American Morning

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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)
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)

Filed under: White House
soundoff (1,409 Responses)
  1. southern hope

    they have amazing children and are such a loving family....puts a smile on my face just to see this photo.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:25 am |
  2. Mary

    That Sasha is a cute little thing!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:25 am |
  3. Marcella

    What a wonderful sense of love and wholeness they express!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  4. beth from wisonsin

    Beautiful family. They are an inspiration to me and my two daughters. Smart, poised, articulate children – they are great parents.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  5. Carlos Juarez

    Beautiful and intelligent People..So nice

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  6. Victor

    Beautiful family and photo! Very glad they're the first family!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  7. Douglas from AZ

    What a great picture. Their daughters are very pretty. Too bad daddy's the President. They'll never have a boyfriend without the SS breathing down the boys necks. lol...

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  8. johnson

    hmmm, this really isnt a great photograph. From the choice of room, to the light and picture quality this really is pretty poor considering... Any amateur photographer could have gotten these results.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  9. Gorg

    This is a very nice picture! They look genuinely happy.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  10. Holly from Texas

    They really are a beautiful family. I could see that Malia becoming a supermodel... or a congresswoman. =)

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  11. Jason

    Betty from Ohio should be ashamed of yourself. Comments like that show how shallow some are in this country. Truly pathetic.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  12. Lamar in Dallas, TX

    You rock, Barack! Thanks for your hard work on everything and all the good that you are doing for our great country!

    P.S. Your wife is gorgeous and your kids are adorable!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  13. Queen B

    This is a LOVEly Family portrait! I love the whole OBAMA family.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  14. Latonya

    Beautiful portrait!! I just love this family!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  15. Tracy

    What a lovely family!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  16. sherron teal

    This is a gorgeous family, the oldest daughter is especially going to be a beautiful woman when she grows up.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  17. Kevin in Chicago

    Clearly, this is a family that really cares about each other. You can see it in their body language. What a great shot.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  18. Siu

    So down to earth, but yet elegant...

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  19. Pat Watson

    Great photo of a great American family. They remind me of the Kennedys.
    I don't understand the hatred in our country. Our president represents so many good American values, tolerance, peace and the American dream.
    He is our best hope for the future. Let's give the man a chance and try to work together as a nation.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  20. Moss Creek

    Beautiful family!
    Very proud of our new president!
    Thanks for trying to get this wonderful country back on track!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am |
  21. jon avila

    Great picture!!! Beautiful First Family!!!!!!!!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:23 am |
  22. Texas Rose

    the Obamas are beautiful! I am so happy they are our first family...much love from Texas!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:23 am |
  23. JJ

    What a beautiful family! I agree – very proud to have him as President!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:23 am |
  24. Monique from Ohio

    What a nice picture. I just love them as a family and I love, love Michelle Obama! It's about time that we had a woman with a past as a career woman for a first lady.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:23 am |
  25. Cookie

    This is a beautifeul family. They are gorgeous!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:23 am |
  26. Kara

    It's cute and real. I like how they are not posed super-formally... more like a real family. Whatever your political affiliation, I think we're blessed as a nation to have such a nice family in the White House. (Of course, the McCains are a nice family too. :))

    October 23, 2009 at 10:23 am |
  27. Karim from Wisconsin

    Nice picture of the family that proudly deserves the title of 'First Family'.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:23 am |
  28. Trinace in Richmond

    Beautiful!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  29. Kelly

    Gorgeous. Im so proud to have them as our first family.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  30. Jack

    Nice Picture. Nice Family. Not a very good President. Where is the pooch?

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  31. brian

    Wow. Beautiful Americans!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  32. eric

    I've been a proud American my entire life.

