Shanghaiist: News report on Obama's half-brother Mark Ndesandjo in Shenzhen, China

Brian

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:16:03 +0800

This is BIG news because his brother has a business in Chinese exports, he's been living in China for 6 years and is married to a Chinese woman. Of course he is going to be politically motivated! Many people (possibly Chinese agents) will pressure him every day to talk to Obama while the media downplays their relationship. I have a half-brother myself and even though we don't speak often, we are just like real brothers. The same is true with these two guys who share many of the same experiences in life. He is not an obscure relative by any means.

Maestro

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:19:28 +0800

Cynical? Maybe. But Thomas is right; unfortunately it's something that often needs to be included in political stories.

ThomasCrampton

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:20:56 +0800

@taihanasie Am I cynical? Perhaps, though I would prefer to call it realistic. From years of covering politics and politicians in elections (and dictatorships) around the world, I have always learned it is safest to assume the worst. As deep throat told Woodward and Bernstein: To understand politics: "Follow the money." Apologies if that seems cynical.

taihanasie

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:13:25 +0800

I find the comment by Crampton that is highlighted here to be a bit cynical. Why should the half-brother be motivated by political gain? By saying the half-brother is not motivated by gain, the unspoken assumption is that relatives of politicians will typically find a way to capitalise on the notoriety of their relative.