Barack Obama: Difference between revisions

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			SHOULD NOT WIN THE PRESIDENCY!
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	{{Infobox Senator<!-- please do not edit infobox; it is now correct -->
	\| name = Barack Obama<!-- PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THIS NAME; SEE TALK ARCHIVES - In Misplaced Pages, the intro paragraph usually has the full legal name while the info box has the name as the person is commonly known or as they sign it. See Bill Clinton for an example. -->
	\| image name = ObamaBarack.jpg
	\| jr/sr = Junior Senator
	\| state = ]<!-- please leave this alone -->
	\| term_start = ] ]
	\| alongside = Richard Durbin
	\| preceded = ]
	\| state_senate2 = Illinois\| district2 = 13{{th}}
	\| term_start2 = ], ]
	\| term_end2 = ], ]
	\| preceded2 = ]
	\| succeeded2 = ]
	\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1961\|08\|4}}
	\| birth_place = ], U.S.
	\| nationality = ]
	\| party = ]
	\| spouse = ] (m. 1992)
	\| children = Malia Ann (b. 1998),<br />Natasha ("Sasha") (b. 2001)
	\| residence=(]), ]
	\| alma_mater = ], <br />],<br /> ]
	\| profession = ]
	\| religion = ]: (])
	\| signature = Barack Obama signature.svg
	\| website = }}
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	'''Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.''' (born ] ]) is the junior ] from ] and ] candidate for the ] nomination in the ]. He married in 1992 and has two daughters. Obama has written two books: a memoir of his youth titled '']'', and a personal commentary on U.S. politics titled '']''.

	Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, he passed most of his childhood and adolescent years in ], ]. At age six, he moved to ], where he lived with his mother and Indonesian stepfather for four years. A graduate of ] and ], Obama worked as a community organizer, university lecturer, and lawyer before serving in the ] from 1997 to 2004.

	Following an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the ] in 2000, he announced his campaign for U.S. Senate in January 2003. After winning a landslide primary victory in March 2004 to become the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Obama delivered the keynote address at the ] in July 2004. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2004 with 70% of the vote.

	As a member of the Democratic minority in the ], he cosponsored legislation to control ] and to promote greater public accountability in the use of federal funds. He also made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In the current ], he has sponsored legislation regarding ] and ], ], ], and care for returned U.S. military personnel. Since announcing his presidential campaign in February 2007, Obama has emphasized ending the war in Iraq, increasing ], and providing ] as top national priorities.

	==Early life and career==
	{{main\|Early life and career of Barack Obama}}
	Obama was born on ] ], in ], ], to ], of Nyangoma-Kogelo, ], ], and ], of ], ].<ref name=Barry>{{cite news \| first=Kirsten \| last=Scharnberg \| coauthors=Kim Barker \| title=The Not-So-Simple Story of Barack Obama's Youth \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-070325obama-youth-story,0,5069625.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} {{cite web \| title=Meet Barack \| url=http://www.barackobama.com/about/ \| publisher=BarackObama.com \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: Obama (1995), Chapter 1.</ref> His parents met while both were attending the ], where his father was enrolled as a foreign student.<ref>Obama (1995), pp. 9–10. For book excerpts, see {{cite news \| title=Barack Obama: Creation of Tales\|date=] ] \| url=http://www.nationmedia.com/EastAfrican/01112004/Features/PA2-2212.html \| work=East African \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> They separated when he was two years old and later divorced.<ref>Obama (1995), pp. 125–126. See also: {{cite news \| first=Tim \| last=Jones \| title=Obama's Mom: Not Just a Girl from Kansas \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0703270151mar27,1,3372079.story?coll=chi-news-hed \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> After her divorce, Dunham married Lolo Soetoro, and the family moved to Soetoro's home country of ] in 1967, where Obama attended local schools in ] until he was ten years old.<ref name=Barry /> He then returned to Honolulu to live with his mother's family while attending ] from the fifth grade until his graduation in 1979.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Peter \| last=Serafin \| title=Punahou Grad Stirs Up Illinois Politics \| date=] ] \| url=http://starbulletin.com/2004/03/21/news/story4.html \| work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: Obama (1995), Chapters 3 and 4.</ref> Following high school, Obama moved to ], where he studied at ] for two years.<ref>{{cite web \| title=Oxy Remembers "Barry" Obama '83 \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.oxy.edu/x2526.xml \| publisher=Occidental College \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> He then transferred to ] in ], where he majored in ] with a specialization in ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=Shira \| last=Boss-Bicak \| title=Barack Obama ’83: Is He the New Face of The Democratic Party? \| date=January 2005 \| url=http://www.college.columbia.edu/cct/jan05/cover.php \| work=Columbia College Today\|accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

	Obama graduated with a ] from Columbia in 1983, then worked at ] and ] before moving to ] in 1985 to take a job as a community organizer.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Janny \| last=Scott \| title=Obama's Account of New York Years Often Differs from What Others Say \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} {{cite news \| first=Bob \| last=Secter \| coauthors=John McCormick \| title=Portrait of a Pragmatist \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0703300121mar30,1,282774.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} </ref><ref name=NRLizza>{{cite news \| first=Ryan \| last=Lizza \| title=The Agitator: Barack Obama's Unlikely Political Education \| format=alternate link \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.pickensdemocrats.org/info/TheAgitator_070319.htm \| work =New Republic \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} Obama (1995), pp. 135–139.</ref> He entered ] in 1988.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Michael \| last=Levenson \| coauthors= Jonathan Saltzman \| title=At Harvard Law, a Unifying Voice \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/01/28/at_harvard_law_a_unifying_voice/?page=full \| work=Boston Globe \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: {{cite news \| first=John \| last=Heilemann \| title=When They Were Young \| date=] ] \| url=http://nymag.com/news/features/39321/ \| work=The New York Magazine \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> His election in 1990 as the first black president of the '']'' was widely reported.<ref>{{cite news \|author=Butterfield, Fox \|title=First black elected to head Harvard's Law Review \|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE2DC1631F935A35751C0A966958260 \|work=The New York Times \|page=A20 \|date=February 6, 1990 \|accessdate=2008-05-02}} {{cite news \|author=Ybarra, Michael J. \|title=Activist in Chicago now heads Harvard Law Review \|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/28797353.html?dids=28797353:28797353&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \|format=paid archive \|work=Chicago Tribune \|page=3 \|date=February 7, 1990 \|accessdate=2008-05-02}} {{cite news \|author=Matchan, Linda \|title=A Law Review breakthrough \|url=http://search.boston.com/local/Search.do?s.sm.query=&s.author=Linda+Matchan&s.tab=globe&s.si%28simplesearchinput%29.sortBy=-articleprintpublicationdate&docType=&date=&s.startDate=1990-02-15&s.endDate=1990-02-15 \|format=paid archive \|work=The Boston Globe \|page=29 \|date=February 15, 1990 \|accessdate=2008-05-02}} {{cite news \|author=Corr, John \|title=From mean streets to hallowed halls \|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&p_theme=pi&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_trackval=PI&s_search_type=customized&s_dispstring=Author(John%20Corr)%20AND%20date(02/27/1990%20to%2002/27/1990)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=02/27/1990%20to%2002/27/1990)&p_field_advanced-0=Author&p_text_advanced-0=(John%20Corr)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes \|format=paid archive \|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer \|page=C01 \|date=February 27, 1990 \|accessdate=2008-05-02}} {{cite news \|author=Drummond, Tammerlin \|title=Barack Obama's Law; Harvard Law Review's first black president plans a life of public service \|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/60017156.html?dids=60017156:60017156&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \|format=paid archive \|work=Los Angeles Times \|page=E1 \|date=March 12, 1990 \|accessdate=2008-05-02}} {{cite news \|author=Pugh, Allison J. (Associated Press) \|title=Law Review's first black president aims to help poor \|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&p_theme=realcities2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_site=miami&s_trackval=MH&s_dispstring=Title(Law%20Review's%20first%20black%20president%20aims%20to%20help%20poor)%20AND%20date(04/18/1990%20to%2004/18/1990)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=04/18/1990%20to%2004/18/1990)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Law%20Review's%20first%20black%20president%20aims%20to%20help%20poor)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes \|format=paid archive \|work=The Miami Herald \|page=C01 \|date=April 18, 1990 \|accessdate=2008-05-02}} See also: {{cite news \|author=Kantor, Jodi \|title=In law school, Obama found political voice \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/us/politics/28obama.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all \|work=The New York Times \|page=1 \|date=January 28, 2007 \|accessdate=2008-05-02}} Mendell (2007), pp. 80–92.</ref> Obama graduated with a ] ''magna cum laude'' from Harvard in 1991, then returned to Chicago where he headed a voter registration drive and began writing his first book, '']'', a memoir published in 1995.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Marie C \| last=Kodama \| title=Obama Left Mark on HLS \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=516664 \| work=Harvard Crimson \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: Obama (1995), p. xiii and {{cite news \| first=Gretchen \| last=Reynolds \| title=Vote of Confidence \| date=January ] \| url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-1993/Vote-of-Confidence/ \| work=Chicago Magazine \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

	Between 1993 and 2002, Obama served on the board the Woods Fund of Chicago, a philanthropic organization providing grants to Chicago's disadvantaged people and communities.<ref name="woods">{{cite web \| url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080519/berman \| title=Obama Under the Weather \| publisher=] \| accessdate=2008-05-05 \|last=Barman \| first=Ari \| date=], ]}}</ref> In 1999 he was joined on the board by ], who had previously hosted a fundraiser for Obama in 1996.<ref name="woods" /> This association would later draw scrutiny during Obama's ].<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24196396/ \| title=Ex-radical Ayers in eye of campaign storm \| publisher=MSNBC \| accessdate=2008-05-05 \| last=Curry \| first=Tom \| date=], ]}}</ref>

	Obama taught constitutional law part-time at the ] from 1993 until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2004.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Abdon M \| last=Pallasch \| title=Professor Obama was a Listener, Students Say \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/253391,CST-NWS-prof12.article \| work=Chicago Sun-Times \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

