• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast
You are here: Home / Dad / Barack Obama and fatherhood

Barack Obama and fatherhood

September 18, 2008 by James Dunsford Leave a Comment

The title of Barack Obama’s first memoir was Dreams from My Father – and fatherhood seems to occupy a central role in the Democratic presidential candidate’s vision of a strong America.

Much has been made of his complex relationship with his own dad, who left the family when Obama was two years old. The senator’s struggle to marry his image of this fantasy figure with the reality of the man himself is the central topic of his book.

It may also have led him to make his controversial Father’s Day 2008 speech at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago.

Obama chose to speak about absent fathers in the African-American community, telling the audience that a dad’s responsibility "does not end at conception" and requires "courage" to raise a child.

Some argued that he went too far in demonizing a particular group that is already struggling, while others praised him for pointing out what so many have been afraid to say.

On a personal level, supporters of the Illinois senator highlight his role as a proud father of two smart and apparently well-adjusted young girls.

However, others raise concerns about how such an intense work and travel schedule impacts his relationship with his family. With so many questioning Sarah Palin’s familial responsibilities, what about Obama’s?
ADNFCR-1662-ID-18784369-ADNFCR

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

152. Building Men’s Character and Legacy with Jim Tracy
byPaul Banas

In this inspiring episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Jim Tracy—a father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and author of Building Men: Character Lessons from Influencers- opens up about his journey in fatherhood, the importance of character traits, and the legacy we leave as dads. We delve into lessons learned from influential figures in Jim’s life, the difference between values and character, and practical advice for dads who may not have strong role models.

Whether you’re just starting out as a dad, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking to build a strong legacy for your children and grandchildren, Jim’s heartfelt stories and actionable insights will resonate with you—no matter where you are on your parenting journey.

Check out Jim’s website at www.thejimtracy.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

152. Building Men’s Character and Legacy with Jim Tracy
152. Building Men’s Character and Legacy with Jim Tracy
July 1, 2025
Paul Banas
151. The Power of Playful Parenting with Dr. Larry Cohen
June 24, 2025
Paul Banas
150. The Power of Humor in Parenting with Gavin Bellour
June 17, 2025
Paul Banas
149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
June 10, 2025
Paul Banas
148. Healing Generational Trauma with Dr. Sasha Reiisi
June 3, 2025
Paul Banas
147. Discovering Dad’s Purpose with Adam Landrum
May 27, 2025
Paul Banas
146. Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry
May 20, 2025
Paul Banas
145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
May 13, 2025
Paul Banas
144. Exploring Mindful Fatherhood with Odeani Mc Bean
May 6, 2025
Paul Banas
143. Overcoming Dad Burnout with Scott Anderson
April 29, 2025
Paul Banas
Search Results placeholder

More to See

10 best weather-based smart sprinkler controllers in 2025

July 1, 2025 By Paul Banas

State of the Art: 13 Best Headphones in 2025 Including One over $2000

June 25, 2025 By Paul Banas

Copyright © 2025 . GreatDad