Keeping Hope Alive

Despite his busy schedule, Senator Obama puts family first. He and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 14 years, and they have two daughters, Malia and Sasha. The senator says being a good father and husband is a constant reminder of what's important in his life.

"If my wife thinks that I'm a solid guy and if my daughters know that I love them and want to spend time with them, then that is probably the most important reward that I receive," Senator Obama says. "It's a terrific check on all the distractions and hype and hoopla that sometimes can bring you down when you're in politics."

Senator Obama also makes time for his diverse, extended family. "Michelle will tell you that when we get together for Christmas or Thanksgiving, it's like a little mini-United Nations," he says. For example, his half-Indonesian half-sister is married to a Chinese-Canadian. "I've got relatives who look like Bernie Mac, and I've got relatives who look like Margaret Thatcher," he says "We've got it all."