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October 23rd, 2009
07:10 AM ET
White House releases portrait of first family
The White House unveiled this portrait of the first family this morning. It's the first official White House portrait of the Obamas. The picture was taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, sit for a family portrait in the Green Room of the White House, Sept. 1, 2009. (Official White House Photo)
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I wish he showed as much concern about the country's economy & our troops as he does this family picture. Sure, family is important but he has a job that we hired him to do and he's not doing it!
Nice photo and very endearing. Looking forward to the new first family photo come 2012.
Every presidential family has had a family portrait. Why are you people using this as another means to once again criticize the President.?
Do you have any idea how other countries are viewing this? This is just another easy way for them to use their propaganda against this country. A country divided cannot stand.
Just take the picture for it's face worth. It's a portrait of a beautiful loving family. He just happens to be our President.
My goodness people, stop this childish bantor. How can you call yourself patriotic and do this to our leader?
Awesome and beautiful picture!!!
May the Lord continue to bless and cover this family.
I finally feel like this is MY president. And what an incredible family!!!
Well said Richard!! People are oogling this phot like hes a legend. All he has done so far is talk and talk. Not only that but he cant give a heartfelt speech! He cant talk without a teleprompter!! That speech bush gave after 9/11 about how america was attacked and we will find whoever attacked our country and bring them to justice. That was a real speech. Lets judge this president when we see the amazing results our country feels from his presidency. Not when he has accomplished absolutely nothing except talking from a teleprompter like a robot.
I'm so proud to have this family in the White House. Obama, we still love you!
Nice Picture! Cute Family! Lousy Socialist Dictator of a President. Big Disappointment!!
Absolutely beautiful - and so very American in every way!
I can hear the Republicans already:
"Where's the American Flag? See, I told you they were un-American."
I love the fact that he is not wearing a suit jacket, makes me feel like he is really working. Love this photo, it's now my screen saver.
I think this is the most beautiful picture that I have seen in a long time. It shows that the Obama's are really family oriented. Just beautiful
I am a Republician- I do not agree with a lot of President Obama's policies but this is a beautiful family portrait. God Bless them.
Nice picture but the President appears to be distancing himself from a "family" portrait.
Where's Bo? He's family.
Hey, stop hatin on the Obama Family. This is our President whether you like it or not. I am so tired of negative commnets about our President and his beautiful family. They are blessed and maybe if people didn't have so much hatred and jealousy in their heart, they would see the true beauty within this family.
What a beautiful family!
Nice Picture – but only a picture!
We live in a great country where our differences have made us stronger! – You should see how mixed and different races and different religions are treated in other countries – been there seen that!
I am proud that I am an American because of all that the United States of America represents, not because that I am a straight white, Cherokee, African, Scottish, German, Anglo, Christian, Appalachian American … (well I am proud to be a hillbilly with Kentucky roots and a veteran).
We as individuals have made changes, but you can not regulate attitudes and morals. But all the government laws, mandated controls, and legislative paper pushers can not make us change our hearts. We must do that ourselves (with God’s help … dare I say!).
If you don’t want to be part of our country leave us and economy behind …
What a beautiful, beautiful family. I could not be more proud.
What a beautiful and wonderful family. I cannot help but be proud of my country with such a wonderful family portraying what an American family really looks like. God bless the first family.
Look how LIBERAL they look.
What a great picture!
Seeing a photo like this of our first family makes me proud to be an American!
U-S-A!
U-S-A!
🙂
Did Obama pay for this himself or was it paid for by federal funds? If the latter, what a waste or resources!
We have a beautiful and wonderful family we have in the White House.
All Americans should be proud whether you voted for him or not. Let's stop this petty divisiveness and get to work putting our country back on track.
He's working for all of us – even those who don't like the fact that he's in office.
I love this photo and I love the Obama's. What a beautiful and loving family! The Commander-in-Chief is doing a great job. The girls are adorable!
It is a beautiful picture. But why is the President not touching or holding hands with any of them? The youngest daughter has her arm around him, and the daughters and Michelle are all holding or touching one another, but the President seems to sit to himself?
I wanted to see the dog. Would have been the most photogenic one in the picture.
To all the Obama critics..here's a thought. Why not run for presidency just like he did. Save the bickering and complaints...it really is getting old.
The picture is gorgeous and is fitting.
