Malia and Sasha Obama to make an appearance

U.S. President Barack Obama and his daughters Malia (L) and Sasha, watch on television as FirstL ady Michelle Obama takes the stage to deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention, in the Treaty Room of the White House in Washington, Sept. 4.  (REUTERS/White House/Pete Souza)

Malia and Sasha Obama will be coming on stage tonight, a rare live appearance for the two girls who are often talked about, but are kept at arms-legnth from the day-to-day activities of the campaign.

The New York Times looks at what role the girls have played in the 2012 race.

"The first couple clearly choose the stories they tell about their daughters carefully. The anecdotes are rarely about the celebrities the girls meet or their glamorous trips on Air Force One.

If Malia and Sasha have felt anxiety or distress about the scrutiny and security they live with, the Obamas do not say so.

Instead, the president and the first lady share upbeat anecdotes that reflect the rhythms of an ordinary American family: the end-of-season basketball tournament that Sasha’s team won, her discovery that she liked tomatoes, the girls’ enthusiasm for the television show 'Modern Family.'"

J. J. Abrams, the Hollywood writer-director and Obama donor, describes the girls as a "mystery."

"But they’re authentic, and we’re starving for that," he says.

According to the article, the girls follow a disciplined life. No TV or computer for anything but homework during the week, they have to do two sports, write reports on trips (even if the school doesn't assign them), and Malia must learn to do her own laundry before she leaves for college.