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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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Wonderful family portrait. However, I am still waiting for any campaign promise to be fullfilled. 10 million citizens are now jobless, and once they no longer qualify for unemployment checks, they will be excluded from that ever growing number of the unemployed, and the statistics will show an inaccurate (manipulated) figure which gives a possible false improvement that gives us the furthur impression that we are "turning the corner" and things are improving in good old USA. "Freezing COLA,(cost of living adjustment) for the next 3 years for those of us on Medicare Social Security, while giving Congress a healthy raise this year,tells me exactly where this economy is truly heading. If "family portraits" were taken of the now non-existant middleclass American family, I'll bet my last foodstamp that they would not be smiling!!!
Betty from Ohio - you should alway be proud to be an american. It is being American that allows you to write the non-sense you just wrote. Be glad you are in a county that allows criticism, albeit as unfounded and ignorant as yours.
Proud to Be An American Regardless of Who is In the Whitehouse.
What a beautiful, happy family. Makes us proud. I'm sure the Republicans will be jealous. They have never had such a beautiful family in the White House.
Great role models.
It's a family picture, no big deal. $29.95 at J.C. Penny can do wonders, too.
The sad part is, that no matter how nice the picture is, this "family" is bringing down this country.
although – I do have to say the two little girls are gorgeous.
I hope they read these comments when they need a boost! What a beautiful family!
Where is Bo?
A beautiful portrait of a beautiful family.
Why are so many people HATING??? This is a great portrait of the First Family of OUR great country. I admire all presidents both past and present for the courage to take on such a difficult job. He like all past presidents will NEVER be able to please every single American. Lets just all agree to be proud Americans.
What a WONDERFUL photo. They look great!
I'm sad to read some of the sour comments form some of the bloggers. Yes, the US has always been a great country, but there is still racial and economical divisions. and because of this President is a beautiful time to be an American by choice he gives hope to all. He represents our country to the world, that for a while had lost respect for us. BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
Beautiful picture; however, I prefer more traditional poses for a first family portrait. But that's just me.
Take the family out of the picture, pardon the pun. Betty from Ohio - Proud to be an American again????? If your pride in being an American is based on solely on the performance of the Bush administration the past eight years, you should be kicked out of this country. I'll gladly help you pack as well.
There is MUCH to be proud of being an American, not just how the president performs or how pretty his family is, as you have alluded. I can't even count how many things I'm proud of - sacrifice and performance of our nation's veterans is a big one though.
Please exit our nation. Maybe some time spent overseas will readjust your perspective.
Beautiful picture – no one disputes they are a good looking family. But I'm sorry, it is not a picture of Christ's birth or something, though many out there seem to think he is the second coming of the Messiah. I love how now that Barack is in the White House we are all supposed to band together and support the president. Where was that sentiment when it was GW? I am ALWAYS proud to be an American, no matter who is occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
P reed–let Fox know their brainwashing efforts are having continued success. Larry–at least liberals can get the correct grammar in a sentence.
As for the picture, well done. Someone commented that they expected more from a Leibovitz picture and could have done the picture themselves. It's a family portrait, what do you expect...3 dimensional?
Contrasts of light and dark intermingled with shadows? It's a family portrait....*rollseyes*
The Obamas are a gorgeous family. I am continually proud of how they have restored dignity and warmth to the American landscape.
Beautiful family. It is heartwarming to see them, although their father had these beautiful children baptized by a race-baiting "reverend." What a great dad.
Beautiful family,great President. My granddaughter shares this comment with me.
This is a beautiful picture of the First Family. I am very proud of our President God Bless America and the First Family. The negative comments are not called for, GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR NEGATIVITY. Let President Obama do his job he can't clean up the mess that was created by others in this short period of time. He did say it's not going to happen in his first term either but you will see some progress. You all gave the others a chance give him a chance. Peace and Love!!!!
What a lovely family, Great picture
Gorgeous picture.
Men, black men especially, this is what it means to be the "Head of the household." Commit and stop playing around.
Girlfriends/Baby-mamas can not teach a son how to be a man or a daughter how to choose a respectable and responsible man.