	Obama worked as an ] with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland from 1993 to 2002. After 1996, he worked at the firm only during the summer, when the Illinois Senate was not in session.<ref name="legal career">{{cite news \| title=Law Graduate Obama Got His Start in Civil Rights Practice \| date=] ] \| publisher=''International Herald Tribune'' \| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/20/america/NA-POL-US-Obama-Attorney-at-Law.php \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-01-04}}</ref> Obama worked on cases where the firm represented community organizers, pursued ] claims, and on ] cases. He also spent time on real estate transactions, filing incorporation papers and defending clients against minor lawsuits.<ref name="lawyer days"/> Mostly he drew up briefs, contracts, and other legal documents as a junior associate on legal teams.<ref name="lawyer days">{{cite news \| url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-obamalegal6apr06,0,6774732,full.story \| title=Obama's lawyer days: brief and not all civil rights \| first=Dan \| last=Moran \| publisher=Los Angeles Times \| date=2008-04-08 \| accessdate=2008-04-15}}</ref> Obama also did some work on taxpayer-supported building rehabilitation loans for Rezmar Corp.,<ref>{{cite news \| title=Obama and his Rezko ties \| date=] ] \| publisher=''Chicago Sun-Times'' \| url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-03-30}}</ref> half-owned by ], who later raised approximately $250,000 for Obama's various political campaigns.<ref>{{cite news \|author=Staff writer \|title=Obama: Rezko Raised Up to $250K \|url=http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/03/14/1367529-obama-rezko-raised-up-to-250k\|work=] \|publisher=] \|date=2008-03-14 \|accessdate=2008-04-22}}</ref> In October 2006, Rezko was indicted for political corruption charges and the case was brought to trial in March 2008.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,335592,00.html \| title=Courtroom Wire: Notes From Tony Rezko's Corruption Trial \| publisher=FOXNews \| first=Marla \| lasr=Cichowski \| date=], ] \| accessdate=2008-04-15}}</ref> Obama has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24122886/ \| title=Witness: Obama attended Rezko party \| publisher=MSNBC.com \| accessdate=2008-04-15 \| work=Associated Press \| date=], ]}}</ref>

	==State legislature==
	{{main\|Illinois Senate career of Barack Obama}}

	Obama was elected to the ] in 1996 from the 13th District, which then spanned Chicago ] neighborhoods from ]-] south to ] and west to ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=David \| last=Jackson \| coauthors= Ray Long \| title=Obama Knows His Way Around a Ballot \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070403obama-ballot,1,57567.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}
	{{cite book \|author=] \|year=2001 \|chapter=Legislative Districts of Cook County, 1991 Reapportionment \|chapterurl=http://www.sos.state.il.us/publications/02bluebook/legislative_branch/legdistrictmaps.pdf \|title=Illinois Blue Book 2001-2002 \|location=Springfield \|publisher=] \|pages=p. 65}}State Sen. District 13 = State Rep. Districts 25 & 26.</ref> Once elected, Obama gained bipartisan support for legislation reforming ethics and health care laws.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Peter \| last=Slevin \| title=Obama Forged Political Mettle in Illinois Capitol \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/08/AR2007020802262.html \| work=Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} {{cite news \| first=Scott \| last=Helman \| title=In Illinois, Obama Dealt with Lobbyists \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/09/23/in_illinois_obama_dealt_with_lobbyists/ \| work=Boston Globe \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news \| title=Obama Record May Be Gold Mine for Critics \| date=] ] \| publisher=CBS News \| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} {{cite news \| title=In-Depth Look at Obama's Political Career \| date=], ] \| publisher=Chicago Tribune \| url=http://video.chicagotribune.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?clipid1=1226539 \| work=CLTV \| format=video \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> He sponsored a law increasing ]s for low-income workers, negotiated welfare reform, and promoted increased subsidies for childcare.<ref name=Scott20070730>{{cite news \| first=Janny \| last=Scott \| title=In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Rick \| last=Pearson \| coauthors=Ray Long \| title=Careful Steps, Looking Ahead \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0705030101may03,1,7439904.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> Obama also led the passage of legislation mandating videotaping of homicide interrogations, and a law to monitor ] by requiring police to record the race of drivers they detained.<ref name=Scott20070730 />

	Obama was reelected to the Illinois Senate in 1998, and again in 2002.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html \|title=13th District: Barack Obama \| format=archive \| accessdate=2008-04-20 \| date=] ] \| publisher=Illinois State Senate Democrats \| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20000824102110/http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html \|archivedate=2000-04-12 }} {{cite web \| url=http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html \| title=13th District: Barack Obama \| format=archive \| accessdate=2008-04-20 \|date=] ] \| publisher=Illinois State Senate Democrats \| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20040802233730/http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html \| archivedate=2004-08-02}}</ref> In 2000, he lost a Democratic primary run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000 to four-term incumbent ] by a margin of two to one.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2000/ilh.htm \| title=Federal Elections 2000: U.S. House Results - Illinois \| publisher=] \| accessdate=2008-04-24}}. See also: {{cite web\|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14502364\|title=Obama's Loss May Have Aided White House Bid}} and {{cite news \| first=Janny \| last=Scott \| title=A Streetwise Veteran Schooled Young Obama \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref><ref name=McClelland20070212> {{cite news \| first=Edward \| last=McClelland \| title=How Obama Learned to Be a Natural \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/02/12/obama_natural/ \| work =Salon \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Richard \| last=Wolffe \| coauthors= Daren Briscoe \| title=Across the Divide \| date=] ] \| publisher=MSNBC \| url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/33156 \| work=Newsweek \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} {{cite news \| first=Scott \| last=Helman \| title=Early Defeat Launched a Rapid Political Climb \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/12/early_defeat_launched_a_rapid_political_climb/ \| work=Boston Globe \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} and {{cite web\|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-10-24-3157940059_x.htm\|title=Obama learned from failed Congress run}}</ref>

	In January 2003, Obama became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee when Democrats, after a decade in the minority, regained a majority.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jackie \| last=Calmes \| title=Statehouse Yields Clues to Obama \| date=] ] \| url=http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB117219748197216894-Sn6oV_4KLQHp_xz7CjYLuyjv3Jg_20070324.html \| work=Wall Street Journal \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> During his 2004 general election campaign for U.S. Senate, police representatives credited Obama for his active engagement with police organizations in enacting ] reforms.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Sam \| last=Youngman \| coauthors=Aaron Blake \| title=Obama's Crime Votes Are Fodder for Rivals \| date=] ] \| url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obamas-crime-votes-are-fodder-for-rivals-2007-03-13.html \| work=The Hill \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news \| title=US Presidential Candidate Obama Cites Work on State Death Penalty Reforms \| date=] ] \| publisher=International Herald Tribune \| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/12/america/NA-POL-US-Obama-Death-Penalty.php \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> He was criticized by rival ] candidates in the Democratic primary and by his Republican ] opponent in the general election for a series of "present" or "no" votes on ] and ] issues.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Eric \| last=Zorn \| title=Disparagement of Obama Votes Doesn't Hold Up \| archiveurl=http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2007/12/disparagement-o.html \| archivedate=2007-12-20 \| date=] ] \| url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/573751701.html?dids=573751701:573751701&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}{{cite news \| title=Keyes Assails Obama's Abortion Views \| date=] ] \| publisher=MSNBC \| url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5654128/ \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Sam \| last=Youngman \| title=Abortion Foes Target Obama Because of His Vote Record on Illinois Legislation \| date=] ] \| url=http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/abortion-foes-target-obama-because-of-his-vote-record-on-illinois-legislation-2007-02-15.html \| work=The Hill \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> Obama resigned from the Illinois Senate in November 2004 following his election to the US Senate.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Melanie \| last=Coffee \| title=Attorney Chosen to Fill Obama's State Senate Seat \| date=] ] \| publisher=HPKCC \| url=http://www.hydepark.org/hpkccnews/raoul.htm#ap \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref>

	==Senate campaign==
	{{seealso\|United States Senate election in Illinois, 2004}}
	In mid-2002, Obama began considering a run for the U.S. Senate, enlisting political strategist ] that fall and formally announcing his candidacy in January 2003.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Scott \| last=Helman \| title=Early Defeat Launched a Rapid Political Climb \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/12/early_defeat_launched_a_rapid_political_climb/ \| work=Boston Globe \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Decisions by Republican incumbent ] and his Democratic predecessor ] not to contest the race launched wide-open Democratic and Republican primary contests involving fifteen candidates.<ref>{{cite news \| last=Davey \| first=Monica \| title=Closely Watched Illinois Senate Race Attracts 7 Candidates in Millionaire Range \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/07/politics/campaign/07ILLI.html \| work=The New York Times \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> In early opinion polls leading up to the Democratic primary, Obama trailed multimillionaire businessman ] and Illinois Comptroller ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=David \| last=Mendell \| title=Obama Routs Democratic Foes; Ryan Tops Crowded GOP Field \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/chi-0403170332mar17,1,1737252.story?coll=chi-news-hed \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> However, Hull's popularity declined following reports of his ex-wife's allegations of domestic abuse.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Christopher \| last=Hayes \| title=Check Bounce \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chrishayes.org/articles/check-bounce/ \| format=alternate link \| work=TNR Online \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Obama's candidacy was boosted by Axelrod's advertising campaign featuring images of the late Chicago Mayor ] and an endorsement by the daughter of the late ], former U.S. Senator for Illinois.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Ben \| last=Wallace-Wells \| title=Obama's Narrator \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/magazine/01axelrod.t.html \| work=] \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> He received over 52% of the vote in the March 2004 primary, emerging 29% ahead of his nearest Democratic rival.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Monica \| last=Davey \| title=From Crowded Field, Democrats Choose State Legislator to Seek Senate Seat \| date=] ] \| url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9400E4D61431F934A25750C0A9629C8B63 \| work =New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: {{cite news \| first=John S \| last=Jackson \| title=The Making of a Senator: Barack Obama and the 2004 Illinois Senate Race \| date=August 2006 \| publisher=Southern Illinois University \| url=http://www.siu.edu/~ppi/PDF/papers/Obama.pdf \| work=Occasional Paper of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

	Obama's opponent in the general election was expected to be Republican primary winner ]. However, Ryan withdrew from the race in June 2004, following disclosure of divorce records containing politically embarrassing charges by his ex-wife, actress ].<ref>{{cite news \| title=Ryan Drops Out of Senate Race in Illinois \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/25/il.ryan/ \| work=CNN \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> In August 2004, with less than three months to go before election day, ] accepted the Illinois Republican Party's nomination to replace Ryan.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Maura Kelly \| last=Lannan \| title=Alan Keyes Enters U.S. Senate Race in Illinois Against Rising Democratic Star \| date=], ] \| publisher=Union-Tribune (San Diego) \| url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20040809-0849-illinoissenate.html \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> A long-time resident of Maryland, Keyes established legal residency in Illinois with the nomination.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Ford \| last=Liam \| coauthors= David Mendell \| title=Keyes Sets Up House in Cal City \| date=], ] \| url =http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/chi-0408130201aug13,1,7640082.story \| work =Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Through three televised debates, Obama and Keyes expressed opposing views on stem cell research, abortion, gun control, school vouchers, and tax cuts.<ref>For debate transcripts and video, see ''Alan Keyes Archives'': {{cite web \| url=http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=367 \| title=Alan Keyes and Barack Obama Debate, Hosted by Illinois Radio Network \| date=] ]}} {{cite web \| url=http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=370 \|title=U.S. Senate Debate Sponsored by the League of Women Voters in Illinois \| date=] ]}} {{cite web \| url=http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=373 \| title=Debate Sponsored by WTTW and the City Club of Chicago \|accessdate=2008-04-13 \|date=] ]}}</ref> In the November 2004 general election, Obama received 70% of the vote to Keyes's 27%, the largest electoral victory in Illinois history.<ref>{{cite news \| title=America Votes 2004: U.S. Senate / Illinois \| url =http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/IL/S/01/index.html \| publisher=CNN \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} {{cite news \| first=Peter \| last=Slevin \| title=For Obama, a Handsome Payoff in Political Gambles \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/12/AR2007111201945.html \| work=The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

