If Barack Obama isn't a family man, he's hidden it well. He likened the duration of his campaign so far -- 15 months -- to the growth and development of a newborn who would now be a capable walking, talking toddler. He mentions his children frequently. He holds babies like a champ. He's got kids on the brain.
He's also got the youngest kids on the campaign trail -- Malia, 9, and Sasha, 6. So how does he do it? How does Michelle do it. She's campaigning just has hard as her husband is. So what about the girls?
That's where Obama's mother-in-law comes in. Marion Robinson, a 70-year-old retiree, makes sure the kids are bathed, fed, off to school and again picked up -- and also mildly spoiled, certainly by their reputedly strict mother's standards.
The Boston Globe has a feature on her. The Obama campaign should have a gold medal for her. (Interesting sidenote: she'll move to the White House right along with the family, if all this campaigning works out the way they hope.)
Political Nanny, always in awe of selfless caregivers like Mrs. Robinson, wants to reward Obama's mother-in-law. For helping Daddy achieve his dreams without making Mommy sacrifice the kids (and for ignoring the ban on fried chicken, candy and TV), Political Nanny is giving Marion Robinson two extra cookies at snacktime. No, make that six extra -- Mrs. Robinson no doubt wants the girls to have a sweet treat, too.
Political Nanny definitely approves.
