By HERBERT SAMPLE
HONOLULU
A day before the presidential election, Barack Obama announced the death Monday of his grandmother, who helped raise him and who he praised as the cornerstone of his family.
The Democratic presidential candidate announced the news in a joint statement with his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng. He said his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, had died peacefully after a battle with cancer.
He said: "She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances."
The candidate learned of her death Monday morning while he was campaigning in Jacksonville, Fla. He planned to go ahead with campaign appearances, including in Manassas, Va., tonight.
Late last month, Obama took a break from campaigning and flew to Hawaii to be with the 86-year-old Dunham.
Obama said the decision to go to Hawaii was easy to make, telling CBS that he "got there too late" when his mother died of ovarian cancer in 1995 at 53, and wanted to make sure "that I don't make the same mistake twice."
Associated Press Writer Nedra Pickler in Charlotte, N.C., contributed to this report.
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Something I didn't know . . .
Although I voted for "the other guy," we all can relate to the poignancy of losing a beloved grandparent. And I learned from the television this AM that Toot was able to vote for BO, because people who vote early or absentee do not get their votes negated if they die before the election is held. Just another interesting factoid. Cheers, MGM, who had to vote provisional today because they apparently sent me an absentee ballot to the overseas place I was supposed to be today if I had not gotten ill. The online website told me my request for an absentee ballot was "refused" so the lesson is to never believe the website!
wow
You people act like anyone revelent to this story actually reads, or even knows about, the pilot. Offering condolences on some miniscule paper's website forum is foolish at best. Send coldolences to the DNC or something where he may actually receive them.
Nobama
What a sleazy comment. You know the answer, and yet you try to smear a woman, an American citizen, who by all accounts led an exemplary life and raised her grandson to be another good citizen. What a gutless, slimy thing to say. You should pray that you could be half the American that she was. Hope your own grand kids don't ever read your comment and see just how classy their grandparent is...
Obama's Grandmother
My thoughts and prayers go out to Barack, Michelle and their two beautiful daughters. She will be watching as you make history tomorrow by winning the election for President. I know she was proud of you for everything that you have accomplished in your life. I know I am. "Toot" will be greatly missed. I am very sorry for your loss. Again, you and your family are in my prayers.
Barack's Grandmommy
Our heartfelt condolences to Senator Obama and his family. His grandmother should be so proud of her grandson. He is a fine young man!
Barack's tears at the rally in Charlotte brought tears to my eyes and tugged at my heart. My memories of my grandmother are so warm and sweet.
People not voting for Obama
People not voting for Obama has nothing to do with the death of his family. Let's focus on what is relevant to the election.
Obama and his family is
Obama and his family is going to be fine. May god bless.
Okay, kind of sad
But lots of fantastic grandmothers pass away every day, why does this one recieve so much coverage?
What about the paternal grandparents?
How come we never hear about his paternal grandparents? Are they still alive...or does he not know about them? There is still a lot we don't know about Obama...and yet people are ready to vote this guy in... pretty scary to me.
Condolences
I'm in no way an Obama fan and I won't be voting for him. That being said, if he does win, it is sad that she won't be around to see it. My condolences to the Obama family. God Bless you all and may they take comfort in Him in their time of grief.
Sorrow
My sincere regret that this fine woman will not see her grandson as our new president. She will still be with him all the days of his life. Sometimes death has a way of bringing new life and change. God bless the Obama family.
Our condolences to the Obama family
It's a sad day to lose a Grandmother. I'm know it's a great loss to Barack to have no family on his mothers side.
I’m wondering who will be attending the funeral. Will Michelle and the girls attend? Lets see family values. My wife would and did drop everything when my grandmother passes and I was in Iraq. Sad day.. Our Blessings to you Barack.
such a difficult and emotional time
"Toot" should have felt proud for raising the next president of the United States, but it's sad she will not be able to witness that event while here on earth.
I'm sure she will be watching from above and our thought go out to her friends and family. RIP, Toot your grandson is well loved, admired and respected by millions. You did a wonderful job! Now you can rest!
Grandkids
"Toot" passed the torch in a way we should all honor and pace... As parents and grandparents.
My condolences. Especially in an already very trying, emotional time.
Sad...
My sincere condolences to the Obama family for such a great loss.
Aloha
RIP Toot! You raised a great American.
God bless this woman
God bless this woman for molding her grandson to be the man he is today. She made a difference in this world.
Toot
Here is a salute to "Toot". Rest in peace.
What a shame she could not have lived to see the grandchild she raised to be President of the United States of America. Thank you Toot for this gift to America and the World.