Another flip flop it seems!! When will it ever end? LOL Obama had them on TV to get votes...why doesn't he just admit it. But now that a lot of people see it for what it was he wants to make excuses as to why he allowed his kids on camera. Is he going to be this way in office?

Cindy...Ga.

WOW – Was this an admitted error in judgement? His whole campaign is based on one "judgement" decision made years ago. He says judgement is more important than experience. I can't see how one can get "carried away by the moment" at a birthday party, and not get carried away by international diplomacy and economic policy. (Chelsea was kept out of the spotlight by her mother for years, maybe Sen. Clinton has better judgement after all.)

"Speaking with CNN Tuesday, Menounos, the Access Hollywood reporter, said the campaign had reached out to the show for an interview and her only goal was to show the Obama family dynamic."

What does he mean that "he didn't catch it quickly enough"?

I was surprised when Obama had his girls on tv – it seemed like what the Obama supporters said about Clinton – anything for the vote. Ever since JFK the children of Presidents and Presidential candidates have been off limits to preserve their privacy and to help give them some semblance of normalcy. His daughters are lovely and very personable but I hope we don't see them in any more interviews – for their sakes.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

The bloggers in here, on both sides, should pretend Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington are looking over their shoulders!
I wonder how the early Americans would view how Their Country has turned out. Is it the dream they envisioned?
Did they have to keep their children in a bubble?
A true, patriotic American would study how the World views the USA. (The founding fathers did not wear flag pins BTW!)
Does Lou Dobbs show the flag when travelling abroad, or don our Maple Leaf like so many other 'patriotic' Americans. A picture of LD backpacking in Europe with a Canadian flag would be "Priceless!"

Ya think he 'really' regrets it?

Cindy, I tend to agree with you. It seems to me all of a sudden there are questions & lots of contradictions. I didn't really think the TV spot was that good of a decision. NOW people are asking questions about Obama–where were they during the primaries?

Is this his entire comment or just an excerpt? As an Obama supporter, I am disappointed in this comment, but before passing judgement, the entire comment should be reviewed in full context. The media has a tendency to irresponsibly omit information to create hype.

If Obama can't make up his mind as to whether or not he should put his kids in front of the camera, I'm scared of his decision making process when it comes to the presidency.

Believe it or not, Barack Obama is human. Most human beings, except for hard-hearted right wing hypocrites, experience regret because our decisions do not always produce the desired effects.

It would be nice if all of the Bush supporters who voted in the worst president in history in 2000 and 2004 would publicly express regret for what they did. To express regret from the heart is a good first step in making sure we don't make the same mistake in the future– e.g. voting for McSame in 08.

Actually, even though I'm a Democrat supporting John McCain, I thought Barack Obama looked visibly upset during the interview. It was as if he knew he'd made a mistake and he was sorry he did it at that very moment. The kids were great though, and he should be very proud of his family. I thought it was an excellent interview.

It almost makes me sorry I'm not voting for Obama. If the DNC (and the press) hadn't treated Hillary Clinton so shabbily, I would have voted for him without thinking twice. But now that it's all over, and the DNC dictated who would be the nominee, my only recourse is to vote for John McCain. The DNC and the pundits can choose the nominee, but not my own personal vote. And, I'm not voting for anyone who endorsed him in PA either. I hope men like Bob Casy and Patrick Murphy learn a good lesson: stick with the majority of your constituency because we have very good memories. Caroline Kennedy will slither back to the Hamptons when this is all over, into her own secluded little fantasy world and this won't affect her, but it will affect politicians who are current, like Casey and Murphy.

I was so happy to at last see the Obama children they gave a lot of insight into what kind of a person you are. They are absollutely delightful, intelligent and honest. You two make great parents who make sure that even though they have busy work days, their daughters are being raised with a lot of love.

I remember seeing the children of John Kennedy, Richard Nixen, Linden Johnson, etc. and realized that being raised in the spotlight didn't hurt them a bit.

Good Luck!

Clearly he has a very good family life and the Obama kids are adorable.

The interviewer was on a show and said she has spent part of the day with the family and that including the kids was off the cuff.

I watched segments on TV last night and it was really interesting. The kids felt very comfortable just being themselves and talking. They teased their dad and he really seemed to enjoy it.

