U.S. President Barack Obama is celebrating his 50th birthday with friends and family, the White House said on Thursday. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said during a regular briefing that the president, who turns 50 on Thursday, will be toasted by senior staff at the White House later in the day, and he will have a "birthday gathering with friends and family this evening." Obama was born on Aug. 4, 1961, and he is turning 50 Thursday. Some friends and family are coming to celebrate his birthday from hometown Chicago. According to the White House, his mother in law Marian Robbinson and family friend Kaye Willington flew in with him Wednesday night aboard Air Force One from Chicago. Days after solving the debt ceiling crisis, the Obama campaign has been using his birthday to garner support. He went back to Chicago Wednesday for a couple of birthday-themed fundraisers. First Lady Michelle also sent out a message to supporters Thursday asking them to sign a birthday card, contents of which would be used for "a book that tells the story of the campaign."