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Obama Family Goes Hollywood

'Access Hollywood' interviews include Malia, Sasha for first time

By Kate Rockwood, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2008 10:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama took the unusual step of sitting down with Access Hollywood, but the interview took a decidedly precocious tone when daughters Malia and Sasha joined in, dishing on mommy and daddy holding hands and potential White House bedroom decor. The first interview of the Obamas is airing over four evenings, beginning last night, and is expected to draw millions of viewers—at a time when John McCain is struggling to stay in the spotlight.

Appearing on “soft news” programs is a smart move for presidential candidates wooing voters who aren’t following the finer points of the campaign, say media analysts. But for McCain, the best strategy may be emphasizing the issues. “Obama's going to win the soft side of this because, as the first African American, there's something unique about him, so people are interested,” an analyst told ABC News.

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Daughter Malia was particularly personable, explaining how she coached her dad in greeting young people. "You really don't shake kids' hands that much," she told him. "You just wave or say 'Hi.'" (YouTube)

Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and their daughters Malia and Sasha, took a break from Fourth of July festivities to chat - as a group - to Access Hollywood. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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The Obama family interview took place over the fourth of July weekend. (YouTube)

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Obama Family Goes Hollywood