    It is a nice picture ... but aesthetics certainly don't translate into good leadership.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  33. Shrina

    What a great picture. The cutest family!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  34. DDD

    I'm a grown man and this picture nearly bought me to tears. I never thought I would see a black president in the White House. This family is amazing and so is our president.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  35. Tiffany

    Great photograph! They are all graceful inside and out!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  36. HELEN

    PICTURE PERFECT!!!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  37. Camille

    Picture Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So natural and humble..Makes me so proud to be an American.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  38. Robert

    Very nice picture. Best of luck. Our prayers are with you.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  39. Amy

    Beautiful Family!!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  40. Veronica Griswould, Brooklyn

    I love my first family, I am thankful to GOD that I am alive and was able like thousands of American's to see the history of the firs African American Family.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  41. athonia from ga

    The obama's family, make me proud to have serve in the military and now it is time all american to respect this president and his family, He is the president of the usa!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:22 am |
  42. Chubs

    What makes this a story?? We've seen them enough, who cares about a portrait!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  43. Vicki Johnson

    It is a nice family portrait. I, though, have always been proud to be an American. We live in the greatest country in world. I don't need the Obamas to make me proud to be an American.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  44. Barbara Tillman

    We are so proud of our First American Family!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  45. Emmanuel Boansi

    This is a cute picture and a wonderful family...

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  46. ubliss

    picture perfect.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  47. Maxim

    The most beautiful family to ever grace the White House along with the Kennedy's. I am happy to have him and her as my president and first lady.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  48. Just like the rest

    I'm not sure how to respond to this picture. I mean I like it, i think it's a nice picture. But I am not sure if this is how I am suppose to feel about it. I will need to wait and get my cues from Fox News.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  49. Lynette

    Wow: great picture: happy and sincere.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  50. Nazima

    Smiles make people more beautiful. The Obama family is a beautiful family. God Bless all of them.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  51. susanne

    Good picture. Bad president. Sad times. We are headed for really hard times. Nothing to do now but pray to our Heavenly Father for His strength and guidence.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  52. Tom

    Betty- You should always be proud to be amercian. You can be proud...or leave!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  53. Mary

    I still can't believe that this is the First Family! This picture rocks and I am so happy to know that Obama is the man!!!
    What a relaxed, beautiful family portrait of a family that is down to earth and affectionate with one another..... so refreshing!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  54. Amy from NC

    What a great picture and a lovely family. May the first family be blessed as our president leads us in these challenging times.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  55. Michele

    What a fabulous picture. Everyone looks so natural and happy. The little girls are just darling!!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:21 am |
  56. Hope

    Awesome! We need more grounded families like the Obamas.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  57. altas shrugged

    Very interesting portrait if you look at the body language. Everyone in the picture, but Big Guy is touching another family member. Big Guy is only touching himself, buy holding hands with himself.

    Why doesn't he have a "binding" moments with another beloved family member? I find it odd.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  58. Gilwans

    This is a true family as created by God. Obama's family values are from their african heritage. That's why I am proud to be an African and a Black. Congrats Obamas. You're making us proud.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  59. Cheryl Noel

    Hurrah for normalcy. It is a beautiful thing in this confused world, whatever colour it comes in.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  60. Sebastian

    The Obama's are a beautiful family, both inside and out!

    They make us proud to be Americans again!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  61. Dianne

    A family to be proud of........

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  62. schree

    They are soooooo beautiful as a family. If looks could bring peace, we could all come together...

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  63. Jill from Oregon

    It warms my heart....

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  64. Ronn

    This is truly a proud moment for me!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  65. Sarah Marshall

    Beautiful family

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  66. Bill Jone

    I have ALWAYS been proud to be an American. Otherwise you are not a true American.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  67. falanda

    This very nice potrait of the Obamas'. I pray for them and hope they do well.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  68. Kenneth

    Families don't get much more beautiful than that. So cute!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  69. Sally

    What a lovely picture! The Obama's smile shine!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  70. Kelly

    Absolutely wonderful!!!! Coming from an independent, if you can find something negative to say about this family man and his beautiful family, you are not a TRUE AMERICAN. I don't agree with all of his policies but I think WE can ALL agree that they represent the AMERICAN family and we should all be proud. It's refreshing to see a politician and father with his children and wife and not a mistress. We are now being respected around the world again. I hope that young men and women in this country understand the importance of a strong family and its values. Those in the political arena must practice what they preach and avoid hypocrisy.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  71. Felix

    A fine representation of the American family – nice picture.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  72. Sonia

