Madelyn Dunham
Did not live to see the election:
Statement from Barack Obama and Maya Soetoro-Ng on the Death of Their Grandmother
It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure. Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer.
UPDATE: The campaign tells us that Madelyn Dunham died at home last night in Hawaii, which was between 4 and 5 a.m. today in Florida, where Obama was. Obama found out around 8 a.m. He has carried on through his campaign events today without mentioning it. However, I did witness a poignant moment just a few minutes ago, when Obama stopped by unannounced at his Charlotte, N.C., campaign office and made some calls to undecided voters. One of the voters to whom he was talking apparently brought up the issue of elder care, at which point Obama--whose manner until this point had been upbeat and teasing--suddenly looked deflated and sad. He turned his back on the press pool that was recording all of this, and told the voter: "Obviously, this is happening in my own family. ... My grandmother stayed at home all the way through."*
UPDATE:
ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, U.S. Senator John McCain and Mrs. Cindy McCain issued the following statement on the passing of Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham:
"We offer our deepest condolences to Barack Obama and his family as they grieve the loss of their beloved grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives."
*Full and corrected quote after the jump.
As transcribed from ABC audio, this is what Obama told the voter to whom he talked by phone from his Charlotte, N.C., campaign office:
5:15 08
OBAMA: “Can I say this? Obviously this is happening in my own family, and in addition to social security and Medicare one of the things that I think is really important is exercising home care a lot more (Obama turns his back away from cameras and audio becomes muzzled) My grandmother was able to stay in a home all the way until recently. Because she just had someone who could come in once and a whole (inaud) and that ends up saving a lot more money. Not only does it end up saving money for the state but (inaud) it's a lot better for people like yourself and my grandmother. (iaud) who don't want to feel constraints.
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1
Noooo!!!!!
How sad. How difficult. -
2
Sorry for the cross post Karen, am working to take it down. JNS
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3
So sad.
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4
That's a shame...I was hoping she might hold on until Wednesday. No one can fault Obama for taking the time to say goodbye and traveling to HI.
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5
Oh, how sad. She was so close! I can only imagine how very, very proud she must have been of her daughter's son.
I wish I could have told her myself what a wonderful job she did raising both her daughter and grandson. Go in peace, Madelyn Dunham.
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6
Ugh. I'm sure it will deepen his sense of purpose, and remind him of the best in himself. I remember when my Dad died; it's a moment of sadness, but also uncomplicated clarity.
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7
And cue the "compassionate conservatives at redstate:
While it is never a great thing for someone to have died, I predicted a month ago that this would happen, right before the election.
Is it coincidence that he was just there?
Sympathy vote anyone?
These people have no soul.
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8
This makes me so sad. I was really hoping she would hang on through the election. This one's for you, Madelyn!
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9
So sad. I wish she could have lived one more day. Just awful.
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10
She will always be with him. Godspeed Mrs. Dunham.
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11
[...] Posted on Monday 3 November 2008 Statement from Barack Obama and Maya Soetoro-Ng on the Death of Their Grandmother [...]
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12
KT,
.
I know that this isnt your job and its definitely not something I can demand of you but I hope someone takes the time to call out all of those a$$hole right wing radio heads like Rush Limbaugh who tried to imply that Obama was not going home to see his Grandmother but rather for some nefarious purpose
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I am so heart broken for him because I know he wanted her to see just how far he had come with her help. But I also know she will be smiling down from above tomorrow night as he his announced as the new POTUS. He is definitely in my prayers. -
13
[...] I first read that Madelyn Dunham passed away, my heart was so heavy for his family and the loss they must all be [...]
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14
What a sad day for the Obama family. This will be a bittersweet time for them, regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's election. Hopefully, he'll be able to function this week, if only to give honor to her memory.
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15
My condolences to the Obama family. She must have been an extraordinary woman. The evidence is in her grandson. She and her husband and daughter had great courage at a time in our nation, when courage was needed. And the unconditional love she had for Mr. Obama is evident in every way.
Rest in peace Mrs. Dunham. And thank you.
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16
Oh, no. So sad!
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17
Speaking of heartless bastards, the RNC (through the California Republican Party) chose today of all days to file suit against Obama for taking the campaign plane to visit his dying grandmother.
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These people are simply pure evil. -
18
And cue the classy California Republican Party, with perfect timing:
On Monday afternoon, the RNC blasted out a complaint from the California Republican Party charging that "Obama for America violated federal law by converting its campaign funds to Senator Obama's personal use" for the trip.
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19
Think how the weight of the world will feel on Barack Obama's shoulders tomorrow night.
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20
This is so sad. My wife burst into tears and is sitting alone totally dejected. I see this and and end and tomorrow as a beginning. No doubt, from some wonderful place Sen Obama's Grandfather, Grandmother and Mother will look down with pride. I don't know what happened to his Father, and assume he is also resting in peace. Total gloom in Casa Bitterpill8.
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21
Tom,
They'll get what's coming to them tomorrow. -
22
So sad. May God Bless her.
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23
Your update really brought the tears.
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Thank you as always for your writing. -
24
I think she knew her work here on earth was done.
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25
KT
.
Thanks for the update
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This is one of those times where getting some inside information makes you feel so connected to the situation. I wish there was a place to send him personal condolences not in material things but just in terms of words of encouragement. Any ideas on that KT?
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