Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

How Obama's Grandma Visit Could Help Him

Humanizing move could warm ex-prof's 'aloof' image

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2008 9:02 AM CDT

(Newser) – Is it risky for Barack Obama to step off the trail so close to the election? No, writes Carl Lavin in Forbes, and here’s why: first, the move humanizes the former law professor, showcasing his “compelling family story.” Second, opponents can’t really attack a guy who’s visiting his sick grandmother without it backfiring. And finally, Obama’s able surrogates—Michelle, Joe Biden, and the Clintons—will get a chance to shine.

Obama's absence from the trail could give surrogates like Hillary Clinton a chance to shine.
Obama's absence from the trail could give surrogates like Hillary Clinton a chance to shine.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks to a crowd at a rally in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks to a crowd at a rally in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Obama is shown in 1979 during his high school graduation in Hawaii with his grandmother Madelyn Lee Payne Dunham.
Obama is shown in 1979 during his high school graduation in Hawaii with his grandmother Madelyn Lee Payne Dunham.   (AP Photo/Obama Campaign)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Talk About Bad Timing...

Obama Granny Missed Nov. 4, but Her Vote Will Count

Obama Weeps as He Mourns Grandma 'Toot'

Obama's Grandmother Loses Battle With Cancer

McCain Plays Defense With Red-State Stops


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne