

[Hope And Change]

40. K & R!

[AspenRose]

42. This is what it means to live out your values.

That being said....he mentioned PIE!!!

[Justice]

43. This is a great man.

[tigereye]

44. this is exactly what he should be doing...

:cry: It's great to see! And such a change from the current Pres.

[Rocknrule]

46. Finally, a True Christian president!

[RandomKoolzip]

47. Ain't it awesome to have a president who's identifiably human?

I've gotten used to commanders-in-chief who lack brains and heart. I was five when Carter was deposed; it now feels a bit like we're starting over where we left off.

[NYC_SKP]

48. I hate to say this.....but,

This has to be the most unlikely candidate to win, like fucking EVER!

Just now, looking at those pictures of him brought back to me the feelings I had about a year ago.

Back then, and all through the primaries, I felt, I want THIS MAN to be president, but how unlikely that will be...

The power of the media, the corporations, the PACS and political power groups will never allow it, I thought, but I resolved to support him with every spare dollar and to become engage, for the first time, in phonebanking and other activities because finally I could believe in someone and was going to give it a go.

And to think that I was, that we were, successful?

Just fucking amazing, wow.

Thank you for bringing that revelation on with those pictures.

Recommended.

[mtnsnake]

49. I just LOVE the look on the face of the patron in the last picture

Awesome thread! Thanks!

[democrank]

50. Bless the Obama family.

~PEACE~

[Starry Messenger]

52. Happy little kids!

Ah, my eyes are leaking too! I feel sooo good about the new generation. What a great time to be a young person.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

53. Huffington Post just posted a slideshow:

PLUS VIDEO HERE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/26/obama-familys-thanksgivin_n_146725.html

[IndianaGreen]

56. A President we can all be proud of

Now, that's change! :-)

[Amerigo Vespucci]

58. Yep, in terms of the future of our nation's leadership...

...I'd have to say that this is the best Thanksgiving I've had in eight years.

:toast:

[RamboLiberal]

60. So Cute - Room 203 "We :Love our Prez"

So do we! :kick:

[Kajsa]

57. He is the peoples' President.

I never saw GW do that in his eight years in office.

GoBama!

:)

[Kahuna]

74. Yep. We beat the MSM AND big business. It's quite an accomplishment..

we can all be proud of. :grouphug:

[Kajsa]

84. We sure can!

:hug:

[phusion]

61. This is why I voted for the guy... n/t

[JAbuchan08]

63. Wow, look at the joy in those childrens faces...

I'm back on the bus. For now.

[never cry wolf]

91. Look at the joy in HIS face too,

He genuinely enjoys being with people, making them smile.

[Raksha]

107. That's what impresses me the most...

he doesn't look like he's putting on an act or handing out the food simply for the photo op. He looks so normal, like a regular person. Like he belongs there, and he definitely seems to be enjoying what he's doing.

[high density]

68. Haven't those kids heard about his cabinet appointments yet?!?!

I mean, what is up with them? They should be pissed off and depressed like three quarters of DU.

[DainBramaged]

72. HAHAHAHAHA

:yourock: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[political_Dem]

70. It is events like these that make me proud I voted for Mr. Obama.

His very demeanor will do our nation proud once again. Not any of the Presidents before him have physically lifted a hand to help everyday people, except for President Carter. Mr. Carter worked for Habitat for humanity.

Let George W. Bush have Paraguay. But I'd prefer him to go to The Hague, myself.

[DainBramaged]

71. This one act by him shows the difference between the "Center-Right" meme clowns

and the man who walks the walk and talks the talk.


And I thought my donating my turkey from work to our local food bank was a big deal.

[Zambero]

78. Having already won the election, he doesn't "have" to do this

But he's still taking steps to raise the national consciousness level in order to benefit those in need, with no political payoff for his efforts. This speaks very favorrably to his true character. We're very fortunate indeed to have him as our next Presient.

[gblady]

99. it is a big deal....

your donation, that is...
I'll bet you felt really good doing it, huh?
I always say it's not the size of the gift...
it's the caring behind it.

[Daphne08]

73. Very Inspiring.

[happychatter]

75. this is a guy that would help unload the truck - he really IS, "one of us" NT

great pics, thank you OP

[CitizenPatriot]

76. wow

I'm kinda tearing up.

It looks like he is going to be a leader of ALL of the people...and I had forgotten what that looked like. Maybe I've only dreamed of it so far.

Here he is, looking at these folks with respect, as if he is their President. Where is the disdain of the mighty as they hand over one plate of food with a latex glove? He is teaching is daughters how to be a part of the solution, how to get outside of themselves, at the same time as he shows us as a nation, how to be thankful for what we have.

While we've had a lot of bible thumpers in office, I don't recall seeing such genuine spiritual/moral leadership in my lifetime.

Damn.

I didn't know it was going to be THIS good.

I know one event I will be giving deep and profound thanks for, but then, I've been doing that every morning since the election. He has a vision for this country. We've been given a gift.

[NewJeffCT]

77. Didn't Bush get all huffy once when somebody did not call him "Mr President"?

or something like that?

Kind of a refreshing change.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

80. I can't wait till 2012 so I can vote for him again!

Our President...

[Bette Noir]

81. God, I love this man.

Can I vote for him again, please? I'll make him a pie.

[Waiting For Everyman]

82. God bless him!

You can tell he genuinely likes people. And CARES.

[terrya]

85. This is wonderful. Inspiring.

And what's even more wonderful is knowing that the Obamas example will inspire other Americans to do more to help others.

[jwirr]

86. My first tears of the day. I am most thankful for two things: President

Elect Obama and my family.

I hope this is a sign that he plans to use that stimulus package to help these people also. I was riding with two of my granddaughters to help prepare for todays dinner. They asked me about some of the things that were going to be in the stimulus package that would help them. I did not really know because the news stories have all been about Wall Street. What I did say was that he was planning to increase food stamp which would help one but the other said it would help her family if they would raise the level of eligibility a bit because they are the kind of family who is not making it and are just above the levels to be able to get most forms of help. They both live frugally and do not waste their money. Hopefully this is what he is signaling.

[Mad_Dem_X]

88. How wonderful is it...

to have a giving, truly-compassionate man as our next President? God bless him. I can't wait for January 20th!

[librarycard]

89. My 79 y.o. father is dying now, and his grandchildren can't be bothered to say goodbye

In 11th gr. and 8th gr., they are too busy with their own materialistic lives to call or e-mail their grandfather, who never forgot a birthday or Christmas (money included in all cards), yet never received any "thanks" or show of appreciation.

The Obamas are modeling the behavior that seems to be so lacking in US culture: active concern for others in need. I love the fact that the Obamas are not raising their daughters to be more concerned about their looks and worldly possessions than the well-being of those who are less well-off.

[Olney Blue]

92. Change has come to America.

:bounce:

[AZBlue]

98. Wow. Every time I turn around he does something else that's inspiring.

Today (and everyday) I'm THANKFUL he's my new President!!

[Guaranteed]

103. Outstanding.

I am incredibly proud of my President.

[Tim4319]

104. So instead of concentrating on the economy

President-elect Barack Obama would much rather "pal around" with a bunch of terrorist in Chicago, handing out turkey dinners. How dare he?!?!

:sarcasm:

[Cheap_Trick]

105. Now THIS is a President

[rasputin1952]

106. Class Act...I cannot fathom many R's even thinking about others...

especially the Worst President Ever.

Sure, this may have been "symbolic" to some, but it showed me the man has a heart and Class, something bush can't even hope to compare with. Compassionate Conservatism is dead...Thank God!

Way to go Barack!

[Barb in Atl]

108. Error: you can only recommend threads which were started in the past 24 hours

::pout::

We are the change we've been waiting for, certainly, but it sure doesn't hurt having a leader show the way for those not quite in the swing of giving of self.