	In July 2004, he wrote and delivered the keynote address at the ] in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>For details about the speech's genesis and delivery, see: {{cite news \| first=Shira \| last=Boss-Bicak \| title=Barack Obama ’83: Is He the New Face of The Democratic Party? \| date=January 2005 \| url =http://www.college.columbia.edu/cct/jan05/cover.php \| work =Columbia College Today\| accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: {{cite news \| first=David \| last=Bernstein\| title=The Speech \| date=June 2007\| url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/June-2007/The-Speech/ \| work=Chicago Magazine\| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> After describing his maternal grandfather's experiences as a ] veteran and a beneficiary of the ] ] and ] programs, Obama spoke about changing the U.S. government's economic and social priorities. He questioned the Bush administration's management of the Iraq War and highlighted America's obligations to its soldiers. Drawing examples from U.S. history, he criticized heavily partisan views of the electorate and asked Americans to find unity in diversity, saying, "There is not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America."<ref>{{cite web \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| title=Keynote Address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention \| format=text or \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.barackobama.com/2004/07/27/keynote_address_at_the_2004_de.php \| publisher=BarackObama.com \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Broadcasts of the speech by major news organizations launched Obama's status as a national political figure and boosted his campaign for U.S. Senate.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Randal C \| last=Archibold \| title=The Illinois Candidate; Day After, Keynote Speaker Finds Admirers Everywhere \| date=] ] \| url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A03E7DB103DF93AA15754C0A9629C8B63 \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-13}} {{cite news \| first=Ronald \| last=Roach \| title=Obama Rising \| date=] ] \| publisher=DiverseEducation.com \| url=http://www.diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_4041.shtml \| work=Black Issues In Higher Education \| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

	==Senate career==
	{{main\|United States Senate career of Barack Obama}}
	Obama was sworn in as a senator on ] ].<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://obama.senate.gov/about/ \| title=About Barack Obama \| accessdate=2008-04-27 \| publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office}}</ref> Though a newcomer to Washington, he recruited a team of established, high-level advisers devoted to broad themes that exceeded the usual requirements of an incoming first-term senator.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Charles \| last=Babington \| coauthors=Shailagh Murray \| title=For Now, an Unofficial Rivalry \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/07/AR2006120701755.html \| work=Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news \| first=Mike \| last=Dorning \| title=Obama's Policy Team Loaded with All-Stars \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama_mon_nusep17,1,4819101,full.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He hired ], a 30-year veteran of national politics and former chief of staff to Senate Democratic Leader ], as his chief of staff, and economist ], former deputy chief of staff to Secretary of the Treasury ], as his policy director.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jodi \| last=Enda \| title=Great Expectations \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?articleId=10828 \| work=The American Prospect \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news \| first=Perry \| last=Bacon Jr. \| title=The Outsider's Insider \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/26/AR2007082601446.html \| work=Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He recruited ], author on human rights and genocide, and former Clinton administration officials ] and ] as foreign policy advisers.<ref>{{cite news \| first=James \| last=Traub \| title=Is (His) Biography (Our) Destiny? \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/magazine/04obama-t.html \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news \| first=Neil \| last=King \| title=Obama Tones Foreign-Policy Muscle \| date=] ] \| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118895877299317784.html \| work=Wall Street Journal \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news \| first=Lynn \| last=Sweet \| title=Obama Taps Influential Foreign Policy Experts \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/379187,CST-EDT-sweet10.article \| work=Chicago Sun-Times \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

	<!--

	The following sentence is a compromise that was reached at the talk page (see the archives). Please do not modify it without discussion.

	-->The Senate historian lists Obama as the fifth ] Senator in U.S. history, and the third to have been popularly elected.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/history/h_multi_sections_and_teasers/Photo_Exhibit_African_American_Senators.htm \| title=Breaking New Ground: African American Senators \| publisher=U.S. Senate Historical Office \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He is the only Senate member of the ].<ref>{{cite web \| title=Member Info \| url=http://www.house.gov/kilpatrick/cbc/member_info.html \| publisher=Congressional Black Caucus \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Jeff \| last=Zeleny \| title=When It Comes to Race, Obama Makes His Point—With Subtlety \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-050626obama-race,1,7205709.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> '']'', a nonpartisan publication, characterized him as a "loyal Democrat" based on analysis of all Senate votes in 2005–2007, and the '']'' ranked him as the "most liberal" senator based on an assessment of selected votes during 2007.<ref>{{cite news \| first=David \| last=Nather \| title=The Space Between Clinton and Obama \| date=] ] \| url=http://public.cq.com/docs/cqw/weeklyreport110-000002654703.html \| work=CQ Weekly \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Tom \| last=Curry \| title=What Obama's Senate Votes Reveal \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23276453/ \| work=MSNBC \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| url=http://nj.nationaljournal.com/voteratings\| title=Obama: Most Liberal Senator In 2007 \| work=National Journal \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Asked about the ''Journal'''s characterization of his voting record, Obama expressed doubts about the survey's methodology, blaming "old politics" labeling of political positions as "conservative" or "liberal" for creating predispositions that prevent problem-solving.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Obama Interview \| format=transcript \| date=] ] \| publisher=Politico \| url=http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=0B213312-3048-5C12-000E0262A76D6B18 \| work=WJLA-TV \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news \| first=] \| last=] \| title=Obama's Promise of a New Majority \| date=] ] \| publisher=also (published ]) \| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/23/america/liberal.php \| work=International Herald Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-30}}</ref>

	===Legislation===
	Obama took an active role in the Senate's drive for improved border security and immigration reform. In 2005, he cosponsored the "]" introduced by Republican ] of Arizona.<ref>{{cite web \| first=109th Congress, 1st Session \| last=U.S. Senate \| title=S. 1033, Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act \| date=] ] \| url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SN01033: \| publisher=Thomas \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He later added three amendments to the "]", which passed the Senate in May 2006, but failed to gain majority support in the House of Representatives.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Immigration Bill Divides House, Senate \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-09-22-immigration_x.htm \| work=USA Today \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite web \| url=http://obama.senate.gov/press/060525-obama_statement_on_senate_passage_of_immigration_reform_bill/index.html \| title=Obama Statement on Senate Passage of Immigration Reform Bill \| date=] ] \| publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> In September 2006, Obama supported a related bill, the ], authorizing construction of fencing and other security improvements along the ].<ref>{{cite news \| title=Latinos Upset Obama Voted for Border Fence \| date=] ] \| url=http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_324192245.html \| work=CBS 2 (Chicago) \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> President Bush signed the Secure Fence Act into law in October 2006, calling it "an important step toward immigration reform."<ref>{{cite web \| title=President Bush Signs Secure Fence Act \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061026.html \| publisher=White House \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

	]<ref>{{cite web \| title=President Bush Signs Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/09/20060926.html \| publisher=White House \| 2008-04-27}}</ref>]]

	Partnering with Republican Senators ] of Indiana and then ] of Oklahoma, Obama successfully introduced two initiatives bearing his name. "Lugar-Obama" expanded the ] concept to conventional weapons, including shoulder-fired missiles and anti-personnel mines.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://obama.senate.gov/press/070111-lugar-obama_non/ \| title=Lugar-Obama Nonproliferation Legislation Signed into Law by the President \| date=] ] \| publisher=Richard Lugar U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Richard G \| last=Lugar \| coauthors=Barack Obama \| title=Junkyard Dogs of War \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/02/AR2005120201509.html \| work=Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} The Lugar-Obama initiative subsequently received $48 million in funding. {{cite web \| url=http://lugar.senate.gov/press/record.cfm?id=278019 \| title=Obama, Lugar Secure Funding for Implementation of Nonproliferation Law \| publisher=Richard Lugar U.S. Senate Office \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> The "]" authorized the establishment of ''USAspending.gov'', a web search engine launched in December 2007 and run by the ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=John \| last=McCormack \| title=Google Government Gone Viral \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/502njiqx.asp \| work=Weekly Standard \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite web \| title=President Bush Signs Coburn-Obama Transparency Act \| date=] ] \| url=http://coburn.senate.gov/ffm/index.cfm?FuseAction=LegislativeFloorAction.Home&ContentRecord_id=eb582f19-802a-23ad-41db-7a7cb464cfdb \| publisher=Tom Coburn U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} The site provides the name and location of each entity receiving a Federal award, the funding agency, and the amount of the grant or contract. {{cite web \| title=About This Site \| url=http://www.usaspending.gov/aboutthissite.php \| publisher=USAspending.gov \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> After Illinois residents complained of waste water contamination by a neighboring nuclear plant, Obama sponsored legislation requiring plant owners to notify state and local authorities of radioactive leaks.<ref>{{cite news \|last=McIntire \|first=Mike \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/us/politics/03exelon.html \| title=Nuclear Leaks and Response Tested Obama in Senate \| date=] ] \|
	work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> A compromise version of the bill was subsequently blocked by partisan disputes and later reintroduced.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Michael \| last=Dobbs \| title=Obama's 'Backroom Deal'? \| date=] ] \| url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_backroom_deal.html \| work=Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> In December 2006, President Bush signed into law the "] Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act," marking the first federal legislation to be enacted with Obama as its primary sponsor.<ref>{{cite web \| title=Democratic Republic of the Congo \| date=April 2006 \| url=http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/drc0406.shtml \| publisher=United States Conference of Catholic Bishops \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite web \| title=The IRC Welcomes New U.S. Law on Congo \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.theirc.org/news/the-irc-welcomes-new-us-law.html \| publisher=International Rescue Committee \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

