Presidency of Barack Obama: Difference between revisions

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			In a gadda da vida, baby
	{{Infobox officeholder
			(In the Garden of Eden)
	\| name = Barack Obama
			In a gadda da vida, honey
	\| image = Official portrait of Barack Obama.jpg
			Don't you know that I'm lovin' you
	\| order = ]
	\| office = President of the United States
	\| term_start = January 20, 2009
	\| term_end =
	\| vicepresident = ]
	\| predecessor = ]
	\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|mf=yes\|1961\|08\|4}}
	\| birth_place = ], United States<ref name="birth-certificate">{{cite news\|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/jun/27/obamas-birth-certificate-part-ii/\|title=Obama's birth certificate: Final chapter\| publisher=] \| date= June 27, 2008\| accessdate=December 12, 2008}}</ref>
	\| birthname = Barack Hussein Obama II<ref name="birth-certificate" />
	\| nationality = American
	\| party = ]
	\| spouse = ] <small>(m. 1992)</small>
	\| children = ] <small>(b.1998)</small> <br /> ] <small>(b.2001)</small>
	\| residence = ]
	\| alma_mater = ]<br />] <small>(B.A.)</small><br />] <small>(])</small>
	\| profession = ]<br />]<br />Author<br />] ]<br />]<br />President of the United States
	\| religion = Christian,<ref>{{cite news\|title=Obama's church choice likely to be scrutinized\|agency=Associated Press\|date=November 17, 2008\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27775757/\|publisher=MSNBC\|accessdate=January 20, 2009}}</ref> former member of ]<ref name=ucc>{{cite press release
	\| title = Barack Obama, long time UCC member, inaugurated forty-fourth U.S. President
	\| publisher = ]
	\| date = January 20, 2009
	\| url = http://www.ucc.org/news/obama-inauguration.html
	\| accessdate = January 21, 2009
	\| quote = Barack Obama, who spent more than 20 years as a UCC member, is the forty-fourth President of the United States. }}</ref><ref>An ] wire story on Obama's resignation from ] in the course of the ] stated that he had, in doing so, disaffiliated himself with the UCC. (See {{cite news\|title=Obama's church choice likely to be scrutinized\|agency=Associated Press\|date=November 17, 2008\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27775757/\|publisher=MSNBC\|accessdate=January 20, 2009}})</ref>
	\| signature = Barack Obama signature.svg
	\| website =
	\| footnotes =
	}}
	{{Barack Obama sidebar}}
	]
	{{See also\|Timeline of the Presidency of Barack Obama}}

			Oh, won't you come with me
	The '''Presidency of Barack Obama''' began at noon ] on January 20, 2009, when he became the ]. Obama was a ] from ] at the time of his victory over Arizona Senator ] in the ]. ] is the first African-American president of the United States, as well as the first born in Hawaii.
			And take my hand
			Oh, won't you come with me
			And walk this land
			Please take my hand

			In a gadda da vida, honey
	His policy decisions have addressed a ] and have included changes in tax policies, legislation to reform the United States health care industry, foreign policy initiatives and the phasing out of detention of prisoners at the ] in Cuba. He attended the ] and later visited U.S. troops in ]. On the tour of various European countries following the G-20 summit, he announced in ] that he intended to negotiate substantial reduction in the world's nuclear arsenals, en route to their eventual extinction. In October 2009, Obama was awarded the ] for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."
			Don't you know that I'm lovin' you
			In a gadda da vida, baby
			Don't you know that I'll always be true

			Oh, won't you come with me
			And take my hand
			Oh, won't you come with me
			And walk this land
			Please take my hand

			In a gadda da vida, honey
	He was ] on November 6, 2012, pending the outcome of the ] vote, to occur on the Monday after the second Wednesday in December, 2012.<ref name="wins">{{cite web \| url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-election-2012-20121107,0,6893855.story \| title=Obama wins a second term \| work=] \| date=November 7, 2012 \| accessdate=November 7, 2012 \| author=Barabak, Mark Z.}}</ref><ref name="FedRegEC">{{cite web\|url=http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/roles.html \|title=What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Designated Parties in the Electoral College Process? \|publisher=]\|accessdate=November 7, 2012}}</ref>
			Don't you know that I'm lovin' you
			In a gadda da vida, baby
			Don't you know that I'll always be true

			Oh, won't you come with me
	==Transition period==
			And take my hand
	{{Main\|Presidential transition of Barack Obama}}
			Oh, won't you come with me
	The ] period began following Obama's election to the presidency on November 4, 2008. The Obama-Biden Transition Project was co-chaired by ], ], and ]. During the transition period, Obama announced his nominations for his ] and ]. Shortly after the election on November 4, Obama chose ] ] of ] as ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/us/politics/07elect.html \|title=Rahm Emanuel Accepts Post as White House Chief of Staff \|author=Zeleny, Jeff\|author2=Baker, Peter\|date=November 6, 2008 \|work=The New York Times \|accessdate=December 6, 2008}}</ref>
			And walk this land
			Please take my hand

			In a gadda da vida, baby
	Cabinet nominations included former ] opponents ] for ] and ] for ] (although the latter withdrew on January 4, 2009). Obama appointed ] as his ], the first African American appointed to that position. He also nominated ] to serve as ].<ref>{{cite press release \|title=Geithner, Summers among key economic team members announced today \|publisher=] \|date=November 24, 2008 \|url=http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/geithner_summers_among_key_economic_team_members_announced_today/ \|accessdate=December 6, 2008}}</ref> On December 1, Obama announced that he had asked ] to remain as ], making Gates the first Defense head to carry over from a president of a different party.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/defense-secretary-said-to-be-staying-on/ \|title=Defense Secretary Said to Be Staying On \|accessdate=December 6, 2008 \|date=November 25, 2008 \|work=The New York Times \|last=Baker \|first=Peter}}</ref> He nominated former ] ] to the ], which he restored to a Cabinet-level position.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Baker \|first=Peter \|title=Obama's Choice for U.N. Is Advocate of Strong Action Against Mass Killings \|work=The New York Times \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/us/politics/01rice.html \|date=November 30, 2008 \|accessdate=December 6, 2008}}</ref>
			(In the Garden of Eden)
			In a gadda da vida, honey
			Don't you know that I'm lovin' you

			Oh, won't you come with me
	During his transition, he maintained a website ], on which he wrote blogs to readers and uploaded video addresses by many of the members of his new cabinet.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Official Obama-Biden Transition Website \|publisher=] \|url=http://change.gov/content/home \|accessdate=January 26, 2009}}</ref> He announced strict rules for federal ]s, restricting them from financially contributing to his administration and forcing them to stop lobbying while working for him.<ref>{{cite press release \|title=Obama Transition announces rules for lobbyists in Transition \|publisher=] \|date=November 11, 2008 \|url=http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/obama_transition_announces_rules_for_lobbyists_in_transition \|accessdate=January 26, 2009}}</ref> The website also allowed individuals to share stories and visions with each other and the transition team in what was called the ], which was given to Obama shortly after his inauguration.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Citizen's Briefing Book \|publisher=] \|url=http://citizensbriefingbook.change.gov/ \|accessdate=January 26, 2009}}</ref> Most of the information from Change.gov was transferred to the official ] website ] just after Obama's inauguration.<ref>{{cite news \|author = Marisa Taylor \|title=Change Has Come To WhiteHouse.Gov \|work=The Wall Street Journal \|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/01/20/change-has-come-to-whitehousegov/ \|accessdate=February 13, 2009 \| date=January 20, 2009}}</ref>
			And take my hand

			Oh, won't you come with me
	==Inauguration==
			And walk this land
	{{Main\|Inauguration of Barack Obama}}
			Please take my hand
	Barack Obama was ] on January 20, 2009. He officially assumed the presidency at 12:00 noon, ],<ref>{{cite web \|author=United States Constitution\|title=20th Amendment to the United States Constitution \|url=http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.amendmentxx.html \|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ref> and completed the ] at 12:05 pm, EST. He delivered his ] immediately following his oath. After his speech, he went to the President's Room in the House Wing of the Capitol and signed three documents: a commemorative proclamation, a list of Cabinet appointments, and a list of sub-Cabinet appointments, before attending a luncheon with congressional and administration leaders and invited guests.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Obama Signs First Presidential Proclamation \|date=January 20, 2009 \|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/20/obama-signs-first-presidential-proclamation/ \|accessdate=January 20, 2009 \|work=CNN}}</ref> To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of former President ], ] that was used for Lincoln's inauguration was used in Obama's inauguration.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Kelley \|first=Matt \|title=Obama to be sworn in on 'Lincoln Bible' \|work=USA Today \|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-01-19-Lincoln-bible_N.htm \|date=January 19, 2009 \|accessdate=January 26, 2009}}</ref>

	In administering the oath, Chief Justice ] misplaced the word "faithfully" and erroneously replaced the phrase "President of the United States" with "President to the United States" before restating the phrase correctly; since Obama initially repeated the incorrect form, some scholars argued the President should take the oath again.<ref>{{cite news\|work=The Washington Times\|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/20/obama-roberts-fumble-oath/\|date=January 20, 2009\|title=Chief justice fumbles oath\|accessdate=January 25, 2009}}</ref> On January 21, Roberts readministered the oath to Obama in a private ceremony in the White House Map Room, making him the seventh U.S. president to ]; ] ] said Obama took the oath from Roberts a second time out of an "abundance of caution".<ref>{{cite news \|title=Obama takes presidential oath again after stumble \|work=China Daily \|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-01/22/content_7421457.htm \|date=January 22, 2009 \|accessdate=March 10, 2010}}</ref>

	==First 100 days==
	{{Main\|First 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency}}

	===Expectations===
	Obama's 100th day in office was April 29, 2009. In his first post-election interview with '']'', Obama said that he had been studying Franklin Roosevelt's ],<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/12/16/the-first-hundred-days-or-the-last-hundred-days/\|title=The First Hundred Days or the Last Hundred Days?\|accessdate=January 18, 2009\|date=December 16, 2008\|work=The LA Progressive\|author=Chernus, Ira\|authorlink=Ira Chernus}}</ref> while adding, "The first hundred days is going to be important, but it's probably going to be the first thousand days that makes the difference."<ref>{{cite news\|first=Tim\|last=Reid\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5051118.ece\|title=Barack Obama lays plans to deaden expectation after election victory\|accessdate=January 18, 2009\|date=November 1, 2008\|work=The Times \| location=London}}</ref>

