Obama to stay in Washington for few more years

Obama waves as he walks with first lady Michelle (right) and their daughters Malia (left) and Sasha. PHOTO: REUTERS

MILWAUKEE (AFP) - Barack Obama said on Thursday that his family will stay in Washington for a few years beyond the end of his presidency, until his youngest daughter finishes high school.

Although the 44th president is not known for his love of the US capital, Obama said it was a case of needs must.

"Hawaii is home for me," Obama said at a lunch with letter writers, adding that Chicago, not far from where the meeting took place, also felt like home.

"I spent almost 30 years in Chicago," he said, noting it was also Michelle Obama's hometown.

Obama indicated that it was not clear where they would move after his presidency ends in January 2017.

"We haven't figured that out yet," he said. "We're going to have to stay a couple of years so Sasha can finish" school, he said.

"Transferring someone in the middle of high school - tough."

Obama's oldest daughter Malia is expected to go to university this autumn.

Sasha currently attends Sidwell Friends School, a private school in north-west Washington.

Obama is likely to spend at least a bit of his post-presidency writing his memoirs, beyond that he has not revealed his plans.

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