	In January 2007, Obama worked with Democrat ] of Wisconsin to eliminate gifts of travel on corporate jets by ] to members of Congress and require disclosure of ] under the "]," which was signed into law in September 2007.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Nathaniel \| last=Weixel \| title=Feingold, Obama Go After Corporate Jet Travel \| date=] ] \| url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/feingold-obama-go-after-corporate-jet-travel-2007-11-15.html \| work=The Hill \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news \| first=Nathaniel \| last=Weixel \| title=Lawmakers Press FEC on Bundling Regulation \| date=] ] \| url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/lawmakers-press-fec-on-bundling-regulation-2007-12-05.html \| work=The Hill \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news \| title=Federal Election Commission Announces Plans to Issue New Regulations to Implement the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 \| date=] ] \| publisher=Federal Election Commission \| url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2007/20070924travel.shtml \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He introduced ], a bill to criminalize deceptive practices in federal elections, including fraudulent flyers and automated phone calls, as witnessed in the 2006 midterm elections.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Seth \| last=Stern \| title=Obama-Schumer Bill Proposal Would Criminalize Voter Intimidation \| date=] ] \| publisher=The New York Times \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/01/31/cq_2213.html \| work=CQPolitics.com \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite web \| first=110th Congress, 1st Session \| last=U.S. Senate \| title=S. 453, Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 \| date=] ] \| url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN00453: \| publisher=Thomas \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news \| title=Honesty in Elections \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/opinion/31wed1.html \| work=The New York Times \| format=editorial \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Obama's energy initiatives scored pluses and minuses with environmentalists, who welcomed his sponsorship with McCain of a climate change bill to reduce ] emissions by two-thirds by 2050, but were skeptical of his support for a bill promoting ] production.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Hebert \| last=H. Josef \| title=Congress Begins Tackling Climate Issues \| date=] ] \| publisher=CBS News \| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/29/ap/politics/mainD8MV8LBG0.shtml \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news \| first=Elizabeth \| last=Williamson \| title=The Green Gripe With Obama: Liquefied Coal Is Still… Coal \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/09/AR2007010901503.html \| work=Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Obama also introduced the "]," a bill to cap troop levels in Iraq, begin phased redeployment, and remove all combat brigades from Iraq before April 2008.<ref>{{cite news \| first=E. Kasak \| last=Krystin \| title=Obama Introduces Measure to Bring Troops Home \|date=] ] \| publisher=The Times (Munster, Indiana) \| url =http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/02/07/news/illiana/doc65cc98d8dc6506b28625727b0011edb5.txt \| work=Medill News Service \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} "Latest Major Action: 1/30/2007 Referred to Senate committee." {{cite web \| first=110th Congress, 1st Session \| last=U.S. Senate \| title=S. 433, Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 \| date=] ] \| url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN00433: \| publisher=Thomas \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

	Later in 2007, Obama sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act adding safeguards for personality disorder military discharges, and calling for an official review following reports that the procedure had been used inappropriately to reduce government costs.<ref>{{cite web \| title=Obama, Bond Hail New Safeguards on Military Personality Disorder Discharges, Urge Further Action \| date=] ] \| url=http://bond.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=5C1EBFEB-1321-0E36-BA7D-04630AEFAD31 \| publisher=Kit Bond U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Philip \| last=Dine \| title=Bond Calls for Review of Military Discharges \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/special/srlinks.nsf/story/2E7CC823AD55667B862573A7007D12A2?OpenDocument \| work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He sponsored the "Iran Sanctions Enabling Act" supporting divestment of state pension funds from Iran's oil and gas industry, and joined Republican ] of Nebraska in introducing legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Adam \| last=Graham-Silverman \| title=Despite Flurry of Action in House, Congress Unlikely to Act Against Iran \| date=] ] \| url =http://public.cq.com/docs/cqt/news110-000002583189.html \| work=CQ Today \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref name=ObamaSchiff>{{cite web \| title=Obama, Schiff Provision to Create Nuclear Threat Reduction Plan Approved \| date=] ] \| url=http://obama.senate.gov/press/071220-obama_schiff_pr/ \| publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> A provision from the Obama-Hagel bill was passed by Congress in December 2007 as an amendment to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.<ref name=ObamaSchiff /> Obama also sponsored a Senate amendment to the ] providing one year of job protection for family members caring for soldiers with combat-related injuries.<ref>{{cite web \| title=Senate Passes Obama, McCaskill Legislation to Provide Safety Net for Families of Wounded Service Members \| date=] ] \| url=http://obama.senate.gov/press/070802-senate_passes_o_1/ \| publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> The legislation passed both houses of Congress with bipartisan majorities, but was blocked from becoming law by President Bush in October 2007.<ref>{{cite news \|first=David \|last=Stout \| title=Bush Vetoes Children's Health Bill \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/washington/03cnd-veto.html \|work=The New York Times \| date=2007-10-03 \|accessdate=2008-04-27 }} See also: {{cite news \| title=Reaction to Children's Health Veto \| url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/10/03/national/w143407D40.DTL \| work=Associated Press \| publisher=San Francisco Chronicle \|date=2007-10-03 \|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

	===Committees===
	]
	Obama held assignments on the Senate Committees for ], ] and ] through December 2006.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://web.archive.org/web/20061209190827/obama.senate.gov/committees/ \| format=archive \| date=2006-12-09 \| title=Committee Assignments \| accessdate=2008-04-27 \| publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office}}</ref> In January 2007, he left the Environment and Public Works committee and took additional assignments with ] and ].<ref>{{cite web \| title=Obama Gets New Committee Assignments \| date=] ] \| publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office \| url=http://obama.senate.gov/news/061115-obama_gets_new/ \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He also became Chairman of the Senate's subcommittee on ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=Tom \| last=Baldwin \| title=Stay-At-Home Barack Obama Comes Under Fire for a Lack of Foreign Experience \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3080794.ece \| work=Sunday Times (UK) \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

	As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama has made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In August 2005, he traveled to ], ], and ]. The trip focused on strategies to control the world's supply of conventional weapons, biological weapons, and weapons of mass destruction as a first defense against terrorist attacks.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Christina \| last=Larson \| title=Hoosier Daddy: What Rising Democratic Star Barack Obama Can Learn from an Old Lion of the GOP \| date=September 2006 \| url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0609.larson.html \| work=Washington Monthly \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Following meetings with U.S. military in ] and ] in January 2006, he visited ], ], and the ]. At a meeting with ] students two weeks before ] won the legislative election, Obama warned that "the U.S. will never recognize winning Hamas candidates unless the group renounces its fundamental mission to eliminate Israel."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Chuck \| last=Goudie \| title=Obama Meets with Arafat's Successor \| date=], ] \| url =http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=3806933 \| work=WJLS-TV \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He left for his third official trip in August 2006, traveling to ], ], ], ] and ]. In a speech at the ], he spoke about political corruption and ethnic rivalries.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Obama Slates Kenya for Fraud \| date=], ] \| url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_1989646,00.html \| work=News24.com \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> The speech touched off controversy among Kenyan leaders, some formally challenging Obama's remarks as unfair and improper, others defending his positions.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Chris \| last=Wamalwa \| title=Envoy Hits at Obama Over Graft Remark \| date=], ] \| url =http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143957666 \| work=The Standard (Nairobi) \| accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news \| first=Vincent \| last=Moracha \| coauthors=Mangoa Mosota \| title=Leaders Support Obama on Graft Claims \| date=], ] \| url=http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143957752 \| work=The Standard (Nairobi) \| accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

	==Presidential campaign==
	{{Future election candidate\|section\|Obama, Barack}}
	{{main\|Barack Obama presidential campaign, 2008}}
	], ]<ref>For other photos of this event, see: {{cite news \| url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157594528136270/show/ \| title=Presidential Campaign Announcement \| accessdate=2008-01-14 \|date=] ] \| format=photo gallery \| work=Barack Obama, Flickr}}</ref>]]

	In February 2007, standing before the ] building in ], Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States in the ].<ref name=BBC20070210>{{cite news \| title=Obama Launches Presidential Bid \| date=] ] \| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6349081.stm \| work=BBC News \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} at Brightcove.TV.</ref> Describing his working life in Illinois, and symbolically linking his presidential campaign to ] 1858 ] speech, Obama said: "That is why, in the shadow of the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln once called on a house divided to stand together, where common hopes and common dreams still live, I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America."<ref>{{cite news \| title=Presidential Campaign Announcement \| format=video \| date=] ] \| publisher=Brightcove.TV \| url=http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=494649996&channel=353512430 \| work=Obama for America \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Speaking at a ] (DNC) meeting one week before the February announcement, Obama called for putting an end to ].<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.democrats.org/a/2007/02/barack_obama.php \|title=Barack Obama at the DNC Winter 2007 Meeting \| format=video \| date=] ] \| work=Democratic National Committee \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} Full text from . Retrieved on ]. See also: {{cite news \| first=Paul \| last=Harris \| title=The Obama Revolution \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2005508,00.html \| work=Guardian Unlimited \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Since announcing his presidential campaign Obama has emphasized ending the ], increasing ], and providing ] as his top three priorities.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Barack Obama on the Issues: What Would Be Your Top Three Overall Priorities If Elected? \| url=http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/issues/candidates/barack-obama/#top-priorities \| work=Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-14}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Michael \| last=Falcone \| title=Obama's 'One Thing' \| date=] ] \| url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/obamas-one-thing/ \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-14}}</ref>

	Obama's campaign raised ]58 million during the first half of 2007, topping all other candidates and exceeding previous records for the first six months of any year before an election year.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jim \| last=Malone \| title=Obama Fundraising Suggests Close Race for Party Nomination \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-07-02-voa52.cfm \| work=Voice of America \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Small donors, those contributing in increments of less than $200, accounted for $16.4 million of Obama's record-breaking total, more than any other Democratic candidate.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jeanne \| last=Cummings \| title=Small Donors Rewrite Fundraising Handbook \| date=] ] \| url=http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=3ECB3515-3048-5C12-004D622CB6F4E214 \| work=Politico \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In the first month of 2008, his campaign brought in $36.8 million, the most ever raised in one month by a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Emily \| last=Cadei \| title=Obama Outshines Other Candidates in January Fundraising \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002674309 \| work=CQ Politics \| accessdate=2008-02-24}}</ref> Amidst concerns for his safety as the first black candidate seen as having a viable chance of being elected president, the U.S. government assigned ] protection to Obama 18 months before the general election.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Helen \| last=Kennedy \| title=Obama Gets Earliest-Ever Secret Service Detail \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/wn_report/2007/05/04/2007-05-04_raising_his_guard.html \| work=New York Daily News \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

	], ]]]

	With two months remaining before the first electoral contests in ] and ], and national opinion polls showing him trailing Sen. ], Obama began directly charging his top rival with failing to clearly state her political positions.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jay \| last=Newton-Small \| title=Obama (Sort of) Takes the Gloves Off \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1677121,00.html \| work=Time \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}<br />{{cite news \| first=Adam \| last=Nagourney \| coauthors=Jeff Zeleny \| title=Obama Rolls Out Aggressive Approach to Clinton's Campaign \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/10/28/america/obama.php \| work =International Herald Tribune \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Campaigning in Iowa, he told '']'' that as the Democratic nominee he would draw more support than Clinton from ] and Republican voters in the general election.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Dan \| last=Balz \| coauthors=Shailagh Murray \| title=On Campaign Bus, Obama Opens Up About Challengers \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/08/AR2007110802459.html \| work=The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Among the first four ] state contests, Obama won more delegates than Clinton in ], ] and ] while winning an equal number in ]; Clinton, however, won the popular vote in Nevada and New Hampshire.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#IA \| title=Election Center 2008: Primary Results for Iowa \| publisher=CNN \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-02-11}}<br />{{cite news \| url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#SC \| title=Election Center 2008: Primary Results for South Carolina \| publisher=CNN \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-02-11}}<br />{{cite news \| url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#NH \| title=Election Center 2008: Primary Results for New Hampshire \| publisher=CNN \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}<br />{{cite news \| url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#NV \| title=Election Center 2008: Primary Results for Nevada \| publisher=CNN \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-02-11}}</ref> His win in Iowa was boosted by majority support from a record turnout of voters under 30 years old, most of them first-time caucus goers, while blacks turned away from Clinton after perceived attempts by Clinton to label Obama as a racial candidate.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-what-wouldnt-clinton-do-to-secure-power-794923.html \| title=Johann Hari: What wouldn't Clinton do to secure power? \| work=The Independent \| author=Johann Hari \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18}} See also: {{cite news \| url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/epolls/#IADEM \| title=Entrance Polls: Iowa \| publisher=CNN \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18}} See also: {{cite news \| url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/1447135071.html?dids=1447135071:1447135071&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+16%2C+2008&author=MELANYE+T+PRICE&pub=Hartford+Courant&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=WHAT+OBAMA+MEANS \|format=paid archive \| title=What Obama Means \| work=Hartford Courant \| author=Melanye T. Price \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18}} See also: {{cite news \| first=James \| last=Montgomery \| coauthors=Kim Stolz \| title=Barack Obama, Mike Huckabee's Iowa Caucus Wins Are Largely Thanks To Young Voters \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579042/20080104/index.jhtml \| work=MTV \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Trailing Clinton nationally by 20% heading into the February ], he eliminated that lead and emerged with another 20 more delegates than Clinton.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_delegate_count.html \| title=2008 Democratic Delegates \| work=RealClearPolitics \| accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> He broke fundraising records in the first two months of 2008, raising more than $90 million for his primary campaign while Clinton raised $45 million in the same period.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-money7mar07,1,5383518.story \| title=Obama sets fundraising record with $55 million \| work=Los Angeles Times \| author=Dan Morain \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18}}</ref> After Super Tuesday, Obama won the eleven remaining February primaries and caucuses.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/make-that-11-for-obama/ \|title=Make That 11 for Obama \| author=Brian Knowlton \| work=The New York Times \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18}}</ref> He then won the ] and the caucus portion of ], but lost the ], ], and Texas primary elections to Clinton.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/index.html#val=20080304 \| title=Results: March 4 - Multi-State Events \| publisher=] \| date=2008-03-04 \| accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref>

	In March 2008, a ] broke out concerning Obama's 23-year relationship to his former pastor ].<ref name="Obama's Pastor">{{cite news \| url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788 \| title=Obama's Pastor: God Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11 \| author=Brian Ross \| coauthors=Rehab el-Buri\|publisher='']'' \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-17}} See also: {{cite news \| url=http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/03/for-the-record.html \| title=For The Record \| work=The Daily Dish \| publisher=''The Atlantic'' \|date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18 \| last=Sullivan \| first=Andrew}}</ref> ABC News found and excerpted racially and politically charged ] from sermons by Rev. Wright, including his assertion that the United States brought on the ] with its own "state terrorism" and his assertion that "he government lied about ] as a means of genocide against people of color."<ref name="Obama's Pastor" /><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/14/obamas-spiritual-adviser-questioned-us-role-in-spread-of-hiv-sept-11-attacks/ \| title=Obama’s Pastor’s Sermon: ‘God Damn America’ \| publisher=FOXNews \| author=Jeff Goldblatt \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref> Some of Wright's statements were widely criticized as anti-American.<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news \|first=Ken \|last=Dilanian \|title=Defenders say Wright has love, righteous anger for USA \|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-18-obamawright_N.htm \|work=] \|date=2008-03-18 \|accessdate=2008-04-02 }}</ref><ref name="adubato-msnbc">{{cite news\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23745283/\|title=Obama's reaction to Wright too little, too late\|publisher=MSNBC\|date=March 21, 2008\|author=Adubato, Steve}}</ref> Following negative media coverage and a drop in the polls,<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3591359.ece \| title=Polls show Barack Obama damaged by link to Reverend Jeremiah Wright \| date=], ] \| accessdate=2008-04-05 \| work=Times Online \| author=Reid, Tim}}</ref> Obama responded by condemning Wright's remarks, ending his relationship with the campaign,<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23634881/ \|title=Controversial minister leaves Obama campaign \| publisher=]\|date=2008-03-14\|accessdate=2008-04-28\|first=Alex\|last=Johnson}}</ref> and delivering a speech entitled "]" at the Constitution Center in ], ].<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0319/p25s01-uspo.html \| title=Remarks by Barack Obama: 'A More Perfect Union' \| author=Barack Obama \| work=The Christian Science Monitor \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18}}</ref> In the speech, Obama rejected some of Wright's comments, but refused to disown the man himself, noting his lifelong ministry to the poor and past service as a US Marine.<ref name="apracespeech">{{cite news \| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-confronts-racial-di_n_92064.html\|title=Obama confronts racial division\|date=], ]\|publisher=] \|author=Nedra Pickler, Matt Apuzzo \| accessdate=2008-04-19}} See also: {{cite news \|first=Peggy \|last=Noonan \|authorlink=Peggy Noonan \|title=A Thinking Man's Speech \|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120604775960652829.html?mod=googlenews_wsj \|work=The Wall Street Journal \|date=2008-03-21 \|accessdate=2008-04-11 }}</ref> The speech, which sought to place Wright's anger in a larger historical context, was well-received by many liberals and some conservatives,<ref name="apracespeech" /><ref name="kurtzspeechanalysis">{{cite news \|first=Howard \|last=Kurtz \|authorlink=Howard Kurtz \|title=Obama's Speech, Sliced and Diced \|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/20/AR2008032000964.html \|work=] \|date=2008-03-20 \|accessdate=2008-04-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Mr. Obama’s Profile in Courage \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/opinion/19wed1.html \|publisher=The New York Times \|date=2008-03-19 \|accessdate=2008-03-19}}</ref> but others, including various supporters of Hillary Clinton continued to question the implications of Obama's long relationship with Wright.<ref name="kurtzspeechanalysis" /><ref>{{cite news \|first=Bill \|last=Kristol \|authorlink=Bill Kristol \|title=Let's Not, and Say We Did \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/opinion/24kristol.html?em&ex=1206504000&en=116b0da3e79179f5&ei=5087%0A \|work=New York Times \|date=] \|accessdate=2008-03-25 }} See also: {{cite news \| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120770107738700007.html \| title=Obama's Minister Problem \| work=The Wall Street Journal \| accessdate=2008-04-12 \| last=Davis \| first=Lanny J. \| date=], ]}}</ref>

	On ], ] Obama lost the ] to Hillary Clinton.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Paul \|last=Steinhauser \|coauthors=Chris Welch \|title=Clinton wins Pennsylvania \|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/22/pa.primary/index.html \|publisher=] \|date=2008-04-23 \|accessdate=2008-04-24 }}</ref> On ], he won ] by a larger than expected 14&nbsppercent, and lost ] by a closer than expected 2 percent. These races were seen as Clinton's last chance to make a comeback in the nomination fight.<ref>{{cite news \| url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/07/political.analysis/index.html \| title= Analysis: As Obama nears finish line, can Clinton rebound in time? \| author=Alan Silverleib, Mark Preston \| publisher=] \| date=2008-05-07 \| accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> Obama continues to lead Clinton in the count of pledged delegates (1,584 to 1,413, according to a ] count by the ]).<ref name="delcount">{{cite news \| url=http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/delegates/index.html \|title=Democratic Delegate Counts \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> Clinton maintained a lead in superdelegates (271 to Obama's 256), resulting in an overall Obama delegate lead of 1,840 to 1,684.<ref name="delcount" /> He would need only 178 (40%) of the 440 remaining pledged and superdelegates to reach the 2,025 needed to win the nomination.<ref name="delcount" />

	==Political positions==
	{{see also\|Political positions of Barack Obama}}
	On the role of government in economic affairs, Obama has written: "We should be asking ourselves what mix of policies will lead to a dynamic ] and widespread economic security, entrepreneurial innovation and ] we should be guided by what works."<ref>Obama (2006), p. 159.</ref> Speaking before the ] in April 2005, he defended the New Deal social welfare policies of ], associating Republican proposals to establish private accounts for ] with ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=Ben A \| last=Franklin \| title=The Fifth Black Senator in U.S. History Makes F.D.R. His Icon \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonspectator.com/articles/20050601obama_1.cfm \| work =Washington Spectator \| accessdate = 2008-01-14 \| }}</ref> In the aftermath of ], Obama spoke out against government indifference to growing economic class divisions, calling on both political parties to take action to restore the ] for the poor.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jeff \| last=Zeleny \| title=Judicious Obama Turns Up Volume \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0509120140sep12,1,5984193.story?coll=chi-news-hed \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate = 2008-01-14}}</ref> Shortly before announcing his presidential campaign, Obama told the health care advocacy group ] that he supports universal healthcare in the United States.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Nedra \| last=Pickler \| title=Obama Calls for Universal Health Care within Six Years \| date=] ] \| publisher=Union-Tribune (San Diego) \| url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20070125-1240-democrats-healthcare.html \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} Obama's campaign published a detailed health care reform plan in May 2007. {{cite news \| first=Karen \| last=Tumulty \| title=Obama Channels Hillary on Health Care \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1626105,00.html \| work=Time \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} See also: {{cite web \| url=http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/ \| title=Creating a Healthcare System that Works \| accessdate=2008-01-14 \| publisher=BarackObama.com }}</ref>

	], ] on ] ]<ref>{{cite news \| title=Rally at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC \| format=video \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1155183011&channel=353512430 \| work=Obama for America \| publisher=Brightcove.TV \| accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref>]]

	Campaigning in New Hampshire, Obama announced an $18 billion plan for investments in early childhood education, math and science education, and expanded summer learning opportunities.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Shira \| last=Schoenberg \| title=Obama Shares School Plan \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/NEWS01/711210347/1043 \| work=Concord Monitor \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Obama's campaign distinguished his proposals to reward teachers for performance from traditional ] systems, assuring unions that changes would be pursued through the ] process.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Teddy \| last=Davis \| coauthors=Sunlen Miller \| title=Obama Bucks Party Line on Education \| date=] ] \| url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=3894699 \| publisher=ABC News \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

