Barack Obama’s youngest daughter Sasha no where to be seen during his farewell speech
IT WAS one of the biggest moments of Obama’s presidency, but his youngest daughter Sasha was noticeably absent.
US PRESIDENT Barack Obama just gave his final speech as the leader of the free world, and openly wept during the touching farewell address as he thanked his family for their unwavering support.
But viewers watching the 44th president sign off on his eight years in office were left wondering why Obama’s youngest daughter Sasha, 15, did not attend the celebration in Chicago, the family’s original hometown.
While his wife Michelle and eldest daughter Malia, 18, received standing ovations and later joined the President on stage, Sasha was nowhere to be seen.
The hashtag #WhereIsSasha soon began trending on Twitter as punters wondered why Sasha would miss such an important moment in her father’s career.
Her absence was made especially apparent as Malia wiped away tears while watching her father thank his family.
“Michelle — for the past twenty-five years, you’ve been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend,” the President gushed.
“You took on a role you didn’t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humour. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You’ve made me proud. You’ve made the country proud.”
we're crying too, malia. #obamafarewell pic.twitter.com/zgPQxd2UDg
— Ameya Pendse (@ameyapendse) January 11, 2017
Malia's tears are all of us #ObamaFarewell pic.twitter.com/1wuZcVv5b0
— P.S.- I made this... (@psimadethis) January 11, 2017
He continued: “Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion,” Obama said.
“You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I’ve done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad.”
Those on social media were focused on one thing in particular.
Before I can digest that speech and fully wipe away my tears, I need to know WHERE IS SASHA? #ObamaFarewell #WhereIsSasha
— Ansley Lacitis (@AnsleyLacitis) January 11, 2017
Lmao literally where else could you POSSIBLY be when your dad is giving his Farewell Address as president??¿¿ #WhereIsSasha
— Margaret Kopoulos (@mkopss) January 11, 2017
#whereissasha ??Searching all the internet?? #ObamaFarewell pic.twitter.com/WRzYDTYvEs
— Candra Sweat (@CandraSweat) January 11, 2017
After this amazing speech, we'll all be left remembering those three little words...
— Robin Thede (@robinthede) January 11, 2017
Where is Sasha??#ObamaFarewell
Some suggested that the high school sophomore was tucked up in bed or preparing for class tomorrow. Obama’s speech ended just after 9pm on Tuesday, US time. A White House official told CBS News that Sasha stayed back in D.C. because she has an exam at school on Wednesday morning.
Malia graduated high school last May and will take a gap year before she starts college at Harvard later this year.
Did Sasha have homework??? #ObamaFarewell
— Marlon A. Walker (@marlonawalker) January 11, 2017
As much as it's important to attend #ObamaFarewell Sasha has school tomorrow people. She is a responsible kid. #whereissasha #sashaobama
— NuchaRys (@NuchaRys) January 11, 2017
#WhereisSasha she is 15 years old and in the bed...school nite
— Nikki Edwards 🙋ðŸ¾ðŸ’¯ (@nikkied6) January 11, 2017
Obama has previously stated that he and his family will remain in Washington D.C after he departs the White House next week.
“We’re going to have to stay a couple of years in D.C probably so Sasha can finish [high school],” he said last year. “Transferring someone in the middle of high school? Tough.”
Michelle recently told told Ellen DeGeneres that leaving the White House was going to be difficult on both of her girls.
“I’m sure the girls will have a tough time. They think they’re ready, but when you’ve grown up in a place … I mean, imagine: They won’t be able to knock on a door and say, ‘Can I see my room?’ That’s not gonna happen,” she said.
“Think about it: The girls have grown up in the White House. I mean, the staff that’s there — we see them every day. These are people who have helped us raise our kids. They’ve loved us. They’ve taken care of us. The minute we leave, that’s it.”
In 2009, just after he was sworn in as President, Obama penned a touching letter to his daughters about his hopes and dreams for their futures.
“These are the things I want for you — to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will helpbuild that world.
“And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow andthrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humour as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House. Love, Dad.”
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