	Obama's first 100 days were highly anticipated ever since he became the presumptive nominee.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/05/obamas_priorities_for_first_10.html\|title=Obama's priorities for first 100 days\|accessdate=January 18, 2009\|date=May 28, 2008\|work=Chicago Tribune\|author=Dorning, Mike}}</ref> Several news outlets created web pages dedicated to covering the subject.<ref>Examples of "100 days" – portals:<ul><li>{{cite news\|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/100-days\|title=Obama's First 100 Days\|work=The Huffington Post\|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}<li>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/first.100.days/\|title=Special Reports – The First 100 Days of the 44th President Barack Obama\|publisher=CNN\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}<li>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/politics/100days/main503723.shtml\|title=The 44th President 100 Days\|publisher=]\|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ul></ref> Commentators weighed in on challenges and priorities within domestic, foreign, economic, and environmental policy.<ref name="Hall">{{cite news\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2471452.htm\|title=Domestic issues to dominate Obama's first 100 days in office\|last=Hall\|first=Ashley\|date=January 21, 2009\|publisher=ABC Online, Australia\|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Naughton">{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5558726.ece\|title=Barack Obama calls halt to Guantanamo trials\|last=Naughton\|first=Philippe\|date=January 21, 2009\|work=The Times\|accessdate=January 21, 2009 \| location=London}}</ref><ref name="Sahadi">{{cite news\|url=http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/20/news/economy/obama_first100days/?postversion=2009012012\|title=First 100 days: Obama's burden\|last=Sahadi\|first=Jeanne\|date=January 20, 2009\|publisher=CNN\|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ref><ref name="West">{{cite news\|url=http://environment.about.com/b/2009/01/20/obamas-first-100-days-an-environmental-agenda-for-obamas-first-100-days.htm\|title=Obama's First 100 Days: An Environmental Agenda for Obama's First 100 Days\|last=West\|first=Larry\|date=January 20, 2009\|publisher=About.com\|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ref> ] lists a number of economic issues that "Obama and his team will have to tackle in their first 100 days", foremost among which is passing and implementing a recovery package to deal with the ].<ref name="Sahadi" /> ], a British human rights lawyer, expressed hopes that the new president will close ] in his first 100 days in office.<ref name="Naughton" /> After aides of the president announced his intention to give a major foreign policy speech in the capital of an Islamic country, there were speculations in ] that he might return to his former home city within the first 100 days.<ref name="Murray">{{cite news\|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/jakarta-schoolchildren-cheer-for-the-rise-of-a-former-student/2009/01/21/1232471395138.html\|title=Jakarta schoolchildren cheer for the rise of a former student\|last=Murray\|first=Lisa\|date=January 22, 2009\|work=The Sydney Morning Herald\|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ref>

	'']'' devoted a five-part series, which was spread out over two weeks, to anticipatory analysis of Obama's first hundred days. Each day, the analysis of a political expert was followed by freely edited blog postings from readers. The writers compared Obama's prospects with the situations of ] (January 16, ]),<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://100days.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/how-fdr-made-the-presidency-matter/\|title=How F.D.R. Made the Presidency Matter\|accessdate=January 29, 2009\|date=January 16, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Smith, Jean Edward}}</ref> ] (January 19, ]),<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://100days.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/kennedys-words-obamas-challenge/\|title=Kennedy's Words, Obama's Challenge\|accessdate=January 29, 2009\|date=January 19, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Reeves, Richard}}</ref> ] (January 23, ]),<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://100days.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/lbj-obama-and-reassuring-a-worried-nation/\|title=L.B.J., Obama and Reassuring a Worried Nation\|accessdate=January 29, 2009\|date=January 23, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Dallek, Richard}}</ref> ] (January 27, ]),<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://100days.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/obamas-reagan-transformation/\|title=Obama's Reagan Transformation?\|accessdate=January 29, 2009\|date=January 27, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Smith, Jean Edward}}</ref> and ] (February 4, ]).<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://100days.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/the-president-behind-the-mask/\|title=The President Behind the Mask?\|accessdate=August 13, 2012\|date=February 7, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Morris, Roger, Jean Edward}}</ref>

	===Legislation and executive orders===
	Within minutes of taking the ] on January 20, Obama's Chief of Staff, ], issued an order suspending last-minute federal regulations pushed through by outgoing President ], planning to review everything still pending.<ref>{{cite news\|agency=Associated Press\|title=Obama halts all regulations pending review\|date=January 20, 2009\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28758810/\|accessdate=January 21, 2009\|publisher=MSNBC }}</ref> Due to the economic crisis, the President enacted a pay freeze for Senior White House Staff making more than $100,000 per year,<ref>{{cite news\|title=Obama's first day: Pay freeze, lobbying rules\|date=January 21, 2009\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28767687/\|accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ref> as well as announcing stricter guidelines regarding lobbyists in an effort to raise the ethical standards of the White House.<ref>{{cite news\|work=USA Today \|title=Revelry Over, Obama freezing pay of top staff; signs ethics rules\|date=January 21, 2009\|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/01/61712448/1\|accessdate=January 21, 2009\|first=Mark\|last=Memmott}}</ref> He asked for a waiver to his own new rules, however, for the appointments of ] to the position of Deputy Defense Secretary, Jocelyn Frye to the position of director of policy and projects in the Office of the First Lady, and ] to the position of director of intergovernmental affairs in the executive office of the president, leading to some criticism of hypocrisy and violation of his pledge for governmental openness.<ref name=rulebreak>{{cite news\|publisher=CNN\|title=Obama breaks his own rule\|date=January 23, 2009\|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/23/campbell.brown.lobbyists/index.html\|accessdate=January 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/3960-obama-grants-two-more-lobbyists-waivers \|title=Obama grants two more lobbyists waivers \|work=] \|date= March 10, 2009\|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref>

	In his first week in office, Obama signed ] suspending all the ongoing proceedings of ] and ordering the detention facility to be shut down within the year.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/us/politics/22gitmo.html\|title=Obama Issues Directive to Shut Down Guantánamo\|date=January 21, 2009\|work=The New York Times \| first1=Mark \| last1=Mazzetti \| first2=William \| last2=Glaberson \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ClosureOfGuantanamoDetentionFacilities/\|title=Closure Of Guantanamo Detention Facilities\|publisher=The White House\|date=January 22, 2009\|accessdate=January 27, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|work=The Washington Times\|title=Obama signs order to close Guantanamo in a year\|date=January 22, 2009\|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/22/obama-signs-order-close-guantanamo-year/\|accessdate=March 19, 2010}}</ref> He also signed ] requiring the ] to be used as a guide for terror interrogations, banning torture and other coercive techniques, such as ].<ref>, '']'', January 22, 2009</ref> Obama also issued an ] entitled "Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel", setting stricter limitations on incoming executive branch employees and placing tighter restrictions on lobbying in the White House.<ref name=EthicsOrder>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ExecutiveOrder-EthicsCommitments\|title=Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel\|accessdate=January 22, 2009\|publisher=The White House }}</ref> Obama signed two Presidential Memoranda concerning ], ordering the ] to establish higher ] standards before 2011 models are released and allowing states to raise their emissions standards above the national standard.<ref name=PerilToProgress>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/Fromperiltoprogress/\|title=From Peril to Progress\|accessdate=January 26, 2009\|date=January 26, 2009\|publisher=The White House }}</ref> He also ended the ], which banned federal grants to international groups that provide abortion services or counseling.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE50M3PQ20090123\|title=Obama ends funding ban for abortion groups abroad\|accessdate=January 23, 2009 \| work=Reuters \| date=January 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>. January 23, 2009.</ref>

	In his first week he also established a policy of producing a weekly Saturday morning video address available on ] and YouTube,<ref name=video>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/weekly_address/\|title=President Barack Obama's Weekly Video Address\|accessdate=September 8, 2011\|date=January 22, 2009\|publisher=]\|archivedate=January 22, 2009\|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090122233027/http://www.whitehouse.gov/weekly_address/}}</ref><ref name=youtube>{{cite web\|url=http://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse\|title=Official White House YouTube Channel\|accessdate=January 26, 2009\|date=January 24, 2009\|publisher=]\|publisher=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/us/politics/25obama.html\|title=In Effort to Build Support, Obama Details Stimulus Plan\|accessdate=January 26, 2009\|date=January 24, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Baker, Peter}}</ref> much like those released during his transition period.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/your_weekly_address_from_the_president_elect/\|title=Your Weekly Address from the President-elect\|accessdate=January 26, 2009\|date=November 15, 2008\|publisher=The Office of the President-elect\|work=]\|author=Bleeker, Andrew}}</ref><ref name=TYP>{{cite news\|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2008/11/14/the_youtube_presidency.html\|title=The YouTube Presidency\|accessdate=January 26, 2009\|date=November 14, 2008\|work=The Washington Post\|author=Vargas, Jose Antonio}}</ref> The first address had been viewed by 600,000 YouTube viewers by the next afternoon.<ref name=MOWtaYP>{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/us/politics/26grassroots.html\|title=Melding Obama's Web to a YouTube Presidency\|accessdate=January 26, 2009\|date=January 25, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Rutenberg, Jim and Adam Nagourney}}</ref>

	The first piece of legislation Obama signed was the ] on January 29, which revised the statute of limitations for filing pay discrimination lawsuits. Lilly Ledbetter joined Obama and his wife, Michelle, as he signed the bill, fulfilling his campaign pledge to nullify '']''.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/01/29/a-wonderful-day \|title=A Wonderful Day\|accessdate=January 29, 2009\|date=January 29, 2009\|publisher=The White House }}</ref> On February 3, he signed the ] (CHIP), expanding health care from 7 million children under the plan to 11 million.<ref>. The White House.</ref>

	{{listen
	\|title=Address Before a Joint Session of Congress (February 24, 2009)
	\|filename=Address Before a Joint Session of Congress (February 24, 2009) - Barack Obama (WhiteHouse.gov).ogv
	\|description =The ] was a focal point of ]'s February 24, ].
	\|title2=Address Before a Joint Session of Congress (February 24, 2009) (audio)
	\|filename2=Address Before a Joint Session of Congress (February 24, 2009) Barack Obama.ogg
	\|description2=Audio-only version
	\|image={{multiple image
	<!-- Essential parameters -->
	\| align = <!-- left/right/center -->
	\| direction = vertical
	\| width = 220
	\| image1 = Barack Obama signs American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17.jpg
	\| width1 =
	\| alt1 =
	\| caption1 = President Obama signs the ARRA into law on February 17, 2009 in ]. Vice President ] stands behind him.
	\| image2 = Barack Obama addresses joint session of Congress 2009-02-24.jpg
	\| width2 =
	\| alt2 =
	\| caption2 = Obama addresses a joint session of Congress, with Vice President ] and ] ].
	}}
	\| format = ]
	\| type = speech
	}}
	After much debate, the ] (ARRA) was passed by both the House and Senate on February 13, 2009. Originally intended to be a ] bill, the passage of the bill was largely along party lines. No Republicans voted for it in the House, and three moderate Republicans voted for it in the Senate (] and ] of ] and ] of ]).<ref>http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll070.xml</ref> The bill combined tax breaks with spending on infrastructure projects, extension of welfare benefits, and education.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/watercooler/story.aspx?storyid=81491\|title=Congress Readies Final Vote On $790B Stimulus Bill\|publisher=]\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/feb/13/congress-readies-final-vote-on-stimulus/\|title=http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/feb/13/congress-readies-final-vote-on-stimulus/\|author=Associated Press\|work=]\|date=February 13, 2009\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref> The final cost of the bill was $787 billion, and almost $1.2 trillion with debt service included.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Sahadi \|first=Jeanne \|url=http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/27/news/economy/stimulus_spending \|title=Stimulus with interest: $1.2 trillion \|publisher=CNN \|date=January 27, 2009 \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref> Obama signed the Act into law on February 17, 2009, in ].<ref> CNN. February 17, 2009.</ref>