	At the ] in September 2007, he blamed ] for distorting the ].<ref>{{cite news \| title=A Speech On the Economy, Opportunity and Tax Policy with Senator Barack Obama \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/events/obama.cfm \| publisher=Tax Policy Center \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> His plan would eliminate taxes for senior citizens with incomes of less than $50,000 a year, repeal income tax cuts for those making over $250,000 as well as the capital gains and dividends tax cut,<ref>{{citenews \| title=Study:Bush tax cuts favor wealthy \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/16/politics/main636398.shtml \| publisher=CBS \| accessdate=2008-04-05}}</ref> close corporate tax loopholes, lift the $102,000 cap on Social Security taxes, restrict offshore ]s, and simplify filing of income tax returns by pre-filling wage and bank information already collected by the ].<ref>{{cite news \| title=Obama Tax Plan: $80 Billion in Cuts, Five-Minute Filings \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/18/obama.taxplan/ \| publisher=CNN \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Announcing his presidential campaign's energy plan in October 2007, Obama proposed a ] auction system to restrict carbon emissions and a 10 year program of investments in new energy sources to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jeff \| last=Zeleny \| title=Obama Proposes Capping Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Making Polluters Pay \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/us/politics/09obama.html \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Obama proposed that all pollution credits must be auctioned, with no ] of credits for oil and gas companies, and the spending of the revenue obtained on energy development and economic transition costs.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf\|title=The Blueprint for Change: Barack Obama's plan for America\|author=Barack Obama\|accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref>

	Obama was an early opponent of the Bush administration's policies on Iraq.<!--
	--><ref>{{cite news \|author=Strausberg, Chinta \|date=] ] \|work=] \|page=1 \|title=Opposition to war mounts \|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-220062931.html \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref> On ], ], the day ] and ] agreed on the ] authorizing the Iraq War,<!--
	--><ref>{{cite web \|author=] \|date=] ] \|title=President, House Leadership Agree on Iraq Resolution \|publisher=] \|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021002-7.html \|accessdate=2008-02-17}} {{cite news \|author=Tackett, Michael \|date=] ] \|work=Chicago Tribune \|page=1 \|title=Bush, House OK Iraq deal; Congress marches with Bush \|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/203569641.html?dids=203569641:203569641&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref> Obama addressed the first high-profile Chicago ] in ],<!--
	--><ref>{{cite news \|author=Glauber, Bill \|date=] ] \|work=Chicago Tribune \|page=1 \|title=War protesters gentler, but passion still burns \|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/203569621.html?dids=203569621:203569621&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}} {{cite news \|author=Strausberg, Chinta \|date=] ] \|work=Chicago Defender \|page=1 \|title=War with Iraq undermines U.N. \|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-220379051.html \|accessdate=2008-02-03}} {{cite news \|author=Bryant, Greg \|date=] ] \|publisher=] \|title=300 protesters rally to oppose war with Iraq \|url=http://mesh.medill.northwestern.edu/mnschicago/archives/2002/10/300_protesters.html \|accessdate=2008-02-03}} {{cite web \|author=Katz, Marilyn \|date=] ] \|title=Five Years Since Our First Action \|publisher=Chicagoans Against War & Injustice \|url=http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?p=127 \|accessdate=2008-02-17}} Mendell (2007), pp. 172–177.</ref> speaking out against it.<ref>{{cite news \|author=Obama, Barack \|date=] ] \|title=Remarks of Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama Against Going to War with Iraq \|url=http://www.barackobama.com/2002/10/02/remarks_of_illinois_state_sen.php \|publisher=BarackObama.com \|accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref>

	On ], ], the day President Bush issued his 48-hour ] to ] to leave Iraq before the U.S. ],<!--
	--><ref>{{cite web \|author=Office of the Press Secretary \|date=] ] \|title=President Bush: Monday "Moment of Truth" for World on Iraq \|publisher=The White House \|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030316-3.html \|accessdate=2008-02-17}} {{cite news \|author=Associated Press \|date=] ] \|work=Chicago Sun-Times \|page=1 \|title='Moment of truth for the world'; Bush, three allies set today as final day for Iraq to disarm or face massive military attack \|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(Moment%20of%20truth%20for%20the%20world)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Moment%20of%20truth%20for%20the%20world)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref> Obama addressed the largest Chicago anti-Iraq War rally to date in ] and told the crowd "It's not too late" to stop the war.<!--
	--><ref>{{cite news \|author=Ritter, Jim \|date=] ] \|work=Chicago Sun-Times \|page=3 \|title=Anti-war rally here draws thousands \|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(Anti-war%20rally%20here%20draws%20thousands)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Anti-war%20rally%20here%20draws%20thousands)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref>

	Obama sought to make his early public opposition to the Iraq War before it started a major issue in his 2004 U.S. Senate campaign to distinguish himself from his Democratic primary rivals who supported the resolution authorizing the Iraq War,<!--
	--><ref>{{cite news \|author=McCormick, John \|date=] ] \|title=Senate hopefuls abound for '04; Forum attracts 9 for Fitzgerald post \|work=Chicago Tribune \|page=1 (Metro section) \|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/358199331.html?dids=358199331:358199331&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}} {{cite news \|author=Chase, John; Mendell, David \|date=] ] \|title=Senate candidates divided over Iraq; 5 Democrats hit Bush on policy \|work=Chicago Tribune \|page=1 (Metro section) \|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/528231411.html?dids=528231411:528231411&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref>
	and in his 2008 U.S. Presidential campaign, to distinguish himself from four Democratic primary rivals who voted for the resolution authorizing the war (Senators Clinton, ], ], and ]).<!--
	--><ref>{{cite news \|author=McCormick, John; Dorning, Mike \|date=] ] \|work=Chicago Tribune \|page=7 \|title=Obama marks '02 war speech - Contender highlights his early opposition in effort to distinguish him from his rivals \|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1351610621.html?dids=1351610621:1351610621&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \|format=paid archive \|accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref>

	] in ] on ] ]<ref>{{cite news \| first=Kasie \| last=Hunt \| title=Celebrities, Activists Rally Against Darfur Genocide \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-04-30-darfurrally_x.htm \| work =USA Today \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} For excerpts from Obama's speech, see: {{cite news \| title=More Must Be Done in Darfur \| date=] ] \| url=http://blog.thehill.com/2006/04/30/more-must-be-done-in-darfur/ \| work =The Hill \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>]]

	Speaking to the ] in November 2006, Obama called for a "phased redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq" and an opening of diplomatic dialogue with ] and ].<ref>For audio and text, see: {{cite web \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| title=A Way Forward in Iraq \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/hottopics_details.php?hottopics_id=52 \| publisher=Chicago Council on Global Affairs \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In a March 2007 speech to ], a ], he said that the primary way to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons is through talks and diplomacy, although not ruling out military action.<ref>{{cite web \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| title=AIPAC Policy Forum Remarks \| date=] ] \| url=http://obama.senate.gov/speech/070302-aipac_policy_fo/index.php \| publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-01-30}} For Obama's 2004 Senate campaign remarks on possible missile strikes against Iran, see: {{cite news \| last=Mendell \| first=David \| title=Obama Would Consider Missile Strikes on Iran \| format=paid archive \| date=] ] \| publisher=Chicago Tribune \| url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/699578571.html?dids=699578571:699578571&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Detailing his strategy for fighting global terrorism in August 2007, Obama said "it was a terrible mistake to fail to act" against a 2005 meeting of al-Qaeda leaders that U.S. intelligence had confirmed to be taking place in Pakistan's ]. He said that as president he would not miss a similar opportunity, even without the support of the Pakistani government.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Obama Warns Pakistan on Al-Qaeda \| date=] ] \| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6926663.stm \| work=BBC News \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} For video and text of the speech, see: {{cite news \| title=Policy Address on Terrorism by The Honorable Barack Obama, United States Senator from Illinois \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.event&event_id=269510 \| work=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars \| accessdate=2008-01-30}} For details of the aborted 2005 military operation, see {{cite news \| first=Mark \| last=Mazzetti \| title=Rumsfeld Called Off 2005 Plan to Capture Top Qaeda Figures \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/08/news/qaeda.php \| work=International Herald Tribune \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

	In a December 2005 ''Washington Post'' opinion column, and at the ] rally in April 2006, Obama called for more assertive action to oppose ] in the ] of ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| coauthors=Sam Brownback \| title=Policy Adrift on Darfur \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/26/AR2005122600547.html \| work=The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} {{cite news \| first=Jim \| last=Doyle \| title=Tens of Thousands Rally for Darfur \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/05/01/MNGFBIIFOA1.DTL \| work=San Francisco Chronicle \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> He has ] $180,000 in personal holdings of Sudan-related stock, and has urged divestment from companies doing business in Iran.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jim \| last=Kuhnhenn \| title=Giuliani, Edwards Have Sudan Holdings \| date=] ] \| publisher=SFGate.com \| url=http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/05/17/politics/p171906D95.DTL \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} {{cite news \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| title=Hit Iran Where It Hurts \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2007/08/30/2007-08-30_hit_iran_where_it_hurts.html \| work=New York Daily News \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In the July–August 2007 issue of '']'', Obama called for an outward looking post-Iraq War foreign policy and the renewal of American military, diplomatic, and moral leadership in the world. Saying "we can neither retreat from the world nor try to bully it into submission," he called on Americans to "lead the world, by deed and by example."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| title=Renewing American Leadership \| date=July–August 2007 \| url=http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070701faessay86401/barack-obama/renewing-american-leadership.html \| work=Foreign Affairs \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

	Obama has encouraged Democrats to reach out to ] and other religious people.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Michael \| last=Lerner \| title=U.S. Senator Barack Obama Critiques Democrats' Religiophobia \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.tikkun.org/rabbi_lerner/news_item.2006-07-02.3949597607 \| work=Tikkun Magazine \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} {{cite web\|url=http://www.beliefnet.com/story/194/story_19473_1.html \| title=Sen. Barack Obama: Call to Renewal Keynote Address \| date=] ] \| work=Beliefnet \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In December 2006, he joined Sen. ] (R-KS) at the "Global Summit on ] and the Church" organized by church leaders Kay and ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=Manda \| last=Gibson \| title=At Global AIDS Summit, Churches Challenged to Take the Lead \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/HIVAIDSCommunity/StartingAMinistry/churches_challenged_to_take_the_lead.htm \| work=PurposeDriven.com \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Together with Warren and Brownback, Obama took an HIV test, as he had done in Kenya less than four months earlier.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Screaming Crowds Welcome U.S. Senator 'Home' \| date=], ] \| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/08/26/kenya.obama/index.html \| publisher=CNN \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> He encouraged "others in public life to do the same" and not be ashamed of it.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| title=Race Against Time—World AIDS Day Speech \| date=] ] \| url =http://obama.senate.gov/speech/061201-race_against_time_-_world_aids_day_speech/index.html \| work=Obama U.S. Senate Office \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Before the conference, 18 pro-life groups published an ] stating, in reference to Obama's support for legal abortion: "In the strongest possible terms, we oppose Rick Warren's decision to ignore Senator Obama's clear ] stance and invite him to ] anyway."<ref> {{cite news \| title=Rick Warren/Barack Obama AIDS Partnership Must End, Say Pro-Life Groups \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/791771591.html \| work=Christian Newswire Press Release \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} See also: {{cite news \| first=David \| last=Van Biema \| title=The Real Losers in the Obama-Warren Controversy \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1565076,00.html \| work=Time \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Addressing over 8,000 ] members in June 2007, Obama challenged "so-called leaders of the Christian Right" for being "all too eager to exploit what divides us."<ref>{{cite news \| title=Barack Obama: Faith Has Been 'Hijacked' \| date=] ] \| publisher=CBS News \| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/24/politics/main2971556.shtml \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate = 2008-01-14 \| }} See also: {{cite news \| first=David \| last=Brody \| title=Obama to CBN News: We're No Longer Just a Christian Nation \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/204016.aspx \| work=Christian Broadcasting Network \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

