sparrowblog / campaign '08

Happy Inauguration Day, Sasha and Malia

2009-01-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

In honor of this great day, the Bush daughters wrote a note full of tips for the Obama girls. They suggested that Sasha and Malia "slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn."

Give Sasha and Malia Advice and WIN!

2008-12-29T07:18:00.000-08:00

In honor of Sasha and Malia Obama moving into the White House, we're giving away a set of signed hardcover copies of the FIRST DAUGHTER novels by Mitali Perkins! To enter, all you have to do is complete this sentence in the comments below:

"Hey, Sasha and Malia, here's my number #1 tip about surviving life as a FIRST KID: ______________."

Bush First Twins Train Sasha and Malia ...

2008-12-02T10:54:00.001-08:00

... how to jump on the White House beds. Laura Bush tells all:

It was fun for the girls to get to show (Sasha and Malia) not only that room, but the way the big cross hall can be an obstacle course for little kids to run up and down, and the solarium ramp that you can slide down on your bottom. So they showed them all the special tricks.

... We did a little bed jumping, the girls sort of showed them -- it wasn't the Lincoln Bedroom, it was another bedroom with a very tall bed that we usually put a step out for people to step into when they stay in that room. But instead the little girls did the running jump, and Barbara and Jenna of course aided and abetted that jumping.

Obama Family Picks Private School in D.C.

2008-11-21T16:50:00.001-08:00

Sidwell Friends School has a track record in giving First Daughters the space and grace to enjoy school, since Chelsea Clinton went there, so that's where Sasha and Malia are going.

D.C. Schools For Malia and Sasha

2008-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

When the Obama girls' Mom went to D.C., she checked out two schools for the girls: Georgetown Day School and Sidwell Friends School, where Chelsea Clinton attended. Both are private.

The Obama family isn't selling their house in Chicago, but a moving truck will cart their favorite stuff to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on January 20th, 2009. Oh, and Grandma Marian Robinson is going with them.

Secret Service Code Names for Obama Family

2008-11-11T11:57:00.001-08:00

President-to-be Obama: Renegade
Michelle Obama: Renaissance
Malia Obama: Radiance
Sasha Obama: Rosebud

Malia and Sasha on Hannah Montana?

2008-11-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

The First Daughters in waiting were invited to be on the Disney Channel's hit show. Billy Ray Cyrus seems hopeful that it's going to happen, but after watching their family in action for over a year now, I'd be surprised if Dad and Mom allowed it. But oh, the girls are going to be disappointed, because they're big Miley Cyrus fans.

Meghan McCain Says Goodbye

2008-11-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

... and talks about her Dad in a way that makes him a winner, even though he lost the election.

Malia and Sasha in Grant Park, Chicago

2008-11-06T05:03:00.001-08:00

With big smiles and sweet kisses, the Obama daughters joined their parents on stage before their father's historic acceptance speech:

MALIA AND SASHA OBAMA: FIRST DAUGHTERS!

2008-11-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

America has spoken, and the Obama girls are moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Hooray for Sasha and Malia! And a double hooray for the First Puppy!

Thanks, Senator McCain and Family!

2008-11-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Sparrow says a final goodbye and congratulations to the McCain kids: Doug, Andy, Sidney, Meghan, Jack, Jimmy, and Bridget.

ELECTION DAY!

2008-11-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

The campaign's over.

I've been tracking the candidates and their kids since MARCH 24, 2007, and it's a strange feeling to say goodbye to the process and wait for the results.

So here's a shout-out to all the other campaign junkies out there. It's time to give up our addiction and rock the vote.

Rehab, anybody?

Sad News About Obama's Grandma

2008-11-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

Madelyn Payne Durham, aged 86, Grandmother of Barack Obama, died just two days before the election. Peace be upon her name.

John McCain: Max Payne on November 4th?

2008-11-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Meghan McCain says her Dad usually goes to the movies to fight Election Day stress, and my guess is an action-adventure flick like Max Payne since the Senator's a 24 fan. Meghan's superstition is wearing purple, as she confessed to People Magazine this week.

Malia and Sasha: Daddy's Home For Halloween!

2008-10-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

He thinks their corpse bride and evil fairy costumes aren't scary enough, but Senator Obama is in Chicago today to be with his daughters for trick or treating.