I think that the genuineness of the interview paints a nice portrait of the candidate. You can really judge a person by how their kids act and interact with their parents.

If you look at the family don't we think that looks Ideal .

Also, nowhere in his quote did he say the word "regret".

For a person who is running solely based on his 'superior' judgement, this guy sure has made a lot of decisions he's had to retract or backpeddle on:
NISA
Gun Control
NAFTA
IRAQ
Wright
His Church
Public Financing
Weasly Clark as military advisor
Kids on TV
The fence with Mexico
Thank God he doesn't flip-flop.

I think it was a cute interview... but I can understand since he and Michelle are very overprotective like most parents. But no harm done. I also think his girls are wise beyond their years.

The photos of the Lincoln family by Mathew Brady are quite nice and show that he was the man who was able to not only have a warm family relationship but also that he was heroic enough to declare the Emancipation Proclamation. Maybe he didn't look as snappy and cool as Obama, but he was willing and able to make decisions that were not always popular.

Where is the McCain family? Oh, right, it's not a very happy picture. Fact: McCain and Cindy committed adultery while he was married to Carol. He left his doting wife after he turned 40 and she became injured, gained weight and no longer was "model" material. I DO NOT want this in the White House. After the Lewinsky scandal, I didn't want Bill in the White House anymore despite being a Democrat.

I think so people are awful quick to rush to judgement.. Come on now, comparing allowing your children to be on television to deciding to go to war when you knew the intelligence was faulty...give me a break. I was a Hillary supporter and still can't get over how people will skew anything if they are choosing to vote for another candidate. No wonder these campaigns have become so petty and negative. We just eat it up with a big ol spoon!

At least Obama doesn't go around pandering for the black vote unlike McCain.

i am not sure if i agree with the Obamas putting their children on TV.But are we not been slightly hypocritical because we are all saying,we don't know who this man is.Maybe he was doing that yesterday.

I really don't see the big deal with this whole interview. These girls have stood in front of thousands of people at some of his rallies and now they opened their mouth and it's some kind of shocking move. Why can't people hear what they have to think about their dad running for president? It's completely harmless and from what I hear most viewers were pleased with the interview. I know Obama said he wants to keep his private life private, but he shouldn't beat himself up about this. It was a fun, pleasant interview and the girls were not even scheduled to appear, but they did..was he never to introduce America to his entire family?. Could it be that he loves his family a lot and wants people to see that..does everything have to be a political move?

People, people, people...must we be so judgemental & jaded politically???

Can't we just appreciate being allowed to see & enjoy the Obama family interact with each other and share a few minutes of their 4th of July with the U.S.A. & essentially the whole world???

I continue to admire & trust the judgment of Sen. Barack & Michelle Obama as parents and politically given their unique position as possibly becoming our future First Family here in America.

I know this interview with the Obama's was a "rare" & "precious" opportunity for all of us. Sen. Barack Obama's family is both endearing & extremely impressive. Let's be grateful this chance to see them together, instead of chastising the Obama's for sharing a moment with all of this on their 4th of July.

Monica
From Kansas

If Obama, can not decide if it is right or wrong to show his children on T.V. how can we trust him to make the right decisions when it comes to our safety and the safety of our children. I hope this gets posted,for whatever reason my comments seem never to make it to the blogs. Could it be that CNN doesnot care for my comments, because I am not a supporter of their favorite politician?

Gary from Canada hit it on the head....and I truly get amazed at how many of the bloggers get carried away with their emotional outbursts when they include comments that do not focus on the topic at hand...as mentioned on CNN the other I am one of many Canadians who hopes that Obama is elected....

Wow, what a life to live. It seems that everything he say or do is pounced on. The Clintons had their daughter in the spot light early with Bill, and Hillary used Chelsea also. I remember when Chelsea was going to Standford and we knew all about her relationship with her boyfriend.

Now back to Obama, why is it a sign of weakness from the far rights for him to consider Hillary for V.P. and not a sign of weakness for McCain to look at Romney for V.P. ? I wonder if all this blogging is a way to shed ligth on one candidate and keep the light off the other?

Obviously he (Obama) is a candidate for change because we do nothing but debate on such rediculous stuff concerning him versus the normal political trash talking that came with the traditional candidates. Thanks for the change Obama.

