W.H. Declines to Say Which Obama Family Member Is Unemployed

By: Peter Maer
Topics: Economy

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. - President Obama traveled to the economically hard hit Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania to say, "I know times are tough."

To illustrate his message of commiseration, he suggested that joblessness hits close to home. He told a community college audience in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, "Michelle and I were talking the other day. There are members of our families that are out of work."

Mr. Obama added, "We're not that far removed from struggling to pay bills."

A White House official declined to identify any unemployed relatives of the Obamas except to say, "I don't think they are close close" family members.

Mr. Obama's stop in came as part of his economic tour across the country to discuss job creation.

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(CBS)

Peter Maer is a CBS News White House correspondent. You can read more of his posts in Hotsheet here.

Peter Maer
Peter Maer is a CBS News White House Correspondent.
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by DeviantTeleprompter December 6, 2009 7:23 PM EST: Obama meant his extended family members were unemployed: Tony Rezko, Rod Blagoyevich, Bernie Madoff, William Jefferson.

Is it true that ABC, NBC & CBS are televising the Obama Family Christmas Special from Fort Leavenworth Prison???; Reply to this comment


by 91786 December 4, 2009 11:57 PM EST: You know what is so frustrating about Obama? He is so wrapped up in ideology that he does not let facts stand in the way of his beliefs. He really could be a Great President if he would drop the hard-left stuff and become a leader.; Reply to this comment


by 91786 December 4, 2009 11:55 PM EST: I wonder if Obama helps out the unemployed members of his family with money? He never helped out his "Auntie", nor is half-brother. Last I heard he was living on $500 a year in Kenya. How can Obama look people straight in the eye and say "I care about you" when he has not helped his own family members, especially after becomming a muti-millionare with his book deals 5 years ago.; Reply to this comment


by 91786 December 4, 2009 11:51 PM EST: The way the Obama's talk, he may have to take up a job moonlighting. He used to sell Speed, it is in one of his books.; Reply to this comment


by 91786 December 4, 2009 11:50 PM EST: They must have plumb forgot about the $1.4 million for the Nobel.; Reply to this comment


by 91786 December 4, 2009 11:49 PM EST: He could be refering to his "Auntie". She is an illegal alien that has lived off American public money for 8 years now-- public housing, food stamps, public healthcare-- she just received surgery. She was living in Boston till the story broke then went on the lam, surfaced in Cleveland for awhile then went on the lam again. If CBS had mentioned during the campaign that Obama's aunt is an illegal alien, maybe he wouldn't be President; Reply to this comment


by lightningF December 4, 2009 4:53 PM EST: Obama has no idea how far he is from not being able to pay their bills,what crap,lies,lies,and more lies.; Reply to this comment


by lightningF December 4, 2009 4:50 PM EST: So much for Transparency, Could it be a lie? Or Another lie? Maybe Obama is speaking of his half Brother,Or his illegal Aunt, relatives he does not associate with.; Reply to this comment


by cargam1 December 4, 2009 4:14 PM EST: Please, some one give me a shovel.... I don't think I can take anymore of this BS!; Reply to this comment