23rd September 2009 - President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle came close to splitting up as he tried to build his political career, according to a new book.
Left alone for long periods as her husband pursued his political ambitions, Michelle considered walking out of the marriage after eight years, it is claimed.
But fears that daughter Sasha had the life-threatening illness spinal meningitis brought the couple back together.
According to author Christopher Anderson, the illness in 2001 helped forge a new bond between the couple.
Anderson's book 'Barack and Michelle: Portrait of an American Marriage' suggests a troubled union as Mr Obama attempted to make his way in Chicago politics.
Michelle, 48, is quoted as telling her husband: 'You only think about yourself.
