Obama’s Statement on the Death of His Grandmother

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Last updated on August 10th, 2014 at 11:59 pm

It was announced late this afternoon that Barack Obama’s Grandmother Madelyn Dunham has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Obama and his half sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng said, “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.”

They continued, “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.”

Recently, Obama took some time off of the campaign trail to go back to Hawaii to see his 86 year old grandmother who had been described as gravely ill. If Obama does win the election tomorrow, it will be bittersweet knowing his grandmother came within 24 hours of seeing her grandson make history by being elected President of the United States.

It is difficult for anyone to lose a grandparent, but I can’t imagine running for president, and coping with the loss of a family member. It takes a special kind of strength to do that, the kind of strength that Obama attributed to his grandmother. I am sure that everyone regardless of their political affiliation sends their sympathies to Obama.

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Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

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