	On March 9, 2009, Obama lifted restrictions on federal funding of ],<ref>{{cite news \|first=Sheryl\|last=Stolberg\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/politics/10stem.html \|title=Obama Lifts Bush's Strict Limits on Stem Cell Research\|work=The New York Times \|date=March 9, 2009\|accessdate=March 17, 2009}}</ref> and in doing so, called into question some of ]'s ]. Obama stated that he too would employ signing statements if he deems upon review that a portion of a bill is unconstitutional,<ref>{{cite news \|first=Charlie\|last=Savage\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/politics/10signing.html \|title=Obama Looks to Limit Impact of Tactic Bush Used to Sidestep New Laws\|work=The New York Times \|date=March 9, 2009\|accessdate=March 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|first=Barack\|last=Obama\|url=http://graphics.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/politics/2009signingstm.mem.final.rel.pdf\|title=Subject: Presidential Signing Statements\|publisher=The White House\|date=March 9, 2009\|accessdate=March 17, 2009}}</ref> and he has issued several signing statements.<ref>{{cite news
	\| last = Savage
	\| first = Charlie
	\| title = A Bill Signing, With Reservations
	\|work=The New York Times
	\| date = June 27, 2009
	\| url = http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/a-bill-signing-with-reservations/
	\| accessdate = June 27, 2009}}
	</ref>

	Early in his presidency, Obama signed a law raising the tobacco tax 62 cents on a pack of cigarettes.<ref name="tobacco">{{Cite news\|title=PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama tax pledge up in smoke \|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008961613_apobamataxpromise.html\|date=April 1, 2009\|work=]\|series=]\|lastauthoramp=yes\|accessdate=May 24, 2011 \|first=Calvin \|last=Woodward}}</ref> The tax is to be "used to finance a major expansion of health insurance for children", and "help some to quit and persuade young people not to start".<ref name="tobacco"/>

	==Approval ratings and opinion==

	{{See also\|United States presidential approval rating}}

	===2009===
	After his transition period, Obama entered office with an approval rating of 82%.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/01/obama-approval.html\|title=Barack Obama's initial approval rating is highest since JFK\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|work=Los Angeles Times \| date=January 27, 2009}}</ref> At the end of his first week, 68% of respondents in a ] approved of how Obama was handling his job, the second highest approval rating for a President shortly after being elected since ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/01/26/1760773.aspx\|title=Obama Approval Ranks Near Top\|publisher=MSNBC \|accessdate=January 28, 2009}} Obama was behind ] at 72%, and above ]'s 68%. He was also behind presidents who came to office in a time of crisis (] at 87%, ] at 78%, and ] at 71%).</ref>
	Throughout early February polls showed scattered approval ratings: 62% (CBS News),<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/02/05/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4778267.shtml\|title=Obama's Approval Rating: 62 Percent\|accessdate=February 5, 2009 \| work=CBS News \| first=Brian \| last=Montopoli \| date=February 5, 2009}}</ref> 64% (USA Today/Gallup), 66% (Gallup), and 76% in an outlier poll (CNN/Opinion Research).<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/01/62157136/1\|title=President's approval rating ends week at 66%\|accessdate=February 4, 2009 \| work=USA Today \| date=January 30, 2009\|first=Mark\|last=Memmott}}</ref><ref name=CNN>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-09-13/politics/cnn.poll.obama_1_disapproval-rating-president-barack-obama-handling?_s=PM:POLITICS\|title=Obama's disapproval rating hits new high\|publisher=CNN\|date=September 13, 2011\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref> Gallup reported the congressional address in late February boosted his approval from a term-low of 59% to 67%.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/116224/Obama-Approval-Rating-Increases.aspx \|title=Obama Approval Rating Increases to 67% \|publisher=Gallup.com \|date=February 27, 2009 \|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref>

	Throughout autumn 2009, Rasmussen estimated Obama's approval as fluctuating between 45% and 52% and his disapproval between 48% and 54%;<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/obama_approval_index_history \|title=Obama Approval Index History\|work=]\|accessdate=March 18, 2010}}</ref> as of November 11, Pew Research estimated Obama's approval between 51% and 55% and his disapproval between 33% and 37% since July.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://people-press.org/reports/pdf/561.pdf \|title=Obama’s Afghanistan Rating Declines A Year Out, Widespread Anti-Incumbent Sentiment \|date= November 11, 2009 \|accessdate=2010-02-20}}</ref>

	====Handling of the economy====
	] reported in mid-February 2009, that 55% of voters gave Obama good or excellent marks on his handling of the economy.<ref>, '']'', February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2010.{{dead link\|date=December 2010\|url=http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/most_recent_videos2/business/obama_approval_numbers_mirror_stimulus_debate}}</ref> In early March, a '']'' survey of 49 economists gave Obama an average grade of 59 out of 100, with 42% of the respondents surveyed giving the administration's economic policies a grade below 60 percent. In comparison, only 30% of those same economists considered the response of governments around the world to the global recession to have been adequate.<ref>. '']''. March 11, 2009. Retrieved March 13, 2009.</ref> In April, a Gallup poll showed trust in Obama's economic policy with 71% saying they had "a fair amount" or "a great deal" of confidence in Obama's handling of the economy, higher than for ], ], or leaders of Congress.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/117415/Americans-Confident-Obama-Economy.aspx\|title=Americans Most Confident in Obama on Economy\|accessdate=April 17, 2009\|work=]}}</ref> Another Gallup poll in June showed 55% of Americans approved Obama's overall handling of the economy, but 48% and 51% disapproved of his handling of the federal budget deficit and controlling federal spending, respectively.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/120770/Obama-Rated-Highest-as-Person-Lowest-Deficit-Spending.aspx\|title=Obama Rated Highest as Person, Lowest on Deficit, Spending\|accessdate=June 15, 2009\|work=]}}</ref> A CBS News poll taken August 27–31 showed 53% of those polled approved of his handling of the economy.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/01/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5280405.shtml\|title=Poll: Obama Approval Rating Dips Slightly\|accessdate=September 9, 2009\|work=] \| first=Kevin \| last=Hechtkopf \| date=September 1, 2009}}</ref> A Rasmussen poll taken on November 12 found 45% of Americans rating Obama's handling of the economy as poor and 39% rating him as doing a good or excellent job. They found 72% of Democrats rated his handling of the economy as good or excellent, while only 10% of Republicans and 27% of voters not affiliated with either party agreed.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/november_2009/45_now_rate_obama_s_economic_performance_as_poor \|title=45% Now Rate Obama's Economic Performance As Poor \|work=]\|date=November 12, 2009 \|accessdate=February 20, 2010}}</ref>

	===2010===

	On March 25, 2010, following his signing of landmark health care reform legislation into law, Obama's polling was revealed by ] to be 50%, with higher marks for relations with other countries (58%) and his running of the war in Afghanistan (54%). "Obama's approval rating is roughly equal to what Bill Clinton had at this point in his presidency, according to data maintained by Gallup (and) higher than the 45 percent Ronald Reagan recorded in April 1982" and more favorable than Democrats or Republicans office in 2010. They found Obama's approval rating was at 85% among Democrats, compared with 46% among independents and 11% among Republicans.<ref>McCormick, John (March 24, 2010), , '']''. Retrieved March 24, 2010.</ref>

	] released the results of two polls on April 8–9, 2010. The first showed a drop in Obama's approval rating to 43%, with 48% disapproving. In that poll, Democrats approved of Obama's performance 80–12%, while independents disapproved 49–38%.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Fox News Poll: Health Care and the Midterm Elections\|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/08/fox-news-poll-health-care-midterm-elections/#\|date=April 8, 2010\|last=Blanton\|first=Dana\|publisher=Fox News\|lastauthoramp=yes\|accessdate=April 10, 2010}}</ref> The other poll, which concentrated on the economy, showed disapproval of Obama's handling of the economy by a 53–42% margin, with 62% saying they were dissatisfied with the handling of the federal deficit.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Fox News Poll: 53% Disapprove of Obama's Handling of the Economy\|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/09/fox-news-poll-disapprove-obamas-handling-economy/?test=latestnews\|date=April 9, 2010\|last=Blanton\|first=Dana\|publisher=Fox News\|lastauthoramp=yes\|accessdate=April 10, 2010}}</ref> According to a ] released April 10, 2010, President Obama had a 45% approval rating, with 48% disapproving.<ref>, '']'', April 10, 2010. Retrieved April 12, 2010 Each result is based on a three-day rolling average</ref> In a poll from ], released April 10, 2010, 47% approved of the President's performance, while 53% disapproved.<ref>, '']'', April 10, 2010. Retrieved April 12, 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html \|title=Election Other – President Obama Job Approval \|publisher=RealClearPolitics \|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref>

	===2011===
	Obama's approval rating jumped to a high following the death of ] on May 2, 2011. A ] poll conducted May 5, 2011 found his approval rating to be 60%. During the debt ceiling debate in August 2011, Obama's approval rating dropped to the low-40s.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.nationalpolls.com/obama/national.html\|title=Obama Approval Ratings Nationally\|work=Obama Approval Ratings\|date=January 3, 2012\|accessdate=January 3, 2012}}</ref>

	In October 2011, Obama instituted the ] program, which involved using executive orders, administrative ], and ] to institute policies without the support of Congress.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/10/obamas-new-slogan-we-cant-wait/1\|title=Obama's new slogan: 'We can't wait' \| work=USA Today \| date=October 24, 2011}}</ref> The initiative was developed in response to what Obama claimed was Congress's unwillingness to pass economic legislation that he had proposed, and conflicts in Congress during the 2011 ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/10/24/1029465/-We-cant-wait:-Obama-to-use-executive-authority-to-boost-economy-as-Republicans-dither-on-jobs\|title='We can't wait': Obama to use executive authority to boost economy as Republicans dither on jobs}}</ref>

	==Major legislation==

	===2009===
	*January 29: ]
	*February 4: ]
	*February 11: ]
	*February 17: ]
	*March 30: ]
	*April 21: ]
	*May 20: ]
	*May 20: ]
	*May 22: ]
	*June 22: ]
	*August 6: ]
	*October 22: ]
	*October 28: ]
	*October 30: ]
	*November 6: ]

	===2010===
	*January 27: ]
	*March 4: ]
	*March 18: ] (HIRE Act)
	*March 23: ]
	*March 30: ]
	*May 5: ]
	*May 17: ]
	*July 1: ]
	*July 21: ]
	*July 22: ]
	*July 22: ]
	*August 10: ]
	*September 27: ]
	*December 9: ]
	*December 13: ]
	*December 17: ]
	*December 22: ]

	===2011===
	*January 2: ] ({{USBill\|111\|H.R.\|847}})
	*January 4: ], {{USPL\|111\|353}}, {{USBill\|111\|H.R.\|2751}}
	*August 2: ]
	*October 21: ]
	*October 21: ]
	*October 21: ]
	*November 21: VOW to Hire Heroes Act<ref>{{cite web\|last=Compton\|first=Matt\|title=President Obama: "Hire a Veteran"\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/11/21/president-obama-hire-veteran\|accessdate=July 7, 2012}}</ref>

	===2012===
	*April 5: ]

