Then their father ran for president. On Monday, the college-bound teens watched their mother give her first national speech from seats far across the meeting hall. The tension between the right to privacy and the public's expectations to see not only the candidate but the candidate's family has existed for years.
Political leaders say it is difficult to balance family responsibilities and public duties.
On the campaign trail, Bush tells supporters that his family comes first. But, he adds he is not unaware of the conflict between being a candidate and being a father. It is one area where both parties agree, especially where minor children are involved. Though the circumstances usually are far less charged, the parental instinct to protect seems strong for many politicians. Among the Bush, Cheney and Gore families, there are seven daughters and a son.