To everyone that criticizes Obama, maybe you nedd reminding that the economy was thrown into the disastorous state it's in before Obama was sworn into office. Most of the problems we have now are the repercussions of the Bush administration's actions and policies. The war, the economy, its not Obama's fault. Obama is doing the best he can to clean up a disastorous mess. Leave him alone. He's taking action, you aren"t. And national pride is overated. If we don't criticize ourselves, and take pride in everything we do, then we can't fix what is wrong with this country!
Very beautiful picture regardless of what people say. I am not american but would be proud to be one because this country is being led by and intellectual trying to to re-install stability after the calamity caused by the Bush/Cheney andministration. God will guide and direct you the Obama's
If I say anything negative, does that mean I will end up on the enemy list too?
The greatness of Annie Leibovitz as a photographer is her ability to capture the essence of her subject. Here she brings out the goodness of the Obamas and their love as a family. This image touches all of us. It's what we strive for as a people, as Americans. It's a work of art by a great artist.
They look fabulous. They are such a wonderful family that just looking at the picture makes me smile.
I've always been proud to be an American, even during the rough times. I think it's wonderful that we have an African-American family in the White House. I'm old enough to remember the Kennedy era and how excited the country was to see a young family in the White House. Like him or not Obama has energized the country again and he's trying to clean up our country's image and the mess that was left to him. It can't be done overnight, and it probably can't be done in one term but the one thing he has achieved is regaining respect for the office of President around the world. That's something we haven't had in decades and it's one heck of a good start.
Beautiful room...amazing fireplace...gorgeous rug...Socialist ideals...destroyer of the constiution and free press...abandoning our troops. Maybe a great family unit, but so did wicked people like Hitler, Stalin, and Hugo Chavez. Wake up people, you make me ashamed.
Stop ganging up on Betty with your holier-than-thou self righteous patriotism. One of the disgraces of the previous administration was its practice of encouraging people to label Americans "un-American" who didn't agree with its policies. The greatest freedom we have in this country is the freedom of speech and dissent. And this doesn't apply to just tea baggers.
I love that "first family" really means something with this administration.
Love the picture of the First Family! I'm sure they will do a self-portrait of Bo soon...
I am so proud of this family, it's like they belong to me. My only regret is that my mom and dad could have lived to see this. GREAT PHOTO.....
Beautiful picture, but since when does being beautiful make you a great leader? I think it's odd that mom and girls are all intertwined and look connected and dad looks like he's all out on his own in that picture. Would have been nice for him to at least appear like he is part of the family. Just an observation. As far as those commenting on finally being able to be proud of being an American. SHAME ON YOU!!! The pride in your country should be there ALWAYS and if not then GET A MOVE ON!! We have thousands of fine Americans that have lost their lives in previous wars so that you can live a life as you choose and for you to say that you are not proud enough to be called American until now! All I can say is, Wow... how sad.
The proof that America is truly blessed is that it now has the Best President.
Great photo, beautiful family.
And I wasn't always proud to be an American, either... come on, people... haven't there been times when you weren't proud of yourselves, your children, or your family? Just because you can't take pride in certain aspects of the country does NOT mean you're not patriotic. And remember two things: 1) pride is one of the dealy sins; 2) the opposite of pride is humility... something we need more of.
Shocker. Liberal CNN didnt post my comment because it disagreed with the chosen ones policys. What an America are children will be living in.
Great the photo is done...with that out of the way now maybe you can make some critical decisions...just one would be great!!!
@ Cindy...that's what I was thinkin...WHERE IS BO? lol
The way you guys worship this fool really scares me.
A real American family does not make friends with terrorists.
A real American family does not support socialism.
etc.etc.etc.
Wake up you sheeple.
Why are there only POSITIVE comments when most Americans despise this fraud?
I smell a rat!
And Tim (Oct 23, 11:08am ET), are you smoking crack? There is NO open door policy with this fraud. Sheeple!
Beautiful! They are just beautiful people!
KLB, you would be ASHAMED of yourself. We are ALL entitled to our feelings and beliefs. You have "ALWAYS been proud to be an American", good for you. But others, like Betty from Ohio and Mrs. Obama – are just as free to express their feelings. Shame on you for not affording others the same rights you have – pitiful!
KLB October 23rd, 2009 10:10 am ET
Betty from Ohio, I was ALWAYS proud to be an American. You should be ashamed of yourself along with Michelle Obama who feels the same as you do.
God Bless You All, and GOD BLESS AMERICA
Beautiful, i'm so glad they left out the dog.