	==Personnel==

	===Cabinet appointees===
	{{Main\|First 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency#Administration and Cabinet\|Confirmations of Barack Obama's Cabinet}}
	{{Obama cabinet infobox}}
	Twenty-two members of the Obama administration are either in the ] (15) or are in positions considered to be Cabinet-level (7). The members of the Cabinet are the heads of the fifteen major departments (State, Defense, Justice, etc.), and the seven cabinet-level positions are the Vice President, ], ], Director of the ], ], ], and the Chair of the ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.addictionpro.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=440B847037BC4AFA8B377E381E9C548D&nm=&type=Blog&mod=BlogTopics&mid=67D6564029914AD3B204AD35D8F5F780&tier=7&id=908F70B4E94849F8B3FAA3025FE9221A\|title=Obama's Cabinet Full ... Except for Drug Czar\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|date=December 19, 2008 \|author=Daniel Guarnera}}</ref><ref>. The White House.</ref> Since ] was a member of the previous administration, his letter of resignation (a formality at the end of a President's term) was simply not accepted, and he did not need confirmation.<ref name=TheCaucus>{{cite web\|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99674016\|title=The Obama Cabinet: Confirmations & Nominations\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|date=January 22, 2009\|publisher=]}}</ref> On January 19, 2009, Senate Democratic leaders requested fifteen of the twenty positions to be ratified by ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://thehill.com/homenews/news/17822-senate-considers-unanimous-consent-on-obama-cabinet\|title=Senate considers unanimous-consent on Obama Cabinet\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|date=January 19, 2009\|work=]\|author=Rushing, J. Taylor}}</ref> and seven gained unanimous confirmation by ] the next day: ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=TheCaucus/><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/more-obama-cabinet-nominees-confirmed/\|title=More Obama Cabinet Nominees Confirmed\|accessdate=2012-01-22\|date=January 22, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|first=Kate\|last=Phillips}}</ref> On January 21, Obama presided over the swearing in of the seven unanimous nominees.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/us/politics/22obamacnd.html\|title=On His First Full Day, Obama Tackles Sobering Challenges\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|date=January 21, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Knowlton, Brian}}</ref> Later that day, the Senate confirmed ] by a 94–2 vote. On January 22, several more confirmations were approved unanimously: ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/more-obama-cabinet-nominees-confirmed/\|title=More Obama Cabinet Nominees Confirmed\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|date=January 22, 2009\|work=The New York Times\|author=Phillips}}</ref> On January 26, the Senate confirmed Geithner by a 60–34 margin.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/01/27/geithner_confirmed_sworn_in_at_treasury/\|title=Geithner confirmed, sworn in at Treasury: Obama cites urgency of acting quickly.\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|date=January 27, 2008\|work=The Boston Globe }}</ref><ref name=DiCNDGR>{{cite news\|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123275672929711875.html\|title=Delays in Cabinet Nominations Demonstrate GOP Resolve\|accessdate=January 28, 2009\|date=January 24, 2009\|publisher=]\|work=The Wall Street Journal\|author=Weisman, Jonathan}}</ref>

	At the conclusion of Obama's first week as President, ], ], ], and ] had yet to be confirmed, and there had been no second appointment for Secretary of Commerce.<ref name=DiCNDGR/> Holder was confirmed by a vote of 75–21 on February 2,<ref>{{cite web\|author=Josh Hakala \|url=http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/02/senate_confirms_eric_holder_as.html \|title=Senate confirms Holder as first black AG \|publisher=Mlive.com \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref> and on February 3, Obama announced Senator ] as his second nomination for ].<ref>{{cite news \|first=Jeff \|last=Zeleny \|title=Obama Set to Add Republican to Cabinet \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/us/politics/03gregg.html \|work=The New York Times \|date=February 2, 2009 \|accessdate=February 3, 2009}}</ref> Daschle withdrew later that day amid controversy over his failure to pay income taxes and potential conflicts of interest related to the speaking fees he accepted from health care interests.<ref name=daschle>{{cite news\|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/03/tom-daschle-withdraws-nom_n_163557.html\|title=Tom Daschle Withdraws Nomination For HHS Secretary\|author=Associated Press\|work=]\|date=March 6, 2009\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref> Solis was later confirmed by a vote of 80–17 on February 24,<ref name=solis/> and Ron Kirk was confirmed on March 18 by a 92–5 vote in the Senate.<ref name=kirk>{{cite news\|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-kirk-trade,0,5324728.story \|title=Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk confirmed as US trade representative \|work=Chicago Tribune \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref>

	Gregg, who was the leading Republican negotiator and author of the TARP program in the Senate, after publication that he had a multi-million dollar investment in the Bank of America, on February 12, withdrew his nomination as Secretary of Commerce, citing "irresolvable conflicts" with President Obama and his staff over how to conduct the 2010 census and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.<ref>Zajac, Andrew (February 4, 2009). "Commerce Nominee's Own Finances Have Suffered". Chicago Tribune.</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/12/judd-gregg-withdraws-comm_n_166502.html\|title=Judd Gregg Withdraws Commerce Secretary Nomination (VIDEO) \|author=Rachel Weiner\|date=March 15, 2009\|work=]\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref> Former ] ] was nominated on February 26<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/mar/09/news/la-pn-locke-china-ambassador-20110310\|title=Gary Locke, Commerce secretary, nominated as U.S. ambassador to China\|author=Christi Parsons\|date=March 9, 2011\|work=Los Angeles Times\|accessdate=14 May 202}}</ref> as Obama's third choice for Commerce Secretary and confirmed on March 24 by voice vote.<ref name=locke>{{cite news\|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/locke-confirmed-as-commerce-secretary/\|title=Locke Confirmed as Commerce Secretary\|work=The New York Times \|date=March 24, 2009\|accessdate=March 30, 2009\|last=Wheaton\|first=Sarah}}</ref>

	On March 2, Obama introduced ] ] as his second choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services. He also introduced ] as head of the new ], which he suggested would work closely with the ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-nominates-Governor-Kathleen-Sebelius-Secretary-of-HHS-Announces-Re/\|title=President Obama Will Nominate Governor Kathleen Sebelius Secretary of HHS, Announces Release of $155 Million of ARRA Funds for Health Clinics Across America\|publisher=]\|date=March 2, 2009\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-250_162-4835996.html\|title=Obama To Tap Sebelius for HHS Secretary\|author=Associated Press\|publisher=]\|date=May 13, 2009}}</ref> At the end of March, Sebelius was the only remaining Cabinet member yet to be confirmed.<ref name=locke/>

	Six high-ranking cabinet nominees in the Obama administration had their confirmations delayed or rejected among reports that they did not pay all of their taxes, including ], Obama's original nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, and Treasury Secretary ].<ref name=taxes>, International Herald Tribune, February 3, 2009</ref> Though Geithner was confirmed, and Senator ], chairman of the ], thought Daschle would have been confirmed, Daschle withdrew his nomination on February 3.<ref name=daschle/> Obama had nominated ] for the position of ], but Killefer also withdrew on February 3, citing unspecified problems with District of Columbia unemployment tax.<ref name=cnn2009-02-03> (February 3, 2009), CNN.</ref> A senior administration official said that Killefer's tax issues dealt with household help.<ref name=cnn2009-02-03 /> ], Obama's nominee for ], faced delayed confirmation hearings due to tax lien concerns pertaining to her husband's auto repair business,<ref>, UPI Online, February 5, 2009</ref> but she was later confirmed on February 24.<ref name=solis>{{cite news\|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/02/24/solis-confirmed \|title=Solis confirmed – CNN Political Ticker\|publisher=CNN\|date=April 10, 2012 \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref> While pundits puzzled over ]-designate ]'s failure to be confirmed by March 2009, it was reported on March 2 that Kirk owed over $10,000 in back taxes. Kirk agreed to pay them in exchange for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus's aid in speeding up the confirmation process;<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1155758&srvc=next_article \|title=Trade nominee Ron Kirk agrees to pay back taxes \|publisher=Bostonherald.com \|date=March 2, 2009 \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref> he was later confirmed on March 18.<ref name=kirk/> On March 31, ], Obama's nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, revealed in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee that her ] found errors in her tax returns for years 2005–2007. She, along with her husband, paid more than $7,000 in back taxes, along with $878 in interest.<ref>, CBS News, March 31, 2009</ref>

	===Notable non-Cabinet positions===
	Appointees serve at the pleasure of the President and were nominated by Barack Obama except as noted.
	* Chair of the ]
	**''']'''<sup>1</sup> <small>(2009–2011)</small>
	* Special envoy for ] and ]
	**''']''' <small>(2009–2010)</small>
	**''']''' <small>(2011–present)</small>
	* ]
	** Retired General ''']''' <small>(2009–2011)</small>
	** ''']''' <small>(2011–present)</small>
	* Special envoy to the Middle East
	** ''']''' <small>(2009–2011)</small>
	** ''']''' <small>(2011–present)</small>
	* ]
	** ''']'''<sup>2</sup> <small>(2009–present)</small>
	* ]
	** ''']''' <small>(2009–2011)</small>
	** ''']''' <small>(Acting-2011)</small>
	** ''']''' <small>(2011–present)</small>
	* Chair of the ]
	** ''']''' <small>(2009–2010)</small>
	** ''']''' <small>(2010–2011)</small>
	** ''']''' <small>(2011–present)</small>
	* Chair of the ]
	** ''']''' <small>(2009–present)</small>
	* Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Director of ]
	** ''']''' <small>(2009–2010)</small>
	** ''']''' <small>(2011–present)</small>
	* Chairman of the ]
	** ''']''' <small>(2009–2011)</small>
	** ''Replaced by ] in 2011''
	* Chairperson of the ]
	** ''']''' <small>(2011–present)</small>
	<sup>1</sup><small>Appointed by George W. Bush in 2006 to a five-year term</small><br />
	<sup>2</sup><small>Appointed by George W. Bush in 2001 to a ten-year term</small>

	===Judicial nominees===
	{{Main\|Barack Obama Supreme Court candidates\|List of federal judges appointed by Barack Obama}}

	====United States Supreme Court====
	Obama appointed the following Justices to the ]:
	* ''']'''{{spaced ndash}}]
	* ''']'''{{spaced ndash}}]

	{{further2\|]}}

	====Other courts====

	Outside of the Supreme Court, by October 2009, Obama had nominated fewer than two dozen judges to fill judicial vacancies, of which there were close to 100. This has prompted some Democrats to criticize the pace of Obama's judicial appointments as too slow.<ref>Michael A. Fletcher, , ''The Washington Post'' (October 16, 2009).</ref> In December 2009, Senator ] criticized Republicans for stalling those judicial nominations that had been made, noting that the Senate confirmed more district and circuit court nominees during the first year of the George W. Bush administration than it had approved by that point during the Barack Obama presidency.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mainjustice.com/2009/12/15/leahy-blasts-gop-for-stalled-nominees/\|title=Leahy Blasts Republicans For Stalled Nominees\|publisher=Washington Time\|accessdate=2009-12-16}}</ref>