What a beautiful family! I love the Obamas. Love the portrait.
Gorgeous picture but where is the dog?
you make us all proud – you are all blessed!
thank you for sharing!
It's pretty funny to read these, the lame republicans stick out like sore thumbs. Even in an article as simple as being about a family and a portrait, the first thing they do is instinctively assert that their "pride" level of the country is higher than everyone elses, and bawking at the notion that tax dollars were paid for the portrait. No wonder why only 20% of the population considers themselves republicans now, republicans are embarassing.
Shouldn't this be called the "Official Whitehouse Snapshot" instead of Portrait?
A very beautiful and classy picture!. Of course there are those who will hate this family regardless of what they do. That is sad. Regardless of how you feel, this man is the President of the United States and deserves respect. Period. I dare any of the haters on here to offer up ideas and solutions to some of our nation's problems.....*crickets* Only when you stand in someone else's shoes can you really make a comment. We may not all agree and that is okay. I am thankful we have a leader who is respected by those we lost the respect of in previous years. The world is ready to talk to one another and that is a good thing.
And to those who wish this family harm; you should be ashamed. Apparently you were not taught compassion and respect. So keep your negativity to yourself especially concerning children.
Always proud to be an American........
This is such an awesome picture!!!!
What a lovely family they are.
I don't remember CNN posting the Bush family portrait. Did it happen?
Great picture – but where's Bo?
What an amazingly beautiful family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope one day my family will be just as warm, loving and look just as great!!!!!
What a fine human being you have as President. God Bless America and Mr. Obama. From a proud Canadian neighbour. (cdn. spelling).
Luvs it!
When I look at this portrait of our first family, I say "thank you Lord" for creating beauty, talent, happiness, joy and peace in the home. I'm not in denial, our first family are humans – but they wear it sooooo well. Enjoy life. This picture is beautiful – We're always praying for the success of our President & his family.
I am so proud to be an american again...they are a P E R F E C T example of an american family. god bless the Obamas, and America
Where's Bo???? He's a must have for the family picture!
Very nice family picture of the First Family. I am so proud how the whole family has represnted their self. God Bless you all and continue to stay focus and postive and keep God first in your life. For we know all things work together for those who love the Lord.
Enjoy your blessings, because your are blessed when God allow you to see another day.
Very nice photo of the first family! He is doing a super job and the family is very loving. If all families were like this the world would be in much better shape!
You can't say you have always been proud of America, It's like my 9 year old smacking my 2 year old across the face because she took her cookie. Am I proud of my daughter at that moment in time? NO! Do I still love and respect her? Of course! Same with America.
This comment is for all the so-called photographers out there who are over-analyzing the photo; please, just simply view the picture of a beautiful family.
A wonderful family and great picture.
I have always been proud to be an American and proud of the men and women who defend us and the policies set by the person in the Oval Office. However, I have not always been proud of the person sitting in the Oval Office but today I am!!!!!
Nice looking family. They look like a normal family without the burden of politics weighing them down...probably because he has so little experience with it. It's heartwarming to know that only in America could someone with zero job experience or qualifications attain the office of the presidency. I know how to drive a car...I guess that makes me qualified to be CEO of General Motors. Makes as much sense as Obama being in the White House. The office of President has lost all of its dignity. Not because he's black...I couldn't care less about that...but because it was handed to an unqualified man on a silver platter. I'm happy to see his ratings are plummeting. Maybe we'll only have to put up with his Socialist agenda for another 3 years.
Their oldest daughter is very pretty. She will be a heartbreaker when she grows up...They make a nice comfortable American Family.
so beautiful !!
That is the America I remember and grew-up loving...When I read the majority of comments above, words can't explain how very proud I am to be your northern neighbour!
The Canadian
America, you Rock! And I am deeply in love with this beautiful young family:)
i love the picure of the first family and i hope god will contiue to bless them
It is a great picture except for that 'stupid' abstract painting behind them that was donated from Laura Bush....would you believe she paid $1M for it. That is discussing. It doesn't even fit the decor of the green room. I recently toured the White House and actually saw that picture.
To Sonia who posted the comment above. That "stupid" abstract as you call it is a Jacob Lawrence painting who is a well known African American painter. This painting is the first by an African American to be permanently exhibited at the White House. By the way, Laura Bush did not donate this photo it was acquired by the White House during the Bush Administration.
