Obama Stops Campaigning to be With Gravely Ill Grandmother

Barack Obama is taking a break from the campaign trail Thursday and Friday to be with his grandmother who is gravely ill. At this point she is in a very serious medical condition.

Obama was partially raised by his grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham who lives in Hawaii. Last week she had been in hospital but was able to be released late in the week, however her health has deteriorated in the last day. Her current situation is very serious and she could be facing the last days of her life. For that reason her grandson knew that it was time to be by her side. Associated Press reports:

"Sen. Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has always been one of the most important people in his life, along with his mother and his grandfather," Gibbs said. "Recently his grandmother has become ill and in the last few weeks her health has deteriorated to the point where her situation is very serious. It is for that reason that Sen. Obama has decided to change his schedule on Thursday and Friday so that he can see her and spend some time with her."

With the election just two weeks away it may prove a risky move to stop campaigning. When John McCain did the same because of the economic crisis he went down several points in the polls. His staff and family feel that his grandmother's health is more important than being on the campaign trail for Thursday and Friday. When Obama spoke at the Democratic presidential nomination he talked about Dunhall giving her credit for raising him.

"She's the one who taught me about hard work. She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me. And although she can no longer travel, I know that she's watching tonight, and that tonight is her night as well," he said.