Barack Obama Praises Daughters Sasha and Malia: Unpacking Their Confidence and Buoyancy

In a world captivated by the accomplishments and insights of former President Barack Obama, it’s his role as a father that often reveals his most profound pride. Despite a lifetime spent interacting with world leaders, royalty, and global celebrities, few things inspire him as much as his two daughters, Sasha, 19, and Malia, 22. In a revealing interview with InStyle, the former president articulated the qualities he most admires in his now-adult daughters, who are both accomplished college students currently residing at home during the global pandemic. He zeroed in on two distinct yet equally powerful traits: Sasha’s unwavering confidence and Malia’s remarkable buoyancy. These characteristics, he suggests, are not merely superficial pleasantries but fundamental strengths that have shaped them into the independent and resilient young women they are today.

Obama began by reflecting on his youngest, Sasha, highlighting a resolute self-assuredness that has been evident since her earliest years. “Sasha is, as Malia describes it, completely confident about her own take on the world and is not cowed or intimidated — and never has been — by anybody’s titles, anybody’s credentials,” Obama explained. This intrinsic belief in her own judgment means she is unafraid to speak her mind. “If she thinks something’s wrong or right, she will say so,” he affirmed. This isn’t a newfound trait; it’s a deeply ingrained aspect of her character that her father has observed throughout her life, a quality that speaks volumes about her inner strength and moral compass. This level of confidence, especially in a young woman who grew up under the intense scrutiny of the public eye, is a testament to her steadfast personality and the nurturing environment provided by her parents.

He further elaborated on Sasha’s formidable will, recounting a particularly memorable anecdote from her childhood, which he also shares in his acclaimed memoir, A Promised Land. “When she was 4, 5, 6 years old, once she made a decision, she would dig in and couldn’t be steered off it,” he continued. One vivid example took place during a visit to Russia, where the family attempted to introduce young Sasha to caviar. Her reaction was unequivocal: “‘Mnn-nnh. No. Sorry. That looks slimy. It’s nasty. I’m not going to do it — even if I’ve got to give up dessert.’ And that part of her character has always been there.” This anecdote, while charming, illustrates a deeper point about Sasha’s character: her strong sense of conviction and her refusal to compromise her beliefs or preferences, even when faced with parental persuasion or the lure of a sweet treat. This early demonstration of independence and an unwavering stance on her own perceptions is a powerful indicator of the confident individual she has become. Such anecdotes paint a picture of a child who was not easily swayed, foreshadowing the assertive and self-possessed young woman she is today. It’s this unshakeable certainty in her own views that her father so deeply admires, recognizing it as a crucial foundation for navigating the complexities of the adult world.

Another endearing memory about Sasha shared in his memoir reveals a more humorous, yet equally telling, facet of his life as a father. Obama recounts how Sasha was the undisputed star of her fourth-grade basketball team. As president, he admittedly became “that parent” who vocally directed plays from the sidelines of the girls’ recreational league, which notably included Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Maisy. His enthusiasm quickly led him to take on the role of coach, a position he clearly relished. However, his coaching career, despite his status, was remarkably short-lived. A flood of complaints from other parents, who felt the team had an “unfair advantage” by being coached by the sitting president, led to his rather unceremonious firing. This episode not only highlights his unwavering dedication as a father but also the unique, often amusing, challenges of parenting while holding the highest office in the nation. It also subtly underscores the theme of fairness and equal opportunity, even in a children’s game, showing how deeply ingrained these values are in American society.

Shifting his focus to his eldest daughter, Malia, the former president uses a less common but profoundly descriptive term: “buoyant.” This word choice perfectly encapsulates Malia’s spirited and optimistic disposition, a quality that allows her to navigate life with an inherent lightness and resilience. It suggests someone who rises above challenges, maintaining a positive outlook and an infectious enthusiasm for life. This buoyancy, Obama implies, is more than just cheerfulness; it’s a deep-seated inner strength that enables her to adapt, to find joy, and to remain engaged with the world around her, regardless of circumstances. It’s a remarkable trait for anyone, particularly for someone who has spent much of her formative years under the constant glare of the public spotlight.

Expanding on Malia’s character, Obama painted a picture of a vibrant, intellectually curious young woman. “She’s somebody who enjoys people, enjoys life, and enjoys conversation,” he said of the Harvard undergraduate. Her love for engagement and exploration is further underscored by another striking observation: “She’s never bored, which is a badass quality that can take you places.” This inability to be bored is not a passive trait but an active engagement with the world, a relentless curiosity that drives her to seek out new experiences, ideas, and connections. It suggests an innate drive to learn, to grow, and to find meaning in every interaction. Such a quality is invaluable, especially for a young woman embarking on her independent journey in a rapidly evolving world. It signifies a mind that is constantly stimulated and a spirit that is always open to discovery, making her a formidable and inspiring individual.

Beyond his daughters, Obama also expressed his constant awe for his wife of 28 years, Michelle Obama. While many are familiar with her prowess as a public speaker and her impactful initiatives, the former president offered a more personal, equally impressive, insight into her tenacity. “I think people know Michelle well enough to know how amazing she can be as a public speaker. They probably are less aware of what it’s like to work out with Michelle when she’s really in her groove,” he revealed. He added, “And sometimes that includes her boxing. You don’t want to get in the way when she’s working on a bag — including some kicks. There’s force there.” This vivid description paints a picture of Michelle’s incredible discipline and strength, both physical and mental. It speaks to a powerful inner drive that permeates all aspects of her life, from her public advocacy to her personal fitness. This unyielding “force” likely serves as an unspoken example to her daughters, fostering their own confidence and resilience.

In conclusion, Barack Obama’s reflections on Sasha and Malia offer a heartwarming glimpse into his role as a proud father, but also provide powerful lessons on character development. Sasha’s unwavering confidence, deeply rooted in her earliest convictions, and Malia’s remarkable buoyancy, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and joy for life, are not accidental traits. They are the product of attentive parenting, a secure family environment, and undoubtedly, the strong examples set by both Barack and Michelle Obama. These qualities serve as essential tools for navigating the complexities of the modern world, empowering them to pursue their paths with conviction and an optimistic spirit. As these “badass” young women continue to forge their own identities and make their mark, their father’s admiration underscores the timeless values of self-belief, resilience, and an unwavering engagement with the world.