This is why Sasha Obama missed her father’s farewell speech as US president

The Internet didn’t fail to notice that at the 44th US President’s farewell speech in Chicago, one member of the family was missing: their younger daughter, Sasha.

Barack Obama’s eyes welled up as the outgoing 44th US President delivered his farewell speech in Chicago. He thanked his ‘best friend’ -- his wife “Michelle LaVaughn Robinson of the South Side” -- and then, spoke of his pride in their two daughters, Malia and Sasha

As President Barack Obama gave his presidential farewell address in Chicago, one member of the family was missing: their younger daughter, Sasha. (AP)

“You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily,” said Obama, “Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad.”

At the close of his speech, his family joined him on stage and waved to the crowds, but the Internet did not fail to notice that one member of the family was missing: Obamas’ younger daughter, Sasha.

What could be more important than witnessing her father’s farewell words? The Internet came alive with speculation:

In an earlier interaction with Oprah Winfrey, First Lady Michelle Obama had mentioned that “my first job was to make sure they were going to be whole and normal and cared for in the midst of all this craziness”.

The Obamas clearly wanted their kids to have a settled childhood, with academic commitments taking priority over anything else. In March, Obama announced that he and his family will stay in Washington for a couple of years after his presidency so that Sasha can finish high school, marking a departure from presidential custom.

“Transferring someone in the middle of high school,” the president said. “Tough.”