‘Obama Claus’: Watch Former President Visit Children’s National Hospital With Bag of Toys

Former President Barack Obama showed up to Children’s National hospital in Washington, D.C. yesterday to spread holiday cheer, while sporting a Santa Claus hat and lugging a bag of gifts.

“As a dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation ― to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them and looking after them and listening to them and just there for them and holding their hand ― that’s the most important thing there is,” Obama said to a group of staffers at the hospital. “What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be all about.”

Obama also posted a message on Twitter thanking the clinic and kids “for humoring me as your stand-in Santa.”

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa. https://t.co/mFmYCVk7cr

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 19, 2018

The hospital also thanked him for the visit, saying it “put smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Thank you @BarackObama for making our patients’ day so much brighter. Your surprise warmed our hallways and put smiles on everyone’s faces! Our patients loved your company…and your gifts! https://t.co/bswxSrA4sQ ❤️ #HolidaysAtChildrens #ObamaAndKids pic.twitter.com/qii53UbSRS

— Children’s National ? (@childrenshealth) December 19, 2018

During a segment on Obama’s visit, MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell dubbed him “Obama Claus” and commended him for trying to spread “holiday cheer,” despite all the turmoil in Washington, D.C.

Watch Obama’s visit above, via MSNBC.

[image via screengrab]

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