Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, returned to the White House Wednesday, unveiling official portraits with a modern vibe in an event that set humor and nostalgia over his presidency against the current harsh political talk about the survival of democracy.
While her husband cracked a few jokes about his gray hair, big ears and clothes in his portrait, Mrs. Obama, a descendant of slaves, said the occasion for her was more about the promise of America for people like herself.
"Barack and Michelle, welcome home," declared President Joe Biden as the gathering cheered.
Biden, who was Obama's vice president, praised his former boss' leadership on health care, the economy and immigration and said nothing could have prepared him any better for being president than serving with Obama for those eight years.
"It was always about doing what was right," he said.
The portrait of Obama, America's 44th and first Black president, doesn't look like any of his predecessors, nor does Michelle Obama's look like any of the women who filled the role before her.
Obama stands expressionless against a white background, wearing a black suit and gray tie in the portrait by Robert McCurdy that looks more like a large photograph than an oil-on-canvas portrait. The former first lady, her lips pursed, is seated on a sofa in the Red Room in a strapless, light blue dress. She chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.
Scores of former members of Obama's administration were on hand for the big reveal.
Obama noted that some of them in the East Room audience had started families in the intervening years and feigned disappointment "that I haven't heard of anyone naming a kid Barack or Michelle."
Denne historien er fra September 13, 2022-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 13, 2022-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Frederick Drew Gregory
He has achieved outstanding feats in the area of space, but when it comes to buzzing about achievements or giving credit to whoever is due, he somehow slips under the radar.
Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes
Jason LaCroix felt privileged to work from home, especially as a father to two young children. He needed flexibility when his son, then 6, suffered a brain injury and spent 35 days in intensive care.
Books of the Bible Mini Version Pt.1
Lord, Help Us To Study And Know Thy Word And Have It Embedded In Our Hearts. Amen.
Blessed up, the story of a champion
It's a journey of one man's heart, faith, perseverance, strength, redemption, and compassion that led him down a path to two championship titles and a professional career in the sport of boxing.
Back in the Day
Bokeh photo of the golden age dawns, a time of rebirth, where ancient wisdom returns to the earth indigenous ways, a guiding light's embrace, mother earth heals, in this sacred space. this is a time of change, a wondrous rebirth
How about if Canada annexes Blue America?
Trump wants to buy Greenland and annex Canada as the 51st American state.
Beautiful Black Melanin (Pt 1)
“The most unique element of the ancient African societies was their melanin content.
2025 New laws now in effect in PA, NJ and DE
Last week, in my Civics column, I wrote about some of the things a candidate must do in order to get on the ballot for the upcoming May 2025 Primary Election.
Our Mission and Values
Scoop is a for-profit Community Media Company that prides itself on its dedication to Community.
Pennsylvania State Police open hiring cycles for Cadets, Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) opened a new hiring cycle on January 1 for women and men considering a rewarding career in law enforcement, beginning the selection of cadets who will train to become state troopers.