Let me guess ... she charged them $26 million for this portrait??
...honestly what`s the NEWS in this?
Are they living in Hollywood as well :8) .
Tom, I printed your name and comment
"Saved this picture to my dart board!"
on some toilet paper. Stick THAT on your dart board!
This is a beautiful picture of the first family.
Great picture. Unrelated to the picture, but Betty from OH and Michelle Obama are perfectly reasonable for their comments. How could anyone be proud of America's policies during the Bush years!? Both domestically and internationally- it was embarassing. Not our country, heritage, and history- our bullheaded policies! You can still love America and questions our leaders. It is, in fact, very "American" to do so. A few years ago you were a traitor for questioning the President, now you're a patriot!
Wonderful family! Where is Mr. Bo?
Very nice; wish I had a camera that could take pics like that 🙂
I like this!
The haters just can't help themselves. I'd feel sorry for them if I thought they were worth our pity.
Where's the dog?
Go OBAMA!!!!! Awesome picture.....no matter what.......republican is always going to be against Obama.
People in the world recognize Obama. Loved it!!!!!
too bad, deal with it republican people......
Holy crap! They're black?!?!?
Wht hasn't the media made a bigger deal about this!?
What a lovely photo! Absolutely Beautiful!
I don't agree with some of his policies, but he sure has a beautiful family. 🙂
Why is this news? It's just a picture and we've seen this family about a million times already. The picture isn't even that great, it looks like ametuar could've taken it. People should get over the fact there is a black family and black president, we all get it now.
But seriously. why does this picture have to be a part of the news. Seriously. seriously?
I think I just puked a little. Maybe I'm sick and I need to go to the hospital. Do you think Obama will pay for it? Oh wait...he doesn't pay for it, he makes OTHER PEOPLE pay for it, just like everything else. Disgusting!
Funny how this is released to the lapdog media at the time he is tanking in the polls (and rightly so). Eight years ago there was an itnital Bush family portrait but it wasn't put out to the press as a cheap potical stunt. This forum proves this country is now infested with too many brain-deads!
nice photo, except..
What I see in this picture is an egomaniac – yes.. our president is a n ego-maniac.. A true family man would posture himself behind his family, showing off how proud he is of his family. This egomaniac has himself right in the front, with his kids and wife in the background.
Notice how he is the only one who is non-obstructed from the view of the camera?
You can see respect and love in their eyes and posture. Great family stimulates great society and Great nation. This our proudness. May the rest of us do the same.
First, this is truly a beautiful portrait of a loving family. I am so proud they are America's First Family.
As to the ones posting negative comments, at first I wanted to exocriate their vile, nasty attitude and their rampant stupidity. But, I remembered a quote I came across by an attorney named William G. McAdoo who said: "It is impossible to defeat an ignornat man in an argument".
Love this photo,
and truly love our president and his family; i am very proud of them all
Good looking family..a shame they are so paranoid and ridiculously clueless
Hey everybody, give Betty from Ohio some slack. I think she was just saying it's a nice picture and that the President and his family seem to be genuinely good people, which gives her a good feeling about being an American represented by them. I don't think she meant it to sound shallow.
While the Obama's photographed well, I don't think the photographer put a lot of thought into this. The framing isn't very good, the location in the room with all the doorways in the background is lousy. Any one with a camera could have gotten this shot. I expected more from Annie Leibovitz that this.
What a great photo of the First Family!!! This country certainly needs an inspiration of how it should be with all families in America. We have lost so much of that. I pray that the OBAMA's continue to inspire family values not only in America but around the world. Go Mr. Prez!!!!
Thank you for bringing the joy and peace to the country and the whole world. God bless this beautiful family.
of course the Obama family is great – that's why I voted for him.
Annie Leibovitz, the photographer, she rocks!!!!
Beautiful photo. I am so proud of this president and his family. As for Beau missing from the photo, I bet they couldn't get him to sit still long enough.
This is a nice family picture. But is it news?
Bring the Clampetts back!
I Love It! What a nice picture!
Nice Picture
But
MMM MMM MMM Obama has accomplished Nothing!
Get to work and stop the Majical Mystical Tours all over TV and the US!!!
I must be losing my mind. How does this 1 picture make anyone proud to be an American? Help me out here. I'm proud to be an American because my family has served in many many wars – we've contributed to society, we're not criminals, we work an honest living, we pay our taxes. Whether or not I like BO means nothing – but I still respect the position he holds, and expect him to fulfill it. A fluffy photo means nothing to me.
What a beautiful picture of the first family. I'm happy to see a young family in the white house for a change. I liked the fact that he took off his jacket and looks relaxed around his family. The first lady looks classy and their daughters look very happy, it's a perfect picture. I think Annie Leibovitz did a great job!
Nice picture but what has he done for America except divide it!
Are you kidding. What part of this picture helps my country or my immediate needs. I'm sure it's taking tax dollars out of my pocket. Really, who cares.
I hope the girls are comfortable with this. It seems like sometimes they avoid exposure. But you know that things can't be THIS cheery in the Obama family, not with the constant insults, threats, and paparazzi. Say what you want about his policies, IMO I have a few differences, but a happy worker is a good worker, even if theyre the boss. So....you know, this a bit practiced and probably took less than nil time to shoot. Hope he's holding up okay, it must be tough for anyone.
may good continue to bless this nice and lovely family may the president do all what best for our beloved country the united state of america.may good bless us all.
Well done!
Very nice, I like how they chose to coordinate outfits in black and white. I absolutely hate when people take a family photo all wearing the same colored t-shirt.
What fingers interlocked the the onthe interlocked ones are his. And to all of you that are pround to be an American because a black man is President should be ashamed of yourself. You should have always been proud no matter who was President
Agree fully with you Trish.
Oh and LV Dahlman by the way your wronge. He's half black okay and your forgetting the rest of what he is.
haha oh and for all you people that say your glad to be an American again, your just plain pitifull, seriously your proud to be an American because of a President. The president doesn't do things for America, they say they will but never do. You should be proud of the nonprofit organizations and things like that, and then say that's the reason why I'm proud to be an American. Because of our people, not the president.
Oh and Michael Book their not hating on the family, their hating on the president because he and half of American thinks he has already done amazing things, pshh like what please name them for me. By the way were never going to have a president that everyone loves so get over it. It's called freedom of speech and that's all their doing.
Let's see, war going south in Afghanistan, our guys taking salsa classes in Iraq, Iran thumbing their nose at the US, Fox News under attack, O spends our tax $ to fly to Coppenhagen only to have his bubble burst, O adds an extra $40k to each of our children's debt, pot gets closer to legalization....and on...and on.
PLEASE...someone tell me of one...just one single accomplishment this empty suit has to his credit.....JUST ONE!!!
I love love love this picture....when is it available for download?
America is the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. It is wonderful that we are showing the world our beauty, wisdom and uniqueness. A picture is worth a thousand words. America, we must continue to believe "Yes We Can..." get it together and weather this rough spot by lifting everyone. Our young people are depending on us. Let's get it together and be strong!!!!
Stunning... They look like royalty!
LONG LIVE OUR PRESIDENT . GOD BLESS YOU.
For all you people who are proud to be an American "again" based on a nice picture or a black family in the White House, do us "real Americans" all a favor and GET OUT NOW! You people disgust me.
So simple and amazing. Very warm and cozy. Obama's are beautiful. What a lovely family. I love Michelle Obama, I love her intelligence and dignity. God bless you all!
Fabulous! My new screen saver.....Go OBAMA"S!!!!!!!!
Simply beautiful and no matter what you say (those that post negative) he is your President too! Our nation was headed for the worse recession ever and he wanted "CHANGE" and thats what we are getting. A beautiful family – Go OBAMAS!
Flawless! Pure! God sent! I am so proud of this wonderful, wonderful family who God has sent to take care of our world.
But it is not complete without Bo? Please publish another one with Bo.
Thank you for sharing your family with us. It made a day of rain in Chicago turn sunny. Best to all of you from Chicago.
Pretty family. I am so glad he made it there. YES WE CAN!
A very beautiful family. "Where is BO"
Thanks for taking on a giant job, keep performing. They say it take a strong women behind a good leader, you have three and two angels.
Thanks
Gorgeous.....:)
I am so happy for them with there smiles and such a sweet family
to bad all of use can"t smile and be happy.They dont have to live
in the streets and worry about the next meal.wake up CNN
I would bet they would not have a smile then.
They're very modest, that's what I like about them.