	==Policies==

	===Economy===
	Upon entering office, Obama planned to center his attention on handling the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/19/news/economy/obama_first_week/\|title=Obama's top priority: the economy\|last=Henry\|first=Ed\|date=January 19, 2009\|publisher=CNN\|accessdate=February 9, 2009}}</ref> Even before his inauguration he lobbied Congress to pass ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Business/story?id=6568008&page=1\|title=Obama Pushes Economic Plan, Saying It Can't Wait\|last=Goldman\|first=Russell\|coauthors=Jake Tapper\|date=January 5, 2009\|publisher=]\|accessdate=February 9, 2009}}</ref> which became the top priority during his first month in office.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idUKN2044566820090220\|title=Obama vows to spend stimulus money wisely\|last=Bohan \|first=Caren\|coauthors=Lisa Lambert\|date=February 20, 2009\|publisher=Reuters\|accessdate=February 24, 2009}}</ref> As President, Obama made a high profile trip to ], Washington, D.C. to dialog with Congressional ] and advocate for the bill.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99927275\|title=Obama Woos Hill Republicans On Stimulus Plan\|last=Halloran\|first=Liz\|date=January 27, 2009\|publisher=]\|accessdate=February 9, 2009}}</ref> On February 17, 2009, Obama signed into law a $787 billion plan that included spending for health care, infrastructure, education, various tax breaks and ], and direct assistance to individuals.<ref name=stimuluswatch>{{cite news\|url=http://stimulus.org/\|title=Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Stimulus Watch }}</ref> The tax provisions of the law reduced taxes for 98 percent of taxpayers, bringing tax rates to their lowest levels in 60 years.<ref>{{cite news\| last = Condon \| first = Stephanie\| title = What's Obama Doing to Your Taxes? \| publisher = ]\| date = April 15, 2010\| url = http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20002548-503544.html\| accessdate =2010-11-13 }}</ref>

	As part of the 2010 budget proposal, the Obama administration has proposed additional measures to attempt to stabilize the economy, including a $2–3 trillion measure aimed at stabilizing the financial system and freeing up credit. The program includes up to $1 trillion to buy toxic bank assets, an additional $1 trillion to expand a federal consumer loan program, and the $350 billion left in the ]. The plan also includes $50 billion intended to slow the wave of mortgage foreclosures.<ref name=stimuluswatch /> The 2011 budget includes a three-year freeze on discretionary spending, proposes several program cancellations, and raises taxes on high income earners to bring down deficits during the economic recovery.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2011/assets/budget.pdf \|title=Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2011 \|format=PDF \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref>

	] and Senior Advisor ] about job creation in July 2010.]]
	In a July 2009 interview with ], Biden was asked about the ] from May 2007 to October 2009<ref>{{cite news \|url= http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet?request_action=wh&graph_name=LN_cpsbref3\| title= Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey\| date= August 1, 2009\| work= United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics}}</ref> despite the administration's multi-year economic stimulus package passed five months earlier. He responded "The truth is, we and everyone else, misread the economy. The figures we worked off of in January were the consensus figures and most of the blue chip indexes out there ... the truth is, there was a misreading of just how bad an economy we inherited."<ref>{{cite news\| url= http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/07/biden-we-misread-the-economy-.html\|first=George\|last=Stephanopoulos\|authorlink=George Stephanopoulos\| title= Biden: We 'Misread the Economy'\|date= July 5, 2009\| work=George's Bottom Line\|publisher=]\|accessdate=April 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite document\|title='This Week' Transcript: Exclusive: Vice President Joe Biden\|url=http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/Politics/story?id=8002421&page=3\|date=July 5, 2009\|first=George\|last=Stephanopoulos\|authorlink=George Stephanopoulos\|work=]\|publisher=]\|page=3\|accessdate=April 20, 2010}}</ref> The White House indicates that 2 million jobs were created or saved due to the stimulus package in 2009<ref>{{cite news\| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/12/AR2010011203737.html \| work=The Washington Post \| title=Economic stimulus has created or saved nearly 2 million jobs, White House says \| first=Alec \| last=MacGillis \| date=January 13, 2010 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref> and self reporting by recipients of the grants, loans, and contracts portion of the package report that the package saved or created 608,317 jobs in the final three months of 2009.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.recovery.gov/Pages/home.aspx \|title=Tracking the Money \|publisher=Recovery.gov \|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref>

	The unemployment rate rose in 2009, reaching a peak in October at 10.1% and averaging 10.0% in the fourth quarter.<ref name="Theodossiou">{{cite journal \|last1=Theodossiou \|first1=Eleni \|last2=Hipple \|first2=Steven F. \|year=2011 \|title=Unemployment Remains High in 2010 \|journal=Monthly Labor Review \|volume=134 \|issue=3 \|pages=3–22 \|publisher=Bureau of Labor Statistics \|url=http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2011/03/art1full.pdf \|accessdate=April 7, 2011 }}</ref> Following a decrease to 9.7% in the first quarter of 2010, the unemployment rate fell to 9.6% in the second quarter, where it remained for the rest of the year.<ref name=Theodossiou/> Between February and December 2010, employment rose by 0.8%, which was less than the average of 1.9% experienced during comparable periods in the past four employment recoveries.<ref name="Eddlemon">{{cite journal \|last1=Eddlemon \|first1=John P. \|year=2011 \|title=Payroll Employment Turns the Corner in 2010 \|journal=Monthly Labor Review \|volume=134 \|issue=3 \|pages=23–32 \|publisher=Bureau of Labor Statistics \|url=http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2011/03/art2full.pdf \|accessdate=April 7, 2011 }}</ref> GDP growth returned in the third quarter of 2009, expanding at a 1.6% pace, followed by a 5.0% increase in the fourth quarter.<ref name="BEA1">{{cite web \|url=http://bea.gov/national/nipaweb/TableView.asp?SelectedTable=1&ViewSeries=NO&Java=no&Request3Place=N&3Place=N&FromView=YES&Freq=Qtr&FirstYear=2009&LastYear=2010&3Place=N&Update=Update&JavaBox=no#Mid \|title=Percent Change in Real Gross Domestic Product (Quarterly) \|work=National Income and Product Accounts Table \|publisher=Bureau of Economic Analysis \|accessdate=April 7, 2011}}</ref> Growth continued in 2010, posting an increase of 3.7% in the first quarter, with lesser gains throughout the rest of the year.<ref name=BEA1/> Overall, the economy expanded at a rate of 2.9% in 2010.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://bea.gov/national/nipaweb/TableView.asp?SelectedTable=1&ViewSeries=NO&Java=no&Request3Place=N&3Place=N&FromView=YES&Freq=Year&FirstYear=2009&LastYear=2010&3Place=N&Update=Update&JavaBox=no#Mid \|title=Percent Change in Real Gross Domestic Product (Annual) \|work=National Income and Product Accounts Table \|publisher=Bureau of Economic Analysis \|accessdate=April 7, 2011}}</ref>

	During November–December 2010, Obama and a ] session of the ] focused on a dispute about the temporary ], which were due to expire at the end of the year. Obama wanted to extend the tax cuts for taxpayers making less than $250,000 a year. Congressional Republicans agreed but also wanted to extend the tax cuts for those making over that amount, and refused to support any bill that did not do so.<ref>{{cite web
	\| last = Thoma
	\| first = Mark
	\| title = Senate GOP Pledges to Block All Bills Until Tax Cuts are Extended for All
	\| publisher = Wall Street Pit
	\| date = December 1, 2010
	\| url = http://wallstreetpit.com/52023-senate-gop-pledges-to-block-all-bills-until-tax-cuts-are-extended-for-all \| accessdate =2010-12-20 }}</ref> All the Republicans in the Senate also joined in saying that, until the tax dispute was resolved, they would ] to prevent consideration of any other legislation, except for bills to fund the U.S. government.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Senate Republicans block 9/11 health bill\|agency=Reuters\| date = December 9, 2010\| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/12/10/us-usa-congress-firefighters-idUSTRE6B903120101210\| accessdate = 2012-5-14\| first=Donna\| last=Smith}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\| last = Stirewalt\| first = Chris \| title = Today's Power Play: Republicans and Democrats Play Chicken With Lame Duck \| publisher = ]\| date = December 1, 2010\| url = http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/12/01/todays-power-play-republicans-and-democrats-play-chicken-lame-duck\| accessdate = 2010-12-20}}</ref> On December 7, Obama strongly defended a compromise agreement he had reached with the Republican congressional leadership that included a two-year extension of all the tax cuts, a 13-month extension of ], a one-year reduction in the ], and other measures.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/politics/08cong.html \| title=Democrats Skeptical of Obama on New Tax Plan \|author=Herszenhorn, David M. \| author2=Stolberg, Sheryl Gay \|newspaper=] \|date=December 7, 2010}}</ref> On December 10, Senator ] (I-VT) led a filibuster against the compromise tax proposal, which lasted over eight hours.<ref>Nick Wing, , December 10, 2010, The Huffington Post.</ref> Obama persuaded many wary Democrats to support the bill,<ref name="cnn-signs"/> but not all; of the 148 votes against the bill in the House, 112 were cast by Democrats and only 36 by Republicans.<ref>{{cite news\|author=Beutler, Brian \| date=December 16, 2010\|url=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/house-passes-tax-cut-plan-obama-to-sign.php \|title=House Passes Tax Cut Plan, Obama To Sign\|publisher=] \|accessdate=December 20, 2010}}</ref> The $858 billion ], which '']'' called "the most significant tax bill in nearly a decade",<ref name="wapo-deal">{{cite news\|author=Post Store \|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/16/AR2010121606672.html \|title=Congress votes to extend Bush-era tax cuts until '12 \|work=The Washington Post \|date= December 17, 2010\|accessdate=2010-12-17}}</ref> passed with bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress and was signed into law by Obama on December 17, 2010.<ref name="cnn-signs">{{cite news \| url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/17/tax.deal/index.html \| title=Obama signs tax deal into law \| publisher=CNN \| date=December 17, 2010 \| accessdate=December 17, 2010}}</ref>

	===Ethics===

	====Lobbying reform====
	Early in ], Obama stated that "they won't find a job in my White House", but softened his stance later in the campaign.<ref name=NatJournalLobbyists/> On January 21, 2009, Obama issued an executive order for all future appointees to his administration, which stated, no appointee who was a registered lobbyist within the two years before his appointment could participate on matters in which he lobbied for a period of two years after the date of appointment.<ref name=EthicsOrder/> Three formal waivers were initially issued in early 2009, out of 800 executive appointments:<ref name=ABCWaivers>, ABC News, March 10, 2009</ref><ref name=ethicsupdate>, The White House</ref> to ], a lobbyist for ], to hold the position of ];<ref name=rulebreak/> to Jocelyn Frye, former general counsel at the National Partnership for Women and Families, to serve as Director of Policy and Projects in the ]; and to ], former senior vice president for the ],<ref name=ABCWaivers/> to serve as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the ].<ref name=ethicsupdate/> As of March 21, 2009, at least thirty officials appointed by Obama had been lobbyists in the past five years.<ref name=NatJournalLobbyists>Kosterlitz J. (2009). . ''National Journal''.</ref> Ten additional waivers were announced in September 2009.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/09/white-house-discloses-10-more-ethics-waivers-for-administration-officials.html\|title=White House Discloses 10 More Ethics Waivers for Administration Officials\|author=Jack Tapper\|date=September 5, 2009}}</ref>

