Barack Obama Family Interview with Access Hollywood: Will This Help the Barack Obama Campaign?

Barack Obama appeared with his family in a four-part interview with Access Hollywood. In an impromptu move, the interview included his children Malia, 10 and Sasha, 7. Maria Menounos interviewed the Obama family on the campaign trail in Butte, Montana. The family celebrated Malia's 10th birthday and Independence Day. The interview airs July 8, 9, and 10. While the Obama family interview did not discuss hard issues such as the economy and Iraq, I believe the family interview with Access Hollywood will help Barack Obama's image with many voters.

Barack Obama Family Interview with Access Hollywood: Kids show a human side of Barack Obama

As seen in his recent overtures to evangelical voters, Barack Obama is trying to improve his image as a family values candidate. In the interview, even his biggest detractors can see that his daughters are candid, polite, and well-spoken. In the family interview, Malia and Sasha talk about experiences on the campaign trail, being away from their dad and how they stay connected as a family. Malia hopes her father wins in November, as she looks forward to decorating her room in the White House.

It was a wise move to include the children in the interview with Access Hollywood. In a political climate where voters tend to idealize their father, daughters Malia and Sasha portray him as a sympathetic but human father figure. Malia instructs her father on how to talk to young voters. When he meets her friends, Malia explains that he should just wave instead of shaking their hands.

Barack Obama Family Interview with Access Hollywood: Michelle Obama shows a softer side

Michelle Obama has sometimes been the subject of controversy. In previous interviews her candor has often painted Barack in an unflattering light. In the past, she's talked of how her husband is "snore-y and stinky" in the morning and how he forgets to put the butter back in the refrigerator. Michelle has also had to do some damage control for comments that came across as unpatriotic.

Yet in the interview with Access Hollywood, Michelle comes across as a sympathetic figure. Michelle shows a softer side when she talks of supporting her husband on the campaign trail, and how they keep their marriage alive with simple romantic gestures. We also see a mother who is dedicated to her children.

Barack Obama Family Interview with Access Hollywood: The Audience

The Obama family interview is Access Hollywood is a bit of a fluff piece, but that may not be such a bad thing. Access Hollywood is known more of its entertainment stories rather than its hard-hitting journalism. Access Hollywood audiences tend to be more interested in human interest stories rather than hard political issues. Yet even the most hardened political junkies want to see a human side of their candidates. The family interview with Access Hollywood portrays the family as sympathetic and accessible. This may help Barack Obama with the voters.