This picture is perfect, however you are missing bo!!!!
I want to paint my walls in that green.
What an awesome family! To all the haters, here are SOME of his accomplishments: $9 billion spent so far on repairing and upgrading transportation infrastructure, bringing our country back from the brink of an economic tsunami via stimulus money, tax credits, cash for clunkers etc (I know, we're not there yet, but we're moving in the right direction), he's DESPERATELY trying to pass major healthcare reform that is desperately needed in this country but Republicans (aka the party of "no") are keeping him from it. I see a hard working man who is the most diplomatic, intelligent, well-thought out president we've had in a long time and I'm so proud of him. When your enemy shows you respect and listens to you even if he doesn't like you, doesn't it make you more willing to show respect and try to listen back? Insulting and provoking Iran and bombing and occupying mideastern countries is only stirring the ant bed, and so far that tactic is only backfiring. THAT is why he's taking this approach. Don't be so ignorant and stop criticizing everything he does just because he's the one doing it.
That's lovely. What a charming picture of our first family. It's beautiful.
What a lovely portrait of our first family. God bless and look
after them.
Dear Priscilla / I sincerely hope that you did not think that the man would get into the White House in the most troubling times since the Depression and change things overnight or within 1-2 years. He never promised that in his campaign / go back and see the footage for yourself. He said it would take years and in one speech about 10 years to see real progress in some areas of the ecomony. He also stated things would get much worse before they got better. Any smart person would know that he can't solve the problems created in 8 years after serving 10 months. If you are going to criticize at least be realistic.
To the armchair art-critics nitpicking Annie Liebovitz's technical prowess: CALIBRATE YOUR MONITORS! And then go take a portrait of your family at Sear's or on your point-and-shoot and put your money where your mouth is.
I love this picture. They are the best looking family that have ever resided in The White House.
People need to stop the hatred, learn to respect each other and stop being mad that we have a Black President, a black family living in the White House. I wish that the USA would change the name of where they reside, it should no longer be called the White House. Perhaps we should call it The President's House. I hate racism, it's just a lot of wasted energy.
I love this family and if President Obama runs again, i will VOTE for him.
A perfect photo of America's greatest mistake.
An awesome photo.......America chose right this time.........
We have begun a contemporary (new) form of politics for this millenium, and the values this family represents, along with love for country, is as american as apple pie.
Mark as a Republican I am OFFENDED that you think we will rip them apart because they are smiling. Yes some morons will-there are plenty of them on BOTH sides. I may not agree with the President or everything he is doing but that doesn't mean his family is not a beautiful loving family as the portrait shows.
The FIrst Family looks great! They are worth emulating!
This is such an awesome picture!!!
Stunning portrait of a loving family. Who says its not great to have mom and dad around their kids together. American families should take after the first family and say NO to divorce and separation.
I got the "change" he promised alright...........it's all I have left after he picks my pocket and gives it to the lazy shiftless leeches loafers of society.
Add the cost of this to the trillions of dollars that are being spent by the Obama administration that will forever cripple this country.
Lovely portait, who payed for it?
The Obamas exude love and always appear so at ease with one another. What a warm and beautiful family.
the dogs in the photo for all of those that have asked.....
I think this is a wonderful picture, but agree with the pther, the dog should be in it. My pets are part of my family! You people out here criticizing should be ashamed of yourself. This is simply a family picture, there is nothing political about the picture. For crying out loud, please show a little respect. Obama is doing a great job as president and has us on the right track. He just needs to keep moving forward. For those of you who say he has done nothing, he has been in office for less than a year. When has anything with the government been a quick process. If congress would quit acting like children who can't play nice in the sandbox, more things would be getting done. That goes for the Democrats & Republicans. Put your personal interests aside and do what is right for America.
Very "down to earth" beautiful family photo. I have always been proud to be an American but in the last few years not so proud of our highest elected official. They are not one and the same. Now I can say I am proud of both!! Go Obama. On a side note... If you are not proud of this country, don't leave it, work on changing it!
Is there a way to buy this as artwork? I would love to hang this in my office. Oh, where's Bo?