	Not all recent former lobbyists require waivers; those without waivers write letters of recusal stating issues from which they must refrain because of their previous jobs.<ref name=ABCWaivers/> '']'' reported that 21 members of the Obama administration have at some time been registered as federal lobbyists, although most have not within the previous two years.<ref name=USATodayLobbyists>{{cite news \|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-01-27-lobbyist_N.htm \|title=Geithner names ex-lobbyist as Treasury chief of staff \|work=USA Today \|date=January 27, 2009 \|accessdate=February 14, 2009 \| first=Fredreka \| last=Schouten}}</ref> Lobbyists in the administration include William Corr, an anti-tobacco lobbyist, as Deputy Secretary of ]<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17376.html \|title=Obama HHS deputy has recent lobbyist past \|work=] \|date=January 13, 2009 \|accessdate=February 14, 2009}}</ref> and ], who lobbied in 2007, for a national teachers union, as Secretary of Agriculture.<ref name=USATodayLobbyists/> Also, the ] nominee, ], formerly served as a board member of ], which lobbied Congress on two bills Solis co-sponsored,<ref>, The Weekly Standard, February 3, 2009</ref> and Mark Patterson, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's chief of staff, is a former lobbyist for ].<ref name=USATodayLobbyists/>

	The ] have criticized the administration, claiming that Obama is retreating from his own ethics rules barring lobbyists from working on the issues about which they lobbied during the previous two years by issuing waivers. According to Melanie Sloan, the group's executive director, "It makes it appear that they are saying one thing and doing another."<ref name=USATodayLobbyists/>

	====Transparency====
	] as President of the United States, discussing the ].]]
	The Obama administration has said that all executive orders, non-emergency legislation, and proclamations will be posted to the official ] website, ], allowing the public to review and comment for five days before the President signs the legislation.<ref>{{cite web \|author=Macon Phillips\|title=Change has come to WhiteHouse.gov \|publisher=] \|date=January 20, 2009 \|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/change_has_come_to_whitehouse-gov/ \|accessdate=January 26, 2009}}</ref> The pledge was twice broken during Obama's first month in office when he signed ] legislation and the ] with less than the full five days of "sunlight before signing". The administration has said that they are still "working through implementation procedures and some initial issues with the congressional calendar".<ref>, '']'', February 5, 2009</ref><ref>, ], February 4, 2009</ref>

	During his first week in office, Obama announced plans to post a video address each week on the site,<ref name=video/> and on YouTube,<ref name=youtube/> informing the public of government actions each week. During his speech at the ], Obama stated, "I will also go through the federal budget, line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less – because we cannot meet twenty-first century challenges with a twentieth century bureaucracy."<ref> Prepared remarks of Barack Obama to the Democratic National Convention</ref>

	On January 21, 2009, by executive order, Obama revoked ], which had limited access to the records of former United States Presidents.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ExecutiveOrderPresidentialRecords/\|title=Executive Order 13489 – Presidential Records\|publisher=The White House\|accessdate=January 22, 2009}}</ref> Obama issued instructions to all agencies and departments in his administration to "adopt a presumption in favor" of ] requests.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/01/_in_a_move_that.html \|title=New Obama Orders on Transparency, FOIA Requests \|work=The Washington Post \|accessdate=January 22, 2009}}</ref> In April 2009, the ] released four legal memos from the Bush administration to comply voluntarily with a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the ].<ref>{{cite news\|title=RELEASED: The Bush Administration's Secret Legal Memos \|url=http://www.aclu.org/safefree/general/olc_memos.html\|publisher=American Civil Liberties Union\|accessdate=April 19, 2009}}</ref> The memos were written by ]<ref>{{cite news\|author=Vick, Karl\|title=Amid Outcry on Memo, Signer's Private Regret\|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/24/AR2009042403888.html\|date=April 25, 2009\|work=The Washington Post \|accessdate=April 24, 2009}}</ref> and signed by ] and Steven Bradbury, then Principal Assistant Attorneys General to the Department of Justice, and addressed to ], general counsel of the ].<ref name=chiefs>{{cite news\|author=Hess, Pamela\|title=Four CIA chiefs said 'don't reveal torture memos'\|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/four-cia-chiefs-said-dont-reveal-torture-memos-1671068.html\|date=April 19, 2009\|work=The Independent\|accessdate=April 19, 2009 \| location=London}}</ref> The memos describe in detail controversial interrogation methods the CIA used on prisoners suspected of terrorism.<ref>{{cite news\|title=The Torturers' Manifesto\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/opinion/19sun1.html\|date=April 18, 2009\|work=The New York Times \|accessdate=April 19, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=Smith, R. Jeffrey\|title=Justice Dept. Memos' Careful Legalese Obscured Harsh Reality\|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/18/AR2009041802166.html\|date=April 19, 2009\|work=The Washington Post \|accessdate=April 19, 2009}}</ref> Obama became personally involved in the decision to release the memos, which was opposed by former CIA directors ], ], ] and ].<ref name=chiefs/> Former Vice President ] criticized Obama for not releasing more memos; Cheney claimed that unreleased memos detail successes of CIA interrogations.<ref>{{cite news\|author=MacAskill, Ewen\|title=Obama and Cheney clash over Guantanamo torture\|work=The Guardian\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/21/obama-administration-dickcheney\|accessdate=June 10, 2009 \| location=London \| date=May 21, 2009}}</ref> A 2012 analysis by Bloomberg News indicates that The Obama Administration has failed to follow the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-28/obama-cabinet-flunks-disclosure-test-with-19-in-20-ignoring-law.html\|title=Obama Cabinet Flunks Disclosure Test With 19 in 20 Ignoring Law}}</ref> White House spokesman Jay Carney defended the President's record, stating that the Administration has shown "unprecedented transparency."<ref>{{cite web\|http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/18/obama-transparency-takes-turn-under-microscope-after-attacks-on-romney/\|title=Obama transparency takes turn under the microscope after attacks on Romney}}</ref>

	The ] requires all recipients of the funds provided by the act to publish a plan for using the funds, along with purpose, cost, rationale, net job creation, and contact information about the plan to a website so that the public can review and comment. ] from each department or executive agency will then review, as appropriate, any concerns raised by the public. Any findings of an Inspector General must be relayed immediately to the head of each department and published on Recovery.gov.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h1/text\|title=H.R.1 – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009\|publisher=OpenCongress.org}} Information cited is found under Subtitle B on pages 15–18.</ref>
	{{-}}

	On June 16, 2009, ] (CREW) filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration in order to get information about the visits of coal company executives. Anne Weismann, the chief counsel for CREW, stated
	"The Obama administration has now taken exactly the same position as the Bush administration... I don't see how you can keep people from knowing who visits the White House and adhere to a policy of openness and transparency." On June 16, ] reported that its more comprehensive request for visitor logs since Obama's January 20 inauguration had been denied.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.mobile.msn.com/en-us/articles.aspx?afid=1&aid=31373407\|title=Obama blocks list of visitors to White House\|publisher=]\|date=June 16, 2009\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref> The administration announced that White House visitor logs will be made available to the public on an ongoing basis, with certain limitations, for visits occurring after September 15, 2009.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/VoluntaryDisclosure/\|title=White House Voluntary Disclosure Policy Visitor Access Records\|publisher=The White House\|accessdate=September 4, 2009}}</ref> Beginning on January 29, 2010, the White House did begin to release the names of its visitor records.<ref>{{cite news\|title=White House Releases October Visitor Records\|url=http://whitehouse.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/01/29/white-house-releases-october-visitor-records/ \|date=January 29, 2010\|publisher=Fox News\|accessdate=April 19, 2010}}</ref> Since that time, names of visitors (which includes not only tourists, but also names of union leaders, Wall Street executives, lobbyists, party chairs, philanthropists and celebrities), have been released. The names are released in huge batches up to 75,000 names at a time.<ref>{{cite news\|title=White House Posts More than 75,000 Visitors Records\|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/01/white-house-posts-more-than-75000-visitors-records----including-farrakhan-and-james-taylor-no-not-the-ones-youre-thinking.html \|date=January 29, 2010\|publisher=ABC News\|accessdate=April 19, 2010}}</ref> Names are released 90–120 days after having visited the White House. The complete list of names is available online by accessing the official White House website.<ref>. The White House. March 26, 2010.</ref>

	Obama stated during the 2008 Presidential campaign that he would have negotiations for health care reform televised on ], citing transparency as being the leverage needed to ensure that people stay involved in the process taking place in Washington. This did not fully happen and ] gives President Obama a "Promise Broken" rating on this issue.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Barack Obama Campaign Promise No. 517\|url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/517/health-care-reform-public-sessions-C-SPAN/\|date=July 10, 2009\|publisher=]\|accessdate=April 21, 2010}}</ref> After White House press secretary ] initially avoided addressing the issue,<ref>{{cite news\|title=Gibbs Refuses to Address Question About Obama's Broken C-SPAN Promises\|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703481004574646560762972536.html\|date=January 8, 2010\|work=The Wall Street Journal \|accessdate=April 21, 2010 \| first=Lachlan \| last=Markay}}</ref> President Obama himself acknowledged that he met with Democratic leaders behind closed doors to discuss how best to garner enough votes in order to merge the two (House and Senate) passed versions of the health care bill. Doing this violated the letter of the pledge, although Obama maintains that negotiations in several congressional committees were open, televised hearings. Obama also cited an independent ethics watchdog group describe his administration as the most transparent in recent history.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Obama acknowledges broken C-SPAN promise\|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/02/obama-acknowledges-broken-c-span-promise/\|date=February 2, 2010\|work=The Washington Times\|accessdate=April 21, 2010}}</ref>

	The Obama administration has been characterized<ref name=shane2/> as much more aggressive than the Bush and other previous administrations in their response to whistleblowing and leaks to the press. Three people have been prosecuted under the rarely used leak-related provisions of the ]. They include ], a former ] (NSA) employee who was critical of the NSA's ],<ref name=hosenball/><ref name=naka2/><ref name=harri1/> ], a ] contractor who allegedly had a conversation about North Korea with ] of ],<ref name=newsweek3/><ref name=shane3/> and ], who allegedly was a source for ]'s book ]. Risen has also been subpoenaed to reveal his sources, another rare action by the government.<ref name="Savage0428"/>

	===Foreign policy===
	{{Main\|Foreign policy of the Barack Obama administration\|List of presidential trips made by Barack Obama}}
	] and ] before the ] in London on April 1, 2009.]]
	In his inaugural address, Obama suggested that he plans to begin the process of ] and continuing to focus on the ]. He also mentioned lessening the nuclear threat through "working tirelessly with old friends and former foes". He spoke about America's determination to combat terrorism, proclaiming America's spirit is "stronger and cannot be broken — you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." To the Muslim world, Obama extended an invite to "a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect". He also said the USA would "extend a hand" to those "who cling to power through corruption and deceit" if they "are willing to unclench" their fists.<ref>{{cite web \|author=Macon Phillips \|title=President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address \|publisher=] \|date=January 20, 2009 \|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/inaugural-address/ \|accessdate=January 26, 2009}}</ref> Shortly after his inauguration President Obama first called ] of the ] (PNA). Calls were also made to ] of ], ] of ] and ] of ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5563280.ece\|title=President Obama's first call 'was to President Abbas'\|accessdate=January 23, 2009 \|work=The Times \| location=London \| first=Tom \| last=Baldwin \| date=January 22, 2009}}</ref> Obama and Secretary of State ] named ] as Special Envoy for Middle East peace and ] as special representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan on January 23, 2009.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012202550.html\|title=President Obama Delivers Remarks to State Department Employees\|accessdate=January 23, 2009 \| work=The Washington Post \| date=January 22, 2009}}</ref> At the same time, Obama called on ] to open the borders of ], detailing early plans on his administration's peace plans for the ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7cf745dc-e8ce-11dd-a4d0-0000779fd2ac.html\|title=Obama urges Israel to open Gaza borders\|accessdate=January 22, 2009}}</ref>
	] are welcomed by ] to ] in London, April 1, 2009.]]
	On February 18, 2009, Obama announced that the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan would be bolstered by 17,000 new troops by summer.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25074581-2703,00.html\|title=Obama launches Afghanistan surge\|agency=The Australian\|date=February 19, 2009 \| first=Amanda \| last=Hodge}}</ref> The announcement followed the recommendation of several experts including Defense Secretary ] that additional troops be deployed to the war-torn nation.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Gates: More Troops For Afghanistan\|publisher=news10.net\|date=January 27, 2009\|url=http://www.news10.net/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=53827}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=U.S. general urges troop surge in Afghanistan\|work=International Herald Tribune\|date=October 1, 2008\|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/01/mideast/military.php}}</ref>

