Obama Weeps as He Mourns Grandma 'Toot'

'Bittersweet' time for candidate who loses beloved relative as campaign ends
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 4, 2008 3:33 AM CST
Obama Weeps as He Mourns Grandma 'Toot'
Barack Obama sheds tears as he talks about his late grandmother at a rally in Charlotte, N.C.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Tears rolled down Barack Obama's cheeks as he spoke at one of his last campaign rallies about his beloved grandmother, who died yesterday at the age of 86. "This obviously is a bittersweet time for me," Obama said. The candidate often credits his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham—whom he called "Toot"—as the woman who shaped his values, reports Reuters.

"She was somebody who was a very humble person and a very plain-spoken person," said Obama. "She was one of those quiet heroes that we have all across America. They're not famous. But each and every day they work hard." John McCain sent Obama a message of condolence. (More Barack Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X