Meghan McCain Lays It On The Line

2008-10-30T10:35:00.001-07:00

For the first time since she started blogging the campaign, Meghan McCain gets super political and explains exactly why people should vote for her Dad, John McCain.

Sasha and Malia: The Same Old Stuff

2008-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to school, Grandma, and a busy schedule of sports and other after-school activities, life hasn't changed all that much for Sasha and Malia. Now if only they don't focus on some of the news headlines, especially lately.

Can you keep a ten-year-old away from the web these days? You certainly can't keep her away from the Disney Channel, because all she cares about is that Daddy doesn't interrupt Hannah Montana:

When Was The Last Time You Cried?

2008-10-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Katie Couric asked the candidates this question, and here's what they said:

OBAMA: This one is pretty easy. It was Malia, my 10-year-old daughter's birthday party. We were in Montana. And you know, she's a Fourth of July baby. So often times, during this campaign, we'd be traveling during birthdays. And so we were in this small hotel, I think a Holiday Inn. And we had this big public thing. The staff organized for a smaller family party. And we were in this nondescript conference room—with—Malia and Sasha, Michelle, me, my sister, my brother-in-law and my niece. And there was a cake. And there was some food which wasn't, you know, stellar. And the staff had put together an iPod of all of her favorite music. The Jonas Brothers and Beyoncé. And we spent the evening just dancing. And we were all dancing to their favorite songs. And they were laughing because, you know, obviously their daddy is dancing ridiculous. And Malia came up and said, "This is the best birthday I've ever had." And she meant it. And—and I looked at her and I realized—you know, that she was growing up. And that she was wise, turning out to be somebody who would say that to her dad even if she didn't mean it, just to make me feel good. And yeah, it chokes me up right now talking about it. Yeah, my kids get to me every time.

MCCAIN: I cry regularly. ... Aw, yeah. You know, I'm very sentimental. When I see these young people who are serving. I met a woman at a town hall meeting the other day who had lost her son in Iraq. And, I was so touched, because she talked about how proud she was of his service. And what a fine young person he was. And whenever you have that experience, obviously you think, how could I ever--how could I cope with such a tragedy, you know? And so you know, when I say cry, I get--my eyes well up, as they are right now thinking about these brave Americans and their families who have sacrificed so much for their country, especially recently.

Happy Birthday, Meghan McCain!

2008-10-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

The blogging daughter of Senator John McCain turned 24 yesterday!

Sasha and Malia's Halloween Costumes

2008-10-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

Senator Obama told Ellen DeGeneres that his daughters' costumes aren't scary enough for him:

"Sasha, the younger one, is a corpse bride and Malia is going to be an evil fairy. I’ve got to admit they both look too cute. They’re not scary enough for my taste. I want them to have blood dripping."

Meghan McCain: Live Free or Die!

2008-10-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

No, that's not the title of the new Bond movie. "Live Free or Die" is the state slogan of New Hampshire, and First Daughter wannabe Meghan McCain promised that she'll tattoo those very words on herself if the State picks her Dad. And if he wins the whole shebang. If Obama wins, Sparrow suggests "Quantum of Solace" instead.

Where's My School, Dude?

2008-10-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Bridget McCain, who's a sophomore at Xavier Prep in Phoenix, and Sasha (second grade) and Malia (fifth grade), students at the private University of Chicago Lab School, must be wondering: If Dad wins, do I go to public, private, or home school?

Straight Talk on Junk Food

2008-10-11T12:10:00.001-07:00

I'd gain forty pounds if I were riding with Meghan McCain and the blogettes, munching on pizza, donuts, and Starbucks Grandes on the trail. But maybe you burn a bunch of calories lugging suitcases.

Track Palin And Beau Biden Head To Iraq

2008-10-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Before both soldiers left American soil, their political parents said very public goodbyes during their deployment ceremonies:

Biden: "Today I come, as you prepare to deploy, as a father — a father who had some sage advice from his son this morning: 'Dad, keep it short, we're in formation.'"

Palin: "As you depart today, don't mind us — your parents, your friends, your family — if we allow for a few tears, or if we hold you just a little close once more before you're gone. Because were going to miss you. We can't help it. We are going to miss you."

Meghan McCain Takes Five

2008-10-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

The Republican Party's First Daughter wannabe is exhausted. She's been campaigning solo on the Straight Talk Express in Ohio, signing books, constantly smiling, and even giving stump speeches. Only 28 days left, Meghan, hang in there.