    What an awesome looking 1st family! Absolutely beautiful!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  73. Debra

    This is just an all around beautiful family!!! What a lovely picture of them.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  74. Howard

    It's a great picture of a beautiful family. I don't recall ever seeing a FAMILY portrait of a presidential family as far back as JFK. Interesting that none of our so-called "family values" presidents never released such a family portrait.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  75. Linda Bottaro

    Beautiful picture! Beautiful family! You can see the love they have and the spirit of family! We should be proud, no matter what our affiliation, that we have such an example of closeness in our White House.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:20 am |
  76. Mike

    I think it's kind of lousy. There's a big gap between the President and the First Lady that doesn't quite get filled by Sasha. And the President and First Lady are slouching a bit. And I don't like Malia sitting in the arm of a chair that's provably 200 years old and irreplaceable.

    They're beautiful people who will make even the lousiest picture look good. I can't believe there isn't a better shot in the set.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  77. Ken Wender

    Just a wonderful picture of a really pretty family. Now, where the jobs?

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  78. Todd S

    I am so proud, as an American, to see this family sitting in the White House......change is here.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  79. j. W.

    They are such a beautiful family, but yet so real. The kind of family that my family can have dinner with and whose kids my kids can play with.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  80. Karen

    Picture is charming, just as Obama's talk is. Too bad his policies and accomplishments aren't as good as this picture.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  81. B. Rougas

    Aren't we lucky to have such a gorgeous first family! The represent our country perfectly., happiness, strength and compassion.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  82. Chris

    Now go out there and create some jobs.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  83. Helen

    Beautiful family portrait!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  84. Tracy from Indiana

    I am not a supporter nor a fan of the president, but I do congratulate him on his beautiful family. This is a great picture.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  85. Keyona Foston from Alabama

    I hope GOD continues to bless this BEAUTIFUL FAMILY and EVERYONE else in the World!!!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  86. Julia

    What an amazing family. Finally, America feels hopeful again.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  87. Yam

    BEAUTIFUL!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:19 am |
  88. Ian

    There is a lot of love in that family! Beautiful picture Mr President!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  89. Jana

    Georgeous! Love this all-american family.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  90. Penny M

    Fabulous picture! Very happy family. Those are the cutest girls!!! And Michelle is as gorgeous as ever - very classy lady indeed.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  91. Conway

    Black is beautiful, so is the rainbow.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  92. Mercedes Rodriguez

    The first family is an amazing family which we as a country should all respect and see as a great role model. May god keep them all safe and happy throughout their lives. Thank you for your leadership President Obama.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  93. JH

    Nice photo...Good looking family.

    Going to be a rough presidency for him though.

    Betty from Ohio- if you had lost your pride to be an American, what has he or they done for you to gain it back? just wondering

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  94. Patrice

    What a beautiful family! From the look of comfort on the daughters faces lets me know that they are much loved and well-balanced girls. Our country is receiving the benefits of a couple who "like" each other. Ms. Leibovitz work is truly artful. As Betty stated, we ARE proud to be Americans! Not only do we know that but the world does too.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  95. LaDonna

    It's a very nice picture, however Betty, I've ALWAYS been proud to be an American. You take the good with the bad. Period. There is no better place to live in in the world and the majority of the folks here have good hearts.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  96. axh

    Yes, it's a nice picture, but I was proud to be an American long before Obama was elected! Stop with that nonsense! If you weren't proud to be American then what in the heck are you doing in AMERICA!!

    Get over it!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  97. Lori

    To Betty from Ohio.....
    You weren't proud before? Be sure to tell that to our servicemen and women fighting for your freedom to be able to speak such unpatriotic drivel. You sound much like Michelle Obama herself.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  98. Teara

    It is a very nice picture and they all look really happy! I am proud to be an American! What an attractive family, i love it!

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  99. Lisa

    Great role models for the American family. I wish people would appreciate that view of them, putting Mr. Obama's role as President aside for a moment.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
  100. Janice from TX

    This is truly a beautiful portrait. I would love a copy to put in my den with all of my family pictures. God Bless them and God bless America.

    October 23, 2009 at 10:18 am |
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