Photos of Mao, Hitler and Stalin were also well done. A picture doesn't make a great person or president. History, not a picture ( nor verbal rhetoric) will define his presidency.
what a beautiful family and the picture doesn't do it justice..
i definately agree with George:
"October 23rd, 2009 10:13 am ET: I have to say, I was expecting more from Annie Leibovitz as a photographer. I have been a photographer for years and to me it looks like anyone could have taken that picture. Obama's shirt looks washed out, some of the shadows make Michelle's hair look to dark. The background should be less defined. The subjects should always be in sharp focus and the backgrounds should be very soft to emphasize the Obamas.
"
The picture makes me feel excited about the First Family and the New Leadership. A Role Model Family for a lot of families to look up to.
"Hello Mr. President, what a Beautiful Family you have. And the little one seem to be a daddy's girl!! But that's alright I think its very sweet how you and your wife show how a family needs to be, more love needs to be in each Family. Every Family should take a look and show love for their own Family. You are doing a great job and you keep it up. I'am behind you all the way and shame on them who don't give you the respect like they should. No matter what you are still OUR PRESIDENT, and with respect everyone should give you!! But they are still mad they need to get over it!!They respect the other Presidents so they need to do the same to you. May the Good Lord keep you in his hands, I pray for you and your Family everyday. May "God guide you alll they way!!! And your wife (Michelle) she is sweet and smart!! Keep up the good work Ms. First Lady "God Bless you & yours"
Chestene Breckenridge
You mean like the respect the left gave GWB???
You have got to be kidding????
Beautiful, only thing missing is Bo.
I'd rather see a portrait of the dog.
Wonderful photo of a great family!
So what? The only thing he's done is take a picture!
Now please get the Live Feed off of me and my family. Enough is enough! It's not my fault, I made mistakes we all have made mistakes. Use the Live Feed for good, like finding missing persons and helping the helpless. Please! It's all good now let it go.
God's abundant Blessings are shining upon your family and the world; this is a prime example of favorable outcomes when you treat people right and do the right thing.
Beautiful family. Finally, there is class in the White House again.
When you say that you have "always been proud to be an American", you are saying that you are proud of all the mistakes we have allowed our elected officials to make. Either you really are proud of these mistakes, or you are too stubborn to admit that they were made. There have been moments in my life where I have not felt proud to be an American. Does that mean that I should pack up and leave a country I believe in? No. It means that I need to fight and make sure that my elected officials are making decisions that reflect my values. I respect people that refuse to make blind statements like "I have ALWAYS felt proud to be an American". It means to me that they have their eyes open and are critical of the decisions and actions made by our government. This is something I hope we all adopt for the sake of our future.
This is how an American family should be? I'm conservative and to hear all you liberals saying this is how it should be is quite offensive. What about single parent families that happen to be happy? Are you saying a family shouldn't be two men or two women raising a family? I'm gay, conservative, vote Republican for lack of a better choice most of the time, though to some on here if I want to adopt a child with my partner, that isn't the way a family "should be".
MY PRESIDENT...
Don't let the haters get you down Prez! Your family is beautiful, and so is America!! Very proud to be black in America today. The girls are growing fast, and Malia is stunning, already. Sasha is just a cutie! Yes, You are just getting started President Obama! God bless you, and all that you will accomplish. YES, YOU WILL!!!
Great picture. Shows their compassion, strength and love. Not stuffy or fake. Good job, Annie.
Rumpkin you are a disgrace – there must be so much hate in your heart and that is sad. This is a great picture for everyone to look at, no matter what party you belong to, it shows the love in a family that is so scare these days. Thank you Mr President for caring about the lower and middle class – we have been neglected for to long.
Weird photo considering it was taken by a pro in the industry. No jacket on the President, blown out shirt, slouching and both parents look uncomfortable, no affectionionate embracing, fake smiling, older daughter is showing wayyy too much leg and sitting on the arm of a priceless 200 year old bench, can't see Michelles hair, the room they are in is in as much focus as they are, and everyone looks blacker than I get the feeling that they are normally. They also all look like they are very unconfortable as everyone has sweat shine.
A great picture of a loving family. Makes most Americans feel proud to see them as a first family in White house. What a country? God bless the USA and the Obama family.
OK Photo
Obama hire me as your personal photograpaher.
The OBAMA'S. Great photo and just all around beautiful human beings. The President and his lovely fam truly makes me proud. Peace and Love yy
Lovely photo, but, where's Bo? He's family too.
What a beautiful portrait! A perfect American family!