Running Together

What would be your signature issue as First Lady/Man?
While there are many issues I care about, my first issue will be to care for what my family needs. When we move to Washington D.C. in 2009, it will be the first time our daughters, who are now 9 and 6, will have lived away from the Southside of Chicago, and of course, my husband will also be starting a new job, so we have a lot of exciting changes ahead, and I want to make sure our family is happy and healthy and settled.

Who is your First Lady role model?
Each of our First Ladies have brought something unique to the role — something intrinsically their own — whether it was during their tenure in the White House or a legacy that remained after their husbands left office. Each one has faced unique challenges whether it is trying to raise children or champion an issue —and each one deserves admiration for her own unique contribution.

What don't we know about your spouse?
That's a tough one because he's shared so much of himself in his books and in his role in public life. But folks might not know he still gets his haircut at the same neighborhood barber shop he's been going to for years.

What do you like most about the campaign trail?
I've met so many incredible people and visited some very special places I maybe never would have been were it not for this campaign. I'm consistently inspired by the enthusiasm and hunger for change from the folks I meet on the campaign trail. And it's fun to see our daughters participate in this extraordinary time in history from their front row seat on this campaign.

What do you like least?
While the day trips I make allow me to get my girls ready for the day and tuck them in at night, they sure can be long days.

Would you expect to have a say in the President's policies? You know, Barack and I talk about everything. But as it was when he was an Illinois State Senator, and then became a U.S. Senator, and when it comes to the campaign now, I'm not his policy advisor. I'm his wife. And these days, that's a full time job!

What's the one TV show you and your spouse try not to miss?
Spongebob — not because we try not to miss it, but because it's hard to miss in our house.

What's the one campaign food that you could go your whole life never eating again?
In August, we spent an evening as a family at the Iowa State Fair. It was a beautiful day and we had a fantastic time. After Barack had to go to his next campaign stop, the girls and I stayed and rode the rides into the night. We tried practically one of everything from the food vendors — corndogs and pork sandwiches and caramel apples and funnel cakes — and we loved a lot if it. I think next time we maybe just shouldn't eat it all at once.