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Obama speaks about absent father

Sunday, June 16, 2013 - 01:15

June 16 - On Father's Day President Barack Obama reflects on his absent father and the importance of family. Jessica Gray reports.

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SOT UP (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "There will never be a substitute for the love and support and, most importantly, the presence of a parent in a child's life." U.S. President Barack Obama marks Father's Day with candid reflections on growing up with a single parent. WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (JUNE 15, 2013) (WHITEHOUSE.GOV - ACCESS ALL) "I never really knew my own father. I was raised by a single mom and two wonderful grandparents who made incredible sacrifices for me. And there are single parents all across the country who do a heroic job raising terrific kids. But I still wish I had a dad who was not only around, but involved." Obama was raised by his mother Stanley Ann Dunham after his father, Barack Hussein Obama, divorced and left the family. The president has two daughters, Sasha and Malia, and says family is the most important part of his life. WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (JUNE 15, 2013) (WHITEHOUSE.GOV - ACCESS ALL) "When I look back on my life, I won't be thinking about any particular legislation I passed or policy I promoted. I'll be thinking about Michelle, and the journey we've been on together. I'll be thinking about Sasha's dance recitals and Malia's tennis matches - about the conversations we've had and the quiet moments we've shared. I'll be thinking about whether I did right by them, and whether they knew, every day, just how much they were loved." Obama's father was a central figure in his memoir "Dreams from My Father".

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Obama speaks about absent father

Sunday, June 16, 2013 - 01:15

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