	Obama declared his plan for ending the ] on February 27, 2009, in a speech at ], ], before an audience of ] stationed there. According to the president, combat troops will be withdrawn from ] by August 2010, leaving a contingent of up to 50,000 servicemen and servicewomen to continue training, advisory, and ] operations until as late as the end of 2011.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Obama sets date to end Iraq combat mission \|publisher=]\|date=February 27, 2009\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29371588/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/obama-sets-date-end-iraq-combat-mission/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/27/obama-iraq-war-end-august-2010\|title=Six years after Iraq invasion, Obama sets out his exit plan\|author=Ewen MacAskill\|date=February 27, 2009\|work=The Guardian\|accessdate=May 14, 2012\|location=London}}</ref>

	Other characteristics of the Obama administration on foreign policy include a tough stance on ]s,<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/mar/01/swiss-banks-anonymity-ubs\|title=So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen: is it game over for Swiss banks\|agency=The Guardian\|first=Nick\|last=Mathiason\|date=March 1, 2009 \| location=London}}</ref> ] in Pakistan,<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012304189.html\|title=2 U.S. Airstrikes Offer a Concrete Sign of Obama's Pakistan Policy\|work=The Washington Post \|first=R. Jeffrey\|last=Smith\|coauthors=Candace Rondeaux; Joby Warrick\|date=January 24, 2009}}</ref> and avowed focus on diplomacy to prevent ] in Iran<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/26/direct-diplomacy-with-ira_n_160952.html\|title=Obama Administration To Engage In "Direct Diplomacy" With Iran\|agency=Associated Press\|first=John\|last=Heilprin\|date=January 26, 2009\|work=Huffington Post}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/02/119861.htm\|title=Ambassador Bosworth To Lead Efforts on U.S. Engagement With North Korea\|agency=U.S. Department of State\|date=February 26, 2009}}</ref>

	On April 1, 2009, Obama and China's President, ], announced the establishment of the ] and agreed to work together to build a positive, cooperative, and comprehensive U.S.-China relationship for the 21st century.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Statement-On-Bilateral-Meeting-With-President-Hu-Of-China/ \|title=Statement On Bilateral Meeting With President Hu Of China \|publisher=The White House \|date=April 1, 2009 \|accessdate=2010-02-20}}</ref>

	In that same month, Obama requested that Congress approve $83.4 billion of supplemental military funding, mostly for the war in Iraq and to increase troop levels in Afghanistan. The request also includes $2.2 billion to increase the size of the US military, $350 million to upgrade security along the ], and $400 million in counterinsurgency aid for Pakistan.<ref>, The Telegraph, April 10, 2009</ref>{{Clr}}

	In May 2009, it was reported that Obama plans to expand the military by 20,000 employees.<ref>, Reuters, May 6, 2009</ref>

	On June 4, 2009, Obama ] at ] in Egypt.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/The-President-in-the-Middle-East/\|title=The President in the Middle East\|date=June 3, 2009\|author=Jesse Lee\|publisher=White House\|accessdate=June 4, 2009}}</ref> The wide ranging speech called for a "new beginning" in relations between the Islamic world and the United States.<ref>{{cite news\| url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/04/egypt.obama.speech/index.html \| work=CNN \| title=Obama in Egypt reaches out to Muslim world \| accessdate=May 22, 2010 \| date=June 4, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/world/middleeast/05prexy.html \| work=The New York Times \| title=Addressing Muslims, Obama Pushes Mideast Peace \| first1=Jeff \| last1=Zeleny \| first2=Alan \| last2=Cowell \| date=June 5, 2009 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref> The speech received both praise and criticism from leaders in the region.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hOFrIyS2OYEJuBwjdcFTeFfJQ7ng\|title=Obama speech widely hailed but foes still sceptical\|author=Associated Press\|publisher=]\|date=June 4, 2009\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8083171.stm\|title=Middle East \| Reaction: Obama's Cairo speech\|publisher=BBC News\|date=June 4, 2009\|accessdate=June 5, 2009}}</ref><ref>, ], Attila Somfalvi , June 4, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last=Spencer\|first=Richard\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/5450146/Barack-Obamas-speech-to-Muslim-world-welcomed-by-the-press.html\|title=Barack Obama's speech to Muslim world welcomed by the press\|work=The Telegraph\|date=May 6, 2009\|accessdate=June 5, 2009 \| location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=181395\|title=Pakistan backs Obama's Middle East approach\|publisher=Thenews.jang.com.pk\|date=November 26, 2008\|accessdate=June 6, 2009}}</ref> In March 2010, Secretary of State Clinton criticized the Israeli government for approving expansion of settlements in East Jerusalem.<ref>{{cite news\| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8565455.stm \|work=BBC News \| title=Clinton rebukes Israel over homes \| date=March 12, 2010 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref>

	On April 8, 2010, Obama and ] ] signed the latest ], a "major" ] agreement that reduces the ] of both countries.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/08/obama.russia.treaty/index.html \|title=Obama, Russian President Sign Arms Treaty \|publisher=CNN \|date=April 8, 2010 \|accessdate=April 8, 2010}}</ref>

	In March 2011, international reaction to ]'s military crackdown on rebel forces and civilians in ] culminated in a ] to enforce a ] in Libya. Obama authorized U.S. forces to participate in international air attacks on Libyan air defenses using ] to establish the protective zone.<ref>. ], March 21, 2011.</ref>

	====Guantanamo Bay detention camp====
	On his first day in office, Obama requested a 120-day suspension of all trials for alleged terrorists held at the ], so the new administration could "review the military commissions process, generally, and the cases pending before military commissions {{as of\|2011\|lc=on}}, specifically".<ref>{{cite news \|agency=Associated Press\|title=Obama Seeks Halt to Legal Proceedings at Guantanamo\|date=January 21, 2009 \|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/20/AR2009012004743_pf.html \|accessdate=January 21, 2009 \| work=The Washington Post \| first=Peter \| last=Finn}}</ref> Another order established a task force to lead a review of detention policies, procedures and individual cases. Obama addressed the State Department that "the United States will not torture" and drafted an executive order to close Guantanamo within a year.<ref>{{cite news \|publisher=CNN\|title=Obama signs executive order to close Guantanamo Bay \|date=January 22, 2009 \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/22/guantanamo.order/index.html\|accessdate=January 22, 2009}}</ref> On January 22, 2009, Obama signed an executive order ensuring safe, lawful, and humane treatment of individuals detained in armed conflicts. This order restricts interrogators to methods listed and authorized by an ].<ref>{{cite web \| author = Obama, Barack \|title=Executive Order 13491 – Ensuring Lawful Interrogations \|publisher=] \|date=January 22, 2009 \|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/EnsuringLawfulInterrogations/ \|accessdate=January 26, 2009}}</ref> A detainee released since Obama took office claimed in an interview with ] that conditions at Guantanamo had worsened, stating guards wanted to "take their last revenge" before the facility is closed.<ref>, AFP, March 7, 2009</ref> On March 13, 2009, the administration announced that it would no longer refer to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay as ], but it also asserted that the president has the authority to detain terrorism suspects there without criminal charges.<ref>{{cite news \|work=The New York Times \|title=U.S. Won't Label Terror Suspects as 'Combatants{{'-}}\|date=March 13, 2009 \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/us/politics/14gitmo.html \|accessdate=March 15, 2009 \| first=William \| last=Glaberson}}</ref>

	The case review of detainee files by administration officials and prosecutors was made more difficult than expected as "the ] had not established a consolidated repository of the evidence and intelligence on each prisoner".<ref name="Loven">{{Cite news\|title=AP sources: Gitmo closing goal of January may slip\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/8726455\|date=September 27, 2009\|first=Jennifer\|last=Loven\|work=The Guardian\|location=London\|agency=Associated Press\|accessdate=February 9, 2012}}</ref> By September 2009, prosecutors recommended to the Justice Department which detainees are eligible for trial, and the Justice Department and ] worked together to determine which of several now-scheduled trials will go forward in military tribunals and which in civilian courts. While 216 international terrorists are already held in maximum security prisons in the U.S., Congress was denying the administration funds to shut down the camp and adapt existing facilities elsewhere, arguing that the decision was "too dangerous to rush".<ref name="Loven"/> In November, Obama stated that the U.S. would miss the January 2010 date for closing the Guantanamo Bay prison as he had ordered, acknowledging that he "knew this was going to be hard". Obama did not set a specific new deadline for closing the camp, citing that the delay was due to politics and lack of congressional cooperation.<ref>{{cite news \|publisher=BBC News\|title=Obama Admits Closing Date Will Slip\|date=November 18, 2009 \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8366376.stm \|accessdate=November 22, 2009}}</ref> The state of ] has offered to sell to the federal government the Thomson Correctional Center, a new but largely unused prison, for the purpose of housing detainees. Federal officials testified at a December 23 hearing that if the state commission approves the sale for that purpose, it could take more than six months to ready the facility.<ref>{{cite web \|publisher=Chicago Public Radio\|title= Public Hearing for Moving Guantanamo Detainees to Illinois \|date=December 23, 2009 \|url=http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=39050 \|accessdate=January 23, 2010}}</ref>

	In November 2009, the Obama Administration announced plans to give accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed a civilian trial in New York City.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/us/14terror.html?pagewanted=all\|title=Accused 9/11 Mastermind to Face Civilian Trial in N.Y.\|last=Savage\|first=Charlie\|work=The New York Times\|date=November 14, 2009}}</ref> Critics asserted that the trial risked handing over national security information to Al Qaeda via the discovery process.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/16/opinion/main5671004.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody\|title=Trial and Terror\|last=McCarthy\|first=Andrew\|work=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704431804574537370665832850.html\|title=The KSM Trial Will Be an Intelligence Bonanza for al Qaeda \|last=Yoo\|first=John\|work=The Wall Street Journal\|date=November 15, 2009}}</ref> In April 2011, Attorney General Eric Holder canceled the civilian trial. He blasted Congress, which had refused to fund the trial, and stated that he still believed a civilian trial was the best option.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/04/04/guantanamo.tribunals/index.html#\|title=Accused 9/11 terror suspects to face military trials\|last=Silverleib\|first=Alan\|work=CNN\|date=April 5, 2011}}</ref>

	====Killing of Osama bin Laden====
	{{Main\|Death of Osama bin Laden}}
	{{listen\|
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	\|filename2=050111 Osama Bin Laden Death Statement audioonly.ogg
	\|title2=President Obama on Osama bin Laden's Death
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	] to monitor the progress of Operation Neptune Spear.]]