	==Personal life==
	Obama met his wife, Michelle Robinson, in June 1989 when he was employed as a summer associate at the Chicago law firm of ].<ref>Obama (2006), pp. 327–332. See also: {{cite news \| first=Sarah \| last=Brown \| title=Obama '85 Masters Balancing Act \| date=] ] \| work=Daily Princetonian \| url=http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2005/12/07/news/14049.shtml \| accessdate=2008-04-28}} {{cite news \| first=Eric \| last=Tucker \| title=Family Ties: Brown Coach, Barack Obama \| date=] ] \| publisher=ABC News \| url =http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2916437 \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Assigned for three months as Obama's adviser at the firm, Robinson joined him at group social functions, but declined his initial offers to date.<ref>Obama (2006), p. 329.</ref> They began dating later that summer, became engaged in 1991, and were married on ], ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=Scott \| last=Fornek \| title=Michelle Obama: 'He Swept Me Off My Feet' \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/585261,CST-NWS-wedding03.stng \| work=Chicago Sun-Times \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> The couple's first daughter, Malia Ann, was born in 1998, followed by a second daughter, Natasha ("Sasha"), in 2001.<ref>Obama (1995), p. 440, and Obama (2006), pp. 339–340. See also: {{cite web \| title=Election 2008 Information Center: Barack Obama \| url=http://www.gannettnewsservice.com/?cat=153 \| work=Gannett News Service \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

	] during his visit at ], Djibouti, on ] ]<ref>{{cite news \| title=Senator Barack Obama Visit to CJTF-HOA and Camp Lemonier: 31 August—1 September 2006 \| format=video \| date=] ] \| publisher=YouTube \| url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9GqdzQeCz0 \| work =Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>]]

	Applying the proceeds of a $2 million book deal, the family paid off debts in 2005 and moved from a ], Chicago condominium to their current $1.6 million house in neighboring ].<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jeff \| last=Zeleny \| title=The First Time Around: Sen. Obama's Freshman Year \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-051224obama,1,1815354.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> The land adjacent to their house was simultaneously sold to the wife of well-connected developer, and Obama supporter, ], provoking continued media scrutiny of Obama and his relationship with Rezko.<ref>{{cite news \| author=Slevin, Peter \| title=Obama Says He Regrets Land Deal With Fundraiser \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/16/AR2006121600729.html \| work=The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In December 2007, '']'' magazine estimated the Obama family's net worth at $1.3 million.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Obama's Money \| date=] ] \| url=http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/moneymag/0712/gallery.candidates.moneymag/5.html \| publisher=CNNMoney.com \| accessdate=2008-04-28}} See also:
	{{cite news \| first=Zachary A \| last=Goldfarb \| title=Measuring Wealth of the '08 Candidates \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/24/AR2007032400305.html \| work=The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Their 2007 tax return showed a household income of $4.2 million, up from about $1 million in 2006 and $1.6 million in 2005, mostly from sales of his books.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jeff \| last=Zelany \| title=Book Sales Lifted Obamas' Income in 2007 to a Total of $4.2 Million \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/17/us/politics/17obama.html \| date=] ] \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

	Obama plays basketball, a sport he participated in as a member of his high school's varsity team.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Jodi \| last=Kantor \| title=One Place Where Obama Goes Elbow to Elbow \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/01/us/politics/01hoops.html \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-28}} See also: {{cite news \| title=The Love of the Game \| format=video \| date=] ] \| publisher=YouTube (BarackObama.com) \| url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1Lqm5emQl4 \| work= \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Before announcing his presidential candidacy, he began a well-publicized effort to quit smoking. "I've never been a heavy smoker," Obama told the ''Chicago Tribune''. "I've quit periodically over the last several years. I've got an ironclad demand from my wife that in the stresses of the campaign I do not succumb. I've been chewing ] strenuously."<ref> {{cite news \| first=Christi \| last=Parsons \| title=Obama Launches an '07 Campaign—To Quit Smoking \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0702060167feb06,0,373462.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-28}} </ref> Replying to an ''Associated Press'' survey of 2008 presidential candidates' personal tastes, he specified "architect" as his alternate career choice and "chili" as his favorite meal to cook.<ref>{{cite news \| title=Questions for the Candidates \| date=] ] \| publisher=USA Today \| url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-05-17-2380332271_x.htm \| work =Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Asked to name a "hidden talent," Obama answered: "I'm a pretty good poker player."<ref>{{cite news \| title=Gambling Buddies: Obama Flush with Poker Prowess \| date=] ] \| publisher=CNN \| url =http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/24/obama.poker.ap/index.html \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

	In ''The Audacity of Hope'', Obama writes that he "was not raised in a religious household." He describes his mother, raised by non-religious parents, as detached from religion, yet "in many ways the most spiritually awakened person that I have ever known." He describes his Kenyan father as "raised a Muslim," but a "confirmed atheist" by the time his parents met, and his Indonesian stepfather as "a man who saw religion as not particularly useful." In the book, Obama explains how, through working with ]es as a community organizer while in his twenties, he came to understand "the power of the African-American religious tradition to spur social change."<ref>Obama (2006), pp. 202–208. Portions excerpted in: {{cite news \| first=Barack \| last=Obama \| title=My Spiritual Journey \| date=] ] \| url =http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1546579,00.html \| work=Time \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> He has been a member of Chicago's ] since 1988.<ref name=UCC>{{cite news \| first=J. Bennett \| last=Guess \| title=Barack Obama, Candidate for President, is 'UCC' \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.ucc.org/news/barack-obama-candidate.html \| work=United Church News \| accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

	==Books==
	{{main\|Dreams from My Father\|The Audacity of Hope}}
	]
	Obama's first book, ''Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance'', was published before his first run for political office. In it he recalls his childhood in Honolulu and Jakarta, college years in Los Angeles and New York City, and his employment as a community organizer in Chicago in the 1980s. The book's last few chapters describe his first visit to Kenya, a journey to connect with his ] family and heritage. In the preface to the 2004 revised edition, Obama explains that he had hoped the story of his family "might speak in some way to the fissures of race that have characterized the American experience."<ref>Obama (1995), p. vii.</ref> In a 1995 review, novelist ] wrote that ''Dreams'' "persuasively describes the phenomenon of belonging to two different worlds, and thus belonging to neither."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Ihsan \| last=Taylor \| title=New & Noteworthy Paperbacks \| date=] ] \| url =http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04E1DE163EF93AA1575BC0A9629C8B63 \| work =The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-09}}</ref> The ] edition earned Obama the ] of 2006.<ref name=Grammys>{{cite news \| title=Obama Wins a Grammy for 'Hope' Book \| date=] ] \| publisher=KVOA.com \| url=http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=7850708&nav=HMO6HMaY \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref>

	His second book, ''The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream'', was published in October 2006 and soon rose to the top of the ] hardcover list.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Julie \| last=Bosman \| title=Obama’s New Book Is a Surprise Best Seller \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/books/09obam.html \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-06}} The paperback edition currently ranks fourth on ''The New York Times'' nonfiction list. {{cite web\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller/index.html \|title=Best Sellers \|work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> The ''Chicago Tribune'' credits large crowds that gathered at book signings with influencing Obama's decision to run for president.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Mike \| last=Dorning \| coauthors= Christi Parsons \| title=Carefully Crafting the Obama 'Brand' \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-obama_senate_recordjun12,1,48733.story \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> Former U.S. presidential candidate ] said the book's self-portrayal presents "a man of relative youth yet maturity, a wise observer of the human condition, a figure who possesses perseverance and writing skills that have flashes of grandeur."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Gary \| last=Hart \| title=American Idol \| date=] ] \| url =http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D02E1D61531F937A15751C1A9609C8B63 \| work=The New York Times \| accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> Reviewer ] writes that it does not contain "boldly innovative policy prescriptions that will lead the Democrats out of their wilderness," but does show Obama's potential to "construct a new politics that is progressive but grounded in civic traditions that speak to a wider range of Americans."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Michael \| last=Tomasky \| title=The Phenomenon \| date=] ] \| publisher=Internet Archive \| url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070401154934/http://www.nybooks.com/articles/19651 \| work=New York Review of Books \| accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> In February 2008, he won a ] for the spoken word edition of ''Audacity''.<ref name=Grammys /> Foreign language editions of the book have been published in Italian, Spanish, German, French, and Greek.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Nick \| last=Malkoutzis \| title=Obama's Audacious Vision \| date=] ] \| publisher=International Herald Tribune in Greece and Cyprus \| url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_1_27/03/2008_94776 \| work=Kathimerini English Edition \| accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> The ] edition was published in April 2007 with a preface by ],<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://libreriarizzoli.corriere.it/libro/obama_barack-audacia_della_speranza_l.aspx?ean=9788817016582 \| title= L'audacia della speranza \| publisher=Libreria Rizzoli \| accessdate=2008-03-18 \| language=Italian}}</ref> former Mayor of ], currently leader of ]'s ] and one of Obama's earliest supporters overseas.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2005/aprile/30/politico_prevale_sull_amministratore_co_10_050430003.shtml \| title=Il politico prevale sull' amministratore \| publisher=Corriere della Sera \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18 \| language=Italian}} See also: {{cite news \| url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-eurobama25feb25,1,5411037.story?track=rss \| title=Obama's European counterparts \| work=Los Angeles Times \| author=Tracy Wilkinson \| date=] ] \| accessdate=2008-03-18}}</ref>

	==Cultural and political image==
	], ], on ] ]<ref>{{cite news \| first=Wayne \| last=Slater \| title=Obama Reels in Austin Crowd \| date=] ] \| url =http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/022407dntexobama.10794.html \| work =Dallas Morning News \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Philip \| last=Elliott \| title=Obama Measuring Campaign Success not Just in Cash, but Crowds Too \| date=] ] \| publisher=Boston Globe \| url =http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/05/28/obama_measuring_campaign_success_not_just_in_cash_but_crowds_too/ \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-07 }}</ref>]]

