In his exclusive interview with TODAY’s Ann Curry, President Barack Obama admits that there are times when he questions whether he would like to seek re-election after the intensity of his inaugural term.
“I’m sure there are days where I say that one term is enough,’’ Obama said. “What keeps me going is a belief that the work that we started in 2009 is not yet complete.’’
The president also talked about how his family felt about his upcoming re-election bid after nearly four years of being under a microscope in the White House, saying that if the first lady “didn’t think that what we’re doing is worthwhile in moving the country forward, I think she’d be the first one to say do something else less stressful.”
Not only have his wife and daughters adjusted to the scrutiny, the girls have surprised their father with their growth.
“The girls seem to be thriving,’’ he said. “They continue to surprise me with how poised, well-mannered [and] kind they are turning out, even in the hothouse environment of the White House.’’
If Obama decided for any reason not to pursue a second term, his family would not be disappointed, he said.
“Michelle and the kids are wonderful in that if I said, ‘You know what guys, I want to do something different,’ they would be fine,’’ he said. “They’re not invested in daddy being president or my husband being president ... If family is doing well and Michelle is still putting up with me, then I’ve got enough energy to keep doing the work that I’m doing.’’
The president also spoke about his most recent visit with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the Arizona congresswoman who was shot in the head by crazed gunman Jared Loughner at a community event in Tucson on Jan. 8.
“She’s still got some recovery to do, but what an incredible spirit she is,’’ he said. “It’s a genuine miracle to see where she was a few months ago and where she is now.’’