	{{wikisource\|Remarks by the President on Osama Bin Laden}}
	Starting with information received in July 2010, intelligence developed by the CIA over the next several months determined what they believed to be the location of ] in a ] in ], Pakistan, a suburban area 35 miles from ].<ref name="NYT-clues">{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/world/asia/03intel.html?pagewanted=all\|title=Clues Gradually Led to the Location of Osama bin Laden\|last=Mazzetti\|first=Mark\|coauthors=Helene Cooper, Peter Baker\|date=May 3, 2011\|work=The New York Times\|accessdate=May 4, 2011}}</ref> CIA head ] reported this intelligence to Obama in March 2011.<ref name="NYT-clues"/> Meeting with his national security advisers over the course of the next six weeks, Obama rejected a plan to bomb the compound, and authorized a "surgical raid" to be conducted by United States ].<ref name="NYT-clues"/> The operation took place on May 1, 2011, resulting in the ] and the seizure of papers and computer drives and disks from the compound.<ref name="WP-binLaden">. '']''. May 2, 2011</ref><ref name="ND-binLaden"> Retrieved May 2, 2011</ref> Bin Laden's body was identified through DNA testing,<ref name="ABC-binLaden">{{cite news\|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/osama-bin-laden-killed/story?id=13505703\|title=Osama bin Laden Killed by U.S. Forces in Pakistan\|last=Schabner\|first=Dean\|coauthors=Karen Travers\|date=May 1, 2011\|publisher=ABC News\|accessdate=May 3, 2011}}</ref> and buried at sea several hours later.<ref name="NYT-ObamaAnnounce">{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/osama-bin-laden-is-killed.html\|title=Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says\|last=Baker\|first=Peter\|coauthors=Helene Cooper; Mark Mazzetti\|date=May 2, 2011\|work=The New York Times\|accessdate=May 3, 2011}}</ref> Within minutes of Obama's announcement from Washington, DC, late in the evening on May 1, there were spontaneous celebrations around the country as crowds gathered outside the White House, and at New York City's ] and ].<ref name="WP-binLaden"/><ref name="Guard-ObamaAnnounce">{{cite news\| last=Walsh\|first=Declan \| coauthors=Richard Adams and Ewen MacAskill\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/02/osama-bin-laden-dead-obama\|title=Osama bin Laden is dead, Obama announces\|date=May 2, 2011\|work=The Guardian\|accessdate=May 3, 2011\|location=London}}</ref> ] was positive across party lines, including from predecessors ] and ],<ref name="Bloom-binLaden">{{cite news\|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-02/death-of-bin-laden-may-strengthen-obama-s-hand-in-domestic-foreign-policy.html\|title=Death of Bin Laden May Strengthen Obama's Hand in Domestic, Foreign Policy\|last=Dorning\|first=Mike\|date=May 2, 2011\|publisher=Bloomberg News\|accessdate=May 4, 2011}}</ref> and from many countries around the world.<ref name="NPR-worldreaction">{{cite news\|url=http://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135919728/world-reaction-to-osama-bin-ladens-death\|title=World Reaction To Osama Bin Laden's Death\|date=May 2, 2011\|publisher=]\|accessdate=May 4, 2011}}</ref>

	==== Developments in the Muslim world ====
	In June 2009, protests broke out in Iran after Presidential elections that many Iranians believe were marred by fraud.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/06/12/it-s-a-coup-d-etat.html\|title={{-'}}It's a Coup d'Etat{{'-}}\|first=Maziar\|last=Bahari}}</ref> Obama called on the Iranian Government to stop "violent and unjust" action against the protesters,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Statement-from-the-President-on-Iran\|title=Statement from the President on Iran}}</ref> but resisted calls to do more than that. He was criticized for not being more forceful.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/21/republican-urges-obama-stand-iranian-protesters/\|title=Top Republican Urges Obama to Stand Up for Iranian Protesters \| work=Fox News \| date=June 21, 2009}}</ref> He responded that "the last thing I want to do is to have the United States be a foil for—those forces inside Iran who would love nothing better than to make this an argument about the United States."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-5102058-503544.html\|title=Iran Crisis Not About Us, Obama Says\|last=Alfano\|first=Sean\|work=CBS News}}</ref> Protests broke out again in Iran in February 2011 and were again met with force.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-02-20/world/iran.protests_1_enghelab-opposition-websites-security-forces?_s=PM:WORLD\|title=Security forces push back on Iranian protesters\|last=Sayah\|first=Reza\|work=CNN\|date=February 20, 2011}}</ref>

	After a sudden revolution in Tunisia,<ref>{{cite web\|first=Yasmine\|last=Ryan \|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/01/2011126121815985483.html \|title=How Tunisia's revolution began\|publisher=Al Jazeera English \|date=January 26, 2011 \|accessdate=June 13, 2012}}</ref> Arab discontent began to spread. Demonstrations broke out Egypt in January and February 2011. Press reports indicated that Obama followed a strategy of pressing for dramatic change and leaving little doubt that he felt Mubarak's resignation would be desirable, without actually saying so.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/13/world/la-fg-egypt-obama-strategy-20110213\|Title=Obama's strategy was to pressure Mubarak without intruding\|title=Obama's strategy was to pressure Mubarak without intruding \| work=Los Angeles Times\|first=Peter\|last=Nicholas\|date=February 13, 2011}}</ref><ref name=aolEgypt>{{cite web\|url=http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/11/mubarak-resigns-did-obama-help-oust-egyptian-president/\|title=Did Obama Help Oust Mubarak?}}</ref> After three weeks of unrest, Mubarak resigned.<ref name=aolEgypt/> Anti-government protests broke out in Benghazi, Libya, in February 2011,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/16/137834.html\|title=Clash breaks out as Libya braces for 'day of anger'}}</ref> and the Gadaffi government responded with military force.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/02/201122214042786138.html\|title=Nations condemn Libyan crackdown}}</ref> The Obama Administration initially resisted calls to take strong action<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/22/administration-urged-squeez-libya-concrete-action/\|title=Obama Administration Urged to Squeeze Libya, Take Concrete Action \| work=Fox News \| date=February 22, 2011}}</ref> but relented after the Arab League requested Western intervention in Libya.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/17/libya-no-fly-zone-united-nations\|title=Britain, France and US prepare for air strikes against Gaddafi \| location=London \|work=The Guardian\|first1=Nicholas\|last1=Watt\|first2=Ewen\|last2=MacAskill\|first3=Ed\|last3=Pilkington\|first4=Ian\|last4=Black\|first5=Luke\|last5=Harding\|date=March 17, 2011}}</ref> The U.S. provided air support, especially at the beginning of the operation, and helped in areas in which it has unique capabilities, such as electronic warfare and aerial surveillance.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-03-28/world/libya.us.military.capabilities_1_unmanned-aircraft-global-hawk-libya-mission?_s=PM:WORLD\|title=US providing 'unique capabilities' to the Libya mission\|last=Rizzo\|first=Jennifer\|work=CNN\|date=June 10, 2011}}</ref> The Obama administration demanded and got participation from several Arab and European nations and Obama stated that the U.S. would not send any ground troops.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/28/remarks-president-address-nation-libya\|title=Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on Libya}}</ref> With coalition support, the rebels took Tripoli the following August.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/08/201182282315305270.html\|title=Libyan diaspora celebrates fall of Tripoli}}</ref> By the second half of March 2011, anti-government protests were being held in Syria and police killed protesters in several cities.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/mar/22/middle-east-protest-interactive-timeline\|title=Arab spring: an interactive timeline of Middle East protests \| location=London \|work=The Guardian\|first1=Garry\|last1=Blight\|first2=Sheila\|last2=Pulham\|first3=Paul\|last3=Torpey\|date=March 22, 2011}}</ref> In March 2012, Obama argued that unilateral military action would be a mistake.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-07/obama-warns-against-military-action-in-syria/3872982\|title=Obama seeks to calm 'beat of war' over Syria, Iran}}</ref> As of June 2012, several experts characterized the situation as a civil war.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/06/syrias-civil-war/100319/\|title=Syria's Civil War}}</ref>

	====Overseas Contingency Operation====
	Obama discontinued use of the term "]" and instead uses the term "Overseas Contingency Operation". However, Obama has stated that the U.S. is at war with Al-Qaeda, saying "Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Inauguration/story?id=6689022&page=1 \|title=Inaugural Address \|publisher=ABC News \|date=January 20, 2009 \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref>

	In April 2010, the Obama administration authorized the "]" of the ] cleric and American citizen ], using a ].<ref>Krauthammer, Charles. "Barack Obama: Drone Warrior." Washingtonpost.com May 31, 2012. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/barack-obama-drone-warrior/2012/05/31/gJQAr6zQ5U_story.html </ref> al-Aulaqi was believed to have shifted from encouraging attacks on the United States to directly participating in them.<ref>{{cite news\| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/middleeast/07yemen.html \| work=The New York Times \| title=U.S. Approves Targeted Killing of American Cleric \| first=Scott \| last=Shane \| date=April 6, 2010 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/world/middleeast/secret-us-memo-made-legal-case-to-kill-a-citizen.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all\|title=Secret U.S. Memo Made Legal Case to Kill a Citizen\|work=New York Times\|author=]\|date=October 8, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/barack-obama-praises-killing-of-al/qaida-cleric-al/Awlaki/articleshow/10188914.cms\|title=Barack Obama praises killing of al-Qaida cleric al-Awlaki\|work=The Times of India\|date=October 1, 2011}}</ref> This was the first known instance of a sitting U.S. president ordering the ] of a U.S. citizen.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.thenation.com/blog/163724/assassinating-awlaki-obama-can-kill-anyone-he-wants\|title=Assassinating Awlaki: Obama Can Kill Anyone He Wants To\|author=]\|publisher=]\|date=September 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>Drum, Kevin. "Obama Assassinates U.S. Citizen." Mother Jones. September 30, 2011. http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/09/obama-assassinates-us-citizen</ref> The ]'s legal memorandum authorizing the strike, which asserted that ] ] rights "could be satisfied by internal deliberations in the ]", has not been released to the public.<ref name=NYTBeckerShane>{{Cite news \| last = Becker \| first = Jo \| last2 = Shane \| first2 = Scott \| title =Secret 'Kill List' Proves a Test of Obama's Principles and Will \| newspaper =The New York Times \| pages =7–8 \| date =May 29, 2012 \| url =http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/29/world/obamas-leadership-in-war-on-al-qaeda.html \| accessdate = June 14, 2012}}</ref>

	====Cyber-warfare====
	According to ] of '']'', Obama continued and expanded the cyber-warfare program of George W. Bush's administration, leading to the creation of the ] virus that infected Iranian nuclear centrifuges.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Sanger\|first=David\|title=Mutually Assured Cyberdestruction?\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/sunday-review/mutually-assured-cyberdestruction.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all\|work=New York Times\|date=June 3, 2012\|accessdate=June 26, 2012}}</ref>

	===Gun control===
	During the presidential campaign, Obama announced that he favors measures that respect ] rights, while at the same time keeping guns away from children and criminals.<ref>, '']'', September 22, 2008 (updated September 29, 2008). Retrieved March 15, 2010.</ref><ref>, '']''. Retrieved March 15, 2010.</ref> On February 25, 2009, Attorney General ] announced that the Obama administration would seek a new ] across the United States, saying that it would have a positive