From a voter who is tired of the same old , same "o". I may vote for you yet.

If nothing else, Obama and his campaign have carefully controlled the media throughout his campaign. Rightfully so, Obama had asked the media not to photograph his daughters for the sake of their security and privacy. The media adhered to that. Then we see the Senator including his daughters in greeting people along the rope line. Then it's back to security and privacy again (Sunday afternoon bike ride), We get to see the Obama family watching the 4th of July parade in Montana. Obama and his campaign are just too media savy to think that an interview that included his daughters wouldn't get picked up and replayed on the cable stations. Now the Senator claims, "I don't think it's healthy and it's something we'll be avoiding in the future." That is, of course, until the next time.

It is all part of the marketing of the Obama brand. Senator Obama has a specific purpose in everything that he does and says.

Susan
Phoenixville,PA

P.S. They were cute !!!!!!!

I think the children needed to decline that fifteen minutes of fame. They aren't celebrities. We aren't casting a man and a family for a movie role. I think a low profile for the children going forward would be best. Just for safety concerns at the very least.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Hey can yall post the "regret" part of the comment. I like Jaime don't see it.

I can just hear Obama now, "that's not the Barack Obama I know." Democrats never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Michelle Obama is too polarizing a figure to be center stage. People either like her or they don't; their minds are already made up. Now to introduce children is beyond the pale. Throw in a football stadium where hurting American have to pony up $5 to fawn over Obama and you have reality TV at its best.

What is all the fuss about? It was a birthday celebration!! It was a happy time and the girls were excited about being on TV. They are darling!! Papa was there with them and so was Mama. Kids always say the darndest things.

I have four children and they could be angels or not. The Obama girls are just cute and honest most of all. So good for them and their parents who have made them so secure, that were willing to go on TV in the first place.

Barack Obama and his family represent the hope for the future of the United States.

If my tax dollars are going to be used protecting his wife and kids for the rest of their lives if he wins (big if), I think we have a right to know about them. He and his wife chose the public spotlight for their own glory. Their kids are the collateral. Sorry. Part of the fame game. Obama can't have his cake and eat it, too. His kids are in it for the rest of his political career. He needs to get a grip. And if this bothers him, God forbid a war with Iran should befall his presidency. The little stuff ALWAYS matters in something as huge as the US presidency.

Like I said on the live blog last night, children are a private issue. Adult children on the campaign trail are a separate issue. These kids are minors. Let them be children. They should not be subjected to the lime-light of the media. Once again, Obama's lack of experience shows parading them around.

Was my comment to harsh?.. bottom line this man can't make up his mind about any one issue, he appears to be not just a mood swinger but lacks the intelligence to think and problem solve on even a smaller scale , just concider the large serious issues America faces , the one that is looming on the national security front is right at this very moment, Iran ,out to instigate and out to provoke, testing America with it's threats and calling out Israel, what will Obama do ? he can't even make up his mind on wearing his flag pin on any given day , McCain stands firm on National Security, he did not cave in to his captors, they could not break him , that's guts , having your life on the line and still he continued to serve his country, no flip flop there, common people this is a no brainer". post this.

Maritza

I loved the interview with the children but understand the Obamas' decision.

Barack and Michele don't want their kids on T.V., but they didn't seem to mind subjecting their kids to the anti-American racist rants of Wright, Moss, Farakan, and Pflleger ... every Sunday of their lives.

So "it is all part of the marketing of the Obama brand." It also shows Barack Obama lacks sensitivity as well as common sense of exposing his children to a media frenzy. There should be some things that are off limits even in a Presidential campaign. Common sense tells you small children is one of them. But leave it to liberals to push the envelope and parade children to show off the "Obama brand." Obama is starting to show us all what a SHOWBOAT he really is. But to even throw his own small children into the cesspool of politics tells me this man is beyond hope.

As I listened to Carol's report even Obama supporters must agree that Obama should be wearing a clown suit. I know DUMP!!

Mike, Syracuse, NY, do you keep a spreadsheet on the candidates? Where's your McCain spreadsheet (must have flip-flopped off out of your hands)?

Can we focus on actual issues (like the ones Mike, Syrcause, NY brings up)? Interviewing the Obama children is NOT NEWS. Sheeesh!

