Nov 6, 2008 9:22 pm US/Eastern
All Eyes Now Focused On New First Family
NEW YORK (CBS News) ―
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President-elect Barack Obama embraces his daughter Malia after Obama gave his victory speech during an election night gathering in Chicago's Grant Park on Nov. 4, 2008.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
President Bush said Wednesday: "It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House."
When the Obamas arrive at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in January, it will not only be a powerful symbol of how far the nation has come, but it will also be the first time in 48 years that a pair of young children moved in, CBS News anchor Katie Couric reports.
Caroline Kennedy was just 3 years old when her father took the oath of office, and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was John Jr.'s address practically since birth. Their tender ages caused their 31-year-old mother to fiercely protect their privacy.
"You can go on Web sites and read history books that show the Kennedy kids scampering around the Oval Office. It was atypical," said presidential historian Doug Wead. "Jackie Kennedy did not want any pictures taken of the children."
Wead is the author of "All the Presidents' Children." He's interviewed 19 presidential children, and said most of them loved living at the White House.
"They can have a good life in the White House, but it won't be normal."
Susan Ford, daughter of the late President Gerald Ford, impressed her friends when she was allowed to host her prom at the White house. But she agrees that pomp and circumstance comes with a price.
"It's the articles that are written, the critical letters that you get in the mail from people who don't even know you who just read something in a magazine or a tabloid or whatever. And you really don't ask to be there," she said.
Chelsea Clinton was 12 when she came to the White House. And for eight years, she enjoyed mostly off-limits status by the mainstream media.
The Obamas may want to strike the same deal with their White House press corps.
A simple stroll with 7-year-old Sasha this past Halloween almost became a circus for Obama. It's just one of many adjustments Michelle Obama says her older daughter, 10-year-old Malia, knows she will be making.
"You know, you'll get a sense within her of the anxiety of a shift, like if Dad wins, then will we move? So they have some real practical considerations about 'what does this mean? Do I go to a new school? Will I make new friends?'" Michelle Obama said.
At least we know they'll definitely have one new friend.
In Obama's acceptance speech, he said: "You have earned the new puppy is coming with us to the White House."
And all eyes will be on the new first family moving into the nation's neighborhood.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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