Question about Obama's acceptance speech

My boss (who let me mention is a McCain supporter) pointed something out today...he said that in past elections, the president-elect always gives his speech with his family and running mate by his side. He said (in his words), "Obama is such an egotistical maniac he kicked them off stage. He didn't even want to share the moment with his own family." I never thought about this. McCain did have his family and Palin and her husband on the podium with him during his concession speech.

Does the president-elect usually keep his family and running mate on the podium with him during his speech?

Message edited 11/7/2008 8:45:07 PM.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

Honestly, never really paid much attention to it nor would I read too much into it.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

My memory may be a bit fuzzy, but I believe that the family was always brought out at the end.

Your boss listens to too much Rush and Hannity.

ETA-
I just youtubed Bush's 2004 acceptance speech, everybody was standing behind him. But it was a tiny stage and indoors. Obama's was outside with thousands of people and he has two young children. My guess, it was more a security issue than an ego issue.

Message edited 11/7/2008 8:54:42 PM.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

I never paid attention to it, and I'm sure there's nothing to read into. They did come out at the end, and everyone looked very happy.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

I actually heard that Sarah Palin requested to say a few words during McCain's speech...and he said no, she she asked if she could go out there with him, and he said yes.
I think Obama did what was expected by going out there on his own. But I've never paid much attention to it in the past.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

i've never paid any attention in the past, but honestly, that was his first opportunity to speak to a nation as our President-Elect, after a campaign that began 20 months ago, a campaign that has been so bitterly fought out in every single state....that was his time to set the tone, and I don't think that there was anything wrong with him being on stage alone. His family walked him out there, and then came back out with the rest of their extended family and that of Biden's.

I think your boss is trying to read a little too far into what happened and frankly, is making stuff up.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

I wonder if this was a security thing? I mean have many president elects given their speeches in such a public place? Have those president elects had threats made to their lives before even being elected?

I would want my daughters on that stage for as short a time as possible

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

I never thought much about it, but honestly... while i understand that they will be the First family, HE is the one that's going to be the President and he should be the center of the moment. Not because of ego or arrogance, but as a function of the position. It's a very special moment, i'm sure, but I don't see the need for his family to be completely involved. This was about him accepting the position to lead this country for the next 4 years- my interest is in hearing his strength in solitude, not questioning whether or not he was a real family man.

I don't think it's something that a judgement of character should be based on.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

Well, he promised change, didn't he?

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

Posted by prncss

Well, he promised change, didn't he?

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

I listened to it on the radio.. I didn't see who he was up there with

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Not only do I not think his decisions were about ego, I couldn't get over how sad nd griefstricken he looked during the whole thing. My heart broke for him---Michelle and Biden were ecstatic, but he was on autopilot---too soon after the death for him to enjoy himself....
I'm leaving the guy alone on this one....

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

TBH I assumed it was a security issue seeing as some of the threats he recieved. If I was him I would not have wanted my family out there with me......It seemed like he was very aware of his surrondings and so was everybody else...Maybe it's a skewed perception, but it is mine

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

IMO, total security issue. I think with all the threats surrounding Obama, the secret service isn't taking any chances. The news the other night reported that the girls have 6 agents each - more than any other first children - due in part to their age (more likely to run around) and the threats to Obama. No way would the secret service be comfortable with the girls just hanging out on stage with no protection - too many crazy people in this world!!

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I totally agree- not ego but security.

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Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

If we NEVER saw the family that night, I'd , but they were there in the beginning and in the end. Plus, they got huge references during his speach. I have no issue with it.

ETA the pics that someone else posted of the behind the scenes are pretty cool and show how much the family is together.

Message edited 11/8/2008 10:05:20 AM.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

I agree. Security issue big time. I don't think he had a choice frankly. I think the secret service told him what they were comfortable handling and then told him that they were too big of a target. Some lunatic could mow down the whole family in 10 seconds.

I think it was enough that they had to scan that huge crowd to protect him for however long the speech was.

Re: Question about Obama's acceptance speech

I agree with the previous posters I really do think that this is more about security then anything else. Did we not see how happy he looked when he brought his family out (and I am sorry that can not be acted) take a look at my avatar. You can't fake that.
I also agree that all his actions will be questioned and commented on bc he is our president-elect. I am pretty sure he knew that going in to it.