Politics | 01/21/2009 9:45 am

Bush Twins Pen Open Letter to Obama Girls

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

When it comes to growing up in the White House, Bush twins Jenna and Barbara have some experience. They were seven when grandfather George H.W. Bush was sworn in as the nation’s 41st president, and just under 20 when dad George entered the Oval Office for the first of two terms.

Now, they’re offering some words of wisdom to the Obama daughters — Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10 — most important of which: "Remember who your dad really is."

Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy … He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school or how much you both love being his daughters.

In the open letter to the Obama girls, printed in The Wall Street Journal, Barbara and Jenna recommend taking full advantage of the "magical place" that is the White House, and a host of other suggestions: Surround yourself with loyal friends; don’t let your parents’ travel stop you from dressing up for Halloween; embrace the White House ushers as your surrogate uncles, because they will instantly love you; slide down the solarium banister and play Sardines on the White House lawn; when your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game; and, overall, be inspired by the opportunities you have.

Oh, and about that White House puppy? They said, "Our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then, of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide."

The Bush twins also symbolically pass the torch with these words, "Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter."

No doubt the Obama girls will do just that!

33 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

I think that was very sweet of the Bush twins to write a letter to the Obama girls, very thoughtful and will make it maybe a little easier for them to understand what it’s like to live as children of a President in the White House. I wish the whole family well in their new lives and I am so proud of our new President and think our country will prosper once again

By caj p on 01/21/2009 10:07 am

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Yes, the twins seem to have pulled themselves together and decided not to follow in their dad’s footsteps after all. Very nice.

By Susan B on 01/21/2009 10:27 am

That was so uncalled for!!!!! NOT NICE.

By Diamond In The Rough on 01/21/2009 12:34 pm

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But true nevertheless

By f p on 01/21/2009 1:13 pm

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Diamond, I was complementing the twins. They’re grown into fine young women. Geesh.

By Susan B on 01/21/2009 6:00 pm

Thank you for the explanation however, I don’t think you had to bring their Dad into the conversation.

By Diamond In The Rough on 01/21/2009 6:15 pm

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You’re probably right, Diamond. But it’s like this, I’ve never thought very highly of their dad — but have formed quite the opposite opinion of both girls. I think that’s worth noting, especially in a blog where people routinely vilify entire memberships of political parties based on the actions and opinions of a relative few. And God knows, I’m not single-handedly besmirking W’s rep. The twins did good.

By Susan B on 01/21/2009 8:01 pm

This is why I have no respect for bho. Be careful what you wish for, bho’s daughters are not teens yet!!!

By Libra Lady on 01/21/2009 12:49 pm

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You have no respect for bho as you call him…and why is that, I await your answer with bated breath??

By caj p on 01/21/2009 2:45 pm

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Because I do not know anything about him…he has sealed his past (the only president who has ever done that). I do not trust him. I do not respect him. Any other questions???

By Libra Lady on 01/21/2009 5:07 pm

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Caj, don’t you just love LL’s response to your question? :-) Isn’t it amazing that there are people who actually believe a man was voted into the highest office in our nation….President of the United States without releasing ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION about himself? Now that is truly a feat to be admired! On one hand he “pal’s around with terrorists”, is a socialist, isn’t a true American because he wasn’t born here, is a Muslim, attended a church with a pastor who hates America - yet as is the case with LL, will tell you she doesn’t know anything about him. She must be pretty obtuse, because millions and millions of Americans know every minutia of his life and can give details on where he was born, his parents and grandparents, his education, where he grew up, his first jobs, his political career, his family, his religion, etc etc. etc, but she can’t? Sounds like someone who doesn’t want to know.

By Belinda Joy on 01/22/2009 8:26 am

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And what footsteps are you referring to? The 20plus years in public service eventually serving in the highest office there is? Jenna is an accomplished writer of two books and volunteered in a foreign country helping children and aids vicitms. I would be proud of any child for doing so! She seems to have turned out fantastic in spite of the LIB media personal attacks on her life under the microscope. Seems you are another Obama follower who failed to listen to his words yesterday……

By S.J. Morgan on 01/21/2009 12:51 pm

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Thank you S.J. The Bushs’ have lots to be proud of…great daughters! And so respectful of his daughters to write the letters to the girls. Just as President and First Lady Bush helped with the transition into the White House. Very proud of them.

By Libra Lady on 01/21/2009 1:02 pm

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You misunderstand me, I was complementing the twins. They have grown into admirable and accomplished young women, and have mirrored their mother in that regard. SJ, I’m sorry if my opinion of W is less than yours, but I hold far greater respect for Laura Bush than I do her husband. And for the record, I’m no “follower” of any politician, president or no.

By Susan B on 01/21/2009 6:11 pm

Hats off to the Bush sisters. Very few people have had the opportunity the Bush and Obama girls had/have to grow up in the WH. I commend the Bush Ladies for thinking of the Obama girls and offering their thoughts and concerns. I would also like to remind the Obama sisters that when MOM and DAD aren’t readily available to rely on each other. Their parents and extended family have already given them the building blocks on which to grow. But when you need a shoulder, sometimes the most comforting is the sister you grew up with.

By Debalonia in Russ-Vegas AR on 01/21/2009 10:56 am