I think it is actually wiser to introduce the children to the media spotlight, because sooner or later they are going to have to face this.

"Wow'

This Obama negativity has to stop! His children seemed very comfortable and was able to have fun with the person who was doing the interview as well as poking fun at their mom and dad. When did it become a crime to celebrate the July 4th with your family.

It seems the Obama's can do no right, everthing is dissected by the media, and the bloggers appear to punce on everthing. cut the family some slack. I don't hear anyone complaing about the celebrities who are pulle dover every other day for DUI's or behaving unseemly.

It is Mr. and Mrs Obama's right to sheild or not sheild their children from the spotlight and I did not hear anywhere where he actually said he regretted having the children in the media spotlight.

CNN and other media outlet needs to start allowing us the viewers to hear all or nothing when they are broadcasting something that Obama or anyone for that matter says. Instead of cherry-picking and giving us sound-bites so that they can relay the news for rating as well as controvercy. It is afterall the media's responsibilty to report that which is the truth since CNN especially likes to tout the fact that they are independent .

PEACE
Carmelita

when are people going to WAKE UP, AND SEE Obama for what he is, anything for a vote Putting his kids on T.V. Give me a break. YES WE CAN , MCCAIN CAN IF ANYBODY CAN.

Obama has flip-flopped, Obama has lied, doing little tricks, just to survive. He want's the whitehouse so what does he do, so latter own he and Michele can be on Pennsylvia Ave. He puts Michele in the closet till the election is won, way in the back with Rev. Wright, and farraghan, Hoping she doesn't say something to embarrass us all, or the poor little kids won't get a dog.

it's funny how the media hangs on every word that Obama says while at the same time recently McCain got away with stated that California STOLE another states water! ...I live in CA. and in the Capital at that!.we have plenty of water,we don't got to steal nothing from anyone.that was very stupid statement for a Pres. nominee to make,pitting one state vs. another on the 4th of July! did you miss that one or do you have selective hearing?Yes it was a mistake to give you pack of vultures a chance to get at his kids!.

I really don't want my president to constantly stand-up like an automaton and apprear as if he's unable to read his own speeches that he hasn't even written. It was nice to see that this presidential nominee has a more human and more animated side to him through his family, who clearly love and respect him and he them. Much was said by this interview, particularly the humanity of a potential president. I'd rather have that than another 4 to 8 years of another Bush-like white house.

Oh please – it worked to his advantage to have his kids on TV....doesn't it always.....the mainstream liberals didn't cover this because it doesn't work for him. I think he is a good man and has a good family - but you can't have it both ways.....but I was told that in my conservative family – I guess he wasn't....oh, but I was also told I had to support myslef and my family - no handouts.....oh, but that is the liveral agenda not the conservative.....oh, one thing my parents didn't tell me is that I would have to support the liberals all my stinkin; linfe - that I would have to give my governmetn 1/2 of my pay to support those who chose not to get married as their combined incomes would not qualify them for food stamps, medicaid, wick, etc. Thankfully I became an adult and was sherltered before the realities of the liberals cam into my life. I pay my taxes and support my family as well as those who don't really need a hand....just a hand out.

I am thankful to my parents for teaching me to work hard and support my own family.....my father worked 6 days a week to support his family of 4 and never got anything from the federal government....it is because of them I will always be a republican. Smaller govermnent, less handouts.

Senator Obama said he wished he had not allowed the video with his daughters. So why do you keep showing it over and over?

It boils down to one thing: judgment. He has NONE. God help us if this man gets elected.

When you consider the hours away from their campaiging parents that those two girls have endured, is it really that big a deal that one time on a national holiday, they get to experience some of the media attention as a family? It was a special July 4th interview and I don't see anything wrong in it as a one time thing. (At least Miley Cyrus wasn't there)

I am just curious at who is
behind the scenes in the Obama camp okaying his scheduel and then engineering his "responses"
to this constant stream of unforseen politically charged events...

I think it showed how down to earth he is and that is what america wants to see yeah I think that that is enough because they are not running for the big seat but I fill like I can talk to this man and he would understand were I'm coming from he's knows how it feels not to have and to have that's what this country need A realist who can be real like him live

People keep saying that we don't really know Obama well. So the one time he tries to let the public in for a glimspe of his family life- he is blasted for it! I tell you people in this "presidential game" you really are damned if you do and damned if you don't! No matter what he does or even McCain for that matter people are always going to find something to criticize..when is enough going to be enough?!?