	Supporters and critics have likened Obama's popular image to a cultural ], a neutral persona on whom people can project their personal histories and aspirations.<ref name='ref name=Enda2006'>{{cite news \| first=Jodi \| last=Enda \| title=Great Expectations \| date=] ] \| url =http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewPrint&articleId=10828 \| work =The American Prospect \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Garrett M \| last=Graff \| title= The Legend of Barack Obama \| date=] ] \| url =http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/mediapolitics/1836.html \| work =Washingtonian \| accessdate = 2008-04-07}} {{cite news \| first=John \| last=Podhoretz \| title=Obama: Rorschach Candidate \| date=] ] \| url =http://www.nypost.com/seven/12122006/postopinion/opedcolumnists/obama__rorschach_candidate_opedcolumnists_john_podhoretz.htm?page=0 \| work=New York Post \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> Obama's own stories about his family origins reinforce what a May 2004 '']'' magazine article described as his "]" image.<ref>{{cite news \| last=Finnegan \| first=William \| title=The Candidate: How the Son of a Kenyan Economist Became an Illinois Everyman \| date=] ] \| publisher=New Yorker \| url=http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/040531fa_fact1 \|accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Jonathan \| last=Tilove \| title=In Obama Candidacy, America Examines Itself \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1170922945129720.xml&coll=1&thispage=1 \| work=Times-Picayune (New Orleans) \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> In ''Dreams from My Father'', he ties his maternal family history to possible ] ancestors and distant relatives of ], president of the southern ] during the ].<ref>Obama (1995), p. 13. For reports on Obama's maternal genealogy, including slave owners, Irish connections, and common ancestors with George W. Bush, ], and ], see: {{cite news \| first=David \| last=Nitkin \| coauthors=Harry Merritt \| title=A New Twist to an Intriguing Family History \| date=] ] \| url =http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/politics/bal-te.obama02mar02,0,3453027.story \| work =Baltimore Sun \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} {{cite news \| first=Mary \| last=Jordan \| title=Tiny Irish Village Is Latest Place to Claim Obama as Its Own \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/12/AR2007051201551.html \| work=The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-07 }} {{cite news \| title=Obama's Family Tree Has a Few Surprises \| date=] ] \| publisher=CBS 2 (Chicago) \| url =http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/Barack.Obama.family.2.339709.html \| work=Associated Press \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}
	</ref> Speaking to ]ish audiences during his 2004 campaign for U.S. Senate, he linked the linguistic root of his ]n first name ''Barack'' to the ] word '']'', meaning "blessed."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Harold \| last=Brackman \| title=Obama and the Jews \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=17348 \| work=Jewish Journal \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> In an October 2006 interview on '']'', Obama highlighted the diversity of his extended family: "Michelle will tell you that when we get together for Christmas or Thanksgiving, it's like a little mini-]," he said. "I've got relatives who look like ], and I've got relatives who look like ]. We've got it all."<ref> {{cite web\|url=http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200610/20061018/slide_20061018_284_110.jhtml \|title=Keeping Hope Alive: Barack Obama Puts Family First \| date=] ] \| work=The Oprah Winfrey Show \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref>

	With his Kenyan father and American mother, his upbringing in Honolulu and Jakarta, and his ] education, Obama's early life experiences differ markedly from those of African American politicians who launched their careers in the 1960s through participation in the ].<ref>{{cite news \| last=Wallace-Wells \| first=Benjamin \| title=The Great Black Hope: What's Riding on Barack Obama? \| date=November 2004 \| work =Washington Monthly \| url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2004/0411.wallace-wells.html \|accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Janny \| last=Scott \| title=A Member of a New Generation, Obama Walks a Fine Line \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/28/america/obama.php \| work=International Herald Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> In January 2007, ''The End of Blackness'' author ] warned against drawing favorable cultural implications from Obama's political rise: "Lumping us all together," Dickerson wrote in '']'', "erases the significance of ] and continuing ] while giving the appearance of progress."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Debra J \| last=Dickerson \| title=Colorblind \| date= ] ] \| url=http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/01/22/obama/index_np.html \| work=Salon \| accessdate=2008-01-14}} For a sampling of views by other black commentators see: {{cite news \| first=Gary \| last=Younge \| title=Obama: Black Like Me \| date=posted ] ] (] ] issue) \| url =http://www.thenation.com/doc/20061113/younge \| work=The Nation \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} {{cite news \| first=Stanley \| last=Crouch \| title=What Obama Isn't: Black Like Me \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/467300p-393261c.html \| work=New York Daily News \| accessdate=2008-04-07 \| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070308142850/www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/467300p-393261c.html \| archivedate=2007-03-08}} {{cite news \| first=Laura \| last=Washington \| title=Whites May Embrace Obama, But Do 'Regular Black Folks'? \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obamacommentary/193216,CST-EDT-LAURA01.article \| work =Chicago Sun-Times \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} {{cite news \| first=Clarence \| last=Page \| title=Is Barack Black Enough? Now That's a Silly Question \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4580864.html \| work=Houston Chronicle \| accessdate=2008-04-07 \| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070308133020/www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4580864.html \| archivedate=2007-03-08}}</ref> Film critic ], writing in a March 2007 '']'' article, compared the cultural sources of Obama's favorable polling among whites to those of "]" roles played by black actors in ] movies.<ref>Ehrenstein, David. "", ''Los Angeles Times'', ] ]. Retrieved on ].</ref> Expressing puzzlement over questions about whether he is "black enough," Obama told an August 2007 meeting of the ] that the debate is not about his physical appearance or his record on issues of concern to black voters. Obama said, "we're still locked in this notion that if you appeal to white folks then there must be something wrong."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Les \| last=Payne \| title=In One Country, a Dual Audience \| format=paid archive \| date=] ] \| url =http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/1322008241.html?dids=1322008241:1322008241&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT \| work=Newsday \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref>

	Writing about Obama's political image in a March 2007 ''Washington Post'' opinion column, ] characterized him as "the personification of ''both-and''," a messenger who rejects "either-or" political choices, and could "move the nation beyond the ]s" of the 1960s.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Eugene \| last=Robinson \| title=The Moment for This Messenger? \| date=] ] \| url =http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/12/AR2007031200983.html \| work =The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news \| last=Senior \| first=Jennifer \| title=Dreaming of Obama \| date=] ] \| work=New York Magazine\| url=http://www.newyorkmetro.com/news/politics/21681/index.html \|accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> Obama, who defines himself in ''The Audacity of Hope'' as "a Democrat, after all," has been criticized by ] commentator ] for demonstrating too much "Senate clubbiness", and was encouraged to run for the U.S. presidency by ] columnist ].<ref>Obama (2006), p. 10. Sirota wrote that Obama's ] of ] as Secretary of State and his reluctant support of a Senate ] opposing President Bush's ] to the U.S. Supreme Court may disappoint "those who see him as a bold challenger of the system".{{cite news \| first=David \| last=Sirota \| title=Mr. Obama Goes to Washington \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060626/sirota \| work=The Nation \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}{{cite news \| first=George F \| last=Will \| title=Run Now, Obama \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/13/AR2006121301901.html \| work=The Washington Post \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} Other praise by conservative media:{{cite web\|url=http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/01/bainbridge-asks.html\|title=The Daily Dish}} conservative commentator ] defends his praise for Obama, theatlantic.com, January 2008 Conservative editor ] praises Obama.</ref> But in a December 2006 '']'' editorial headlined "The Man from Nowhere," ] speech writer ] advised Will and other "]" commentators to avoid becoming too quickly excited about Obama's still early political career.<ref>{{cite news \| first=Peggy \| last=Noonan \| title=The Man From Nowhere\|date=] ] \| url=http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110009388 \| work=OpinionJournal (Wall Street Journal) \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: Obama (2006), pp. 122–124. For Noonan's comments on Obama winning the January 2008 Iowa Caucus, see: {{cite news \| first=Peggy \| last=Noonan \| title=Out With the Old, In With the New \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110011083 \| work=OpinionJournal (Wall Street Journal) \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> Echoing the ], Obama acknowledged his youthful image, saying in an October 2007 campaign speech, "I wouldn't be here if, time and again, the torch had not been passed to a new generation."<ref>{{cite news \| first=Mike \| last=Dorning \| title=Obama Reaches Across Decades to JFK \| format=paid archive \| date=] ] \| url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1353513781.html?dids=1353513781:1353513781&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+4%2C+2007&author=Mike+Dorning \| work=Chicago Tribune \| accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news \| first=Toby \| last=Harnden \| title=Barack Obama is JFK Heir, Says Kennedy Aide \| date=] ] \| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/12/wobama112.xml \| work=Daily Telegraph \| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref>

	==Notes==
	<!-- Please do not add a scrollbox around this reference list. They are not allowed per the following discussion http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Templates_for_deletion/Log/2007_June_11#Template:Scrollref -->
	{{reflist\|3}}

	;Cited works
	* Mendell, David. ''<span class="plainlinks"></span>'', Amistad/], 2007. ISBN 0-06-085820-6.
	* Obama, Barack. ''Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance'', Times Books, 1995. Reprint edition, 2004; ISBN 1-4000-8277-3
	* Obama, Barack. ''The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream'', Crown, 2006. ISBN 0-307-23769-9.

	==Further reading==
	{{Spoken Misplaced Pages\|Barack_Obama_1-31-2007.ogg\|2007-01-31}}
	*Curry, Jessica. "", ''Chicago Life'', Fall 2004. Retrieved on ].
	*Graff, Garrett. "", ''Washingtonian'', ] ]. Retrieved on ].
	*Lizza, Ryan. "", ''GQ'', September 2007. Retrieved on ].
	*MacFarquhar, Larissa. "", ''New Yorker'', ] ]. Retrieved on ].
	*Mundy, Liza. "", ''The Washington Post Magazine'', ] ]. Retrieved on ].
	*Wallace-Wells, Ben. "", ''Rolling Stone'', ] ]. Retrieved on ].
	*Zutter, Hank De. "", ''Chicago Reader'', ] ]. Retrieved on ].

	== External links ==
	{{Sisterlinks-author\|Barack Obama}}
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	;Official sites
	* (U.S. Senate office)
	* (2008 U.S. presidential campaign)<!--

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	;Congressional links
	{{CongLinks \| congbio = o000167 \| surge = 923 \| fec = S4IL00180 \| govtrack = 400629 \| opensecrets = N00009638 \| votesmart = 9490 \| ontheissuespath = Barack_Obama.htm}}

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	*{{dmoz\|Regional/North_America/United_States/Society_and_Culture/Politics/Candidates_and_Campaigns/Presidential/2008/Candidates/Obama,_Barack}}

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Revision as of 17:32, 8 May 2008

SHOULD NOT WIN THE PRESIDENCY!