You people are ridiculous hypocrites. The man is a "flip-flop" when he chooses to wear a damned flag pin on some days and not on the other. He can't even risk to let his children take part in publicity, while celebrating one of their birthdays by the way, because there will be the constant hypocritical murder of bothersome crows on his back about "parading them around" or it's "anything for a vote, putting his kids on tv". If it works to his advantage, it does. And if if doesn't, it doesn't. The man only regrets it because of the opinions of the fools who aren't supporting him that will circulate like they are know. Everything he does is completely over analyzed because he is the first black man to be taken seriously in politics in this country, and apparently, being a human being that is unafraid to admit he made one very minor mistake (And not a very literal mistake) that CANNOT be compared to the crisis in American economy, he is suddenly unfit to become president.... Other people do things like this to appeal to voters. Politics is a game, and this is how it's played, and this is how it's been played. It's simply ludicrous that this is being taken so very seriously. I wish some people, especially those disappointed Hillary supporters out there either not voting, or voting for John McCain, would open their eyes and look at what is truthfully important; look for the similarities in the values, the things he stands for, what he is here to do for you, all of which are very similar to what Hillary Clinton and any self respecting Democrat believes and supports. Let's not be shallow, people.

The Obama children are wonderful...it will be upliifting to the mood of the country and bring smiles and happiness to have this family, lovely and wholesome, and so "All American" in the White House!
Why should there be ANY criticism about this low key interview?

Looks like Senator Obama used wrong judgment again regarding his girls on TV interview. He also made a goof regarding his proposed speech at the Denver ball park after the convention. It simply proves he is arrogant, not presidential.
I think his daughters are adorable but they should not be used for political pandering.

I appreciate seeing Senator Obama wife and children on TV. I understand that we won't get to see the children in the media again; however, they showed us how true "Barack" is when he say he is just like the next American. Wake up America! Senator Obama is a family man who loves and cares for his children and your children. Mothers! Imagine a President who loves and cares for your children. A President who can help the father to provide food, shelter and clothes! Now! What is Senator McCain HIDING? I want to see his family! All that I have seen is his wife. How many children? One shot can show how true Senator McCain is to all Americans. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the children with their mother and father on TV. Blog me back if you have seen the McCain family!

What children of a president is never in focus? It comes part and parcel with the job.. iIm sure that was just a fleeting comment...

I wish I had15 minutes of positive heart warming news of my president and his family.

Obama supporter...

As long as there isn't an obvious push to get his kids in the public light, I am o.k. with him approving this interview. I don't think there will be others to reference moving forward because of the hype and the sensitivity of the children. I enjoyed the rare opportunity to see them at ease and speaking freely...the interviewer did a great job making them feel comfortable.

I found the references to the "old" shoes and the "worn" belt were hilarious, but not surprising. It confirmed for me, again, that he is down to earth and genuine.

I'm amazed at the level of anger and insensitive comments made on this subject. The idea that after granting Access Hollywood an interview and then being "beat to death" by the other news outlets because he did not use his family as a political tool for more dispicable scrutiny is a WISE decision. Using terms like "flip flop" and "judgement" are the new code words for a general lack of respect for the Obama candidacy. The mainstream press only cares about one thing-GETTING THE MOST ATTENTION FROM VIEWERS, READERS and ADVERTISERS. They could care less about the Obama family dynamics. We've become a country so abusive of the 1st amendment we've forgotten about respect for the FAMILY of others...............

Those antichrist wanted President Obamam to show his family so that they can go after them, now they have seen President Obama and his beautiful and lovely family.
It a good thing that Rev. Jackson appologized to President Obama. That what we called change and Wisdom. Change is for the betterment of people and their country. For me I look at Rev. Jesse Jackson as a father and a man with Wisdom. People should always try to defind wisdom. Rev. Jackson has seen the light in President Obama. Do you thinkt Rev. Jackson like darkness? no. Racism had kept us in darkness for four hundred years, it even turned us against our own Black people till when a Black man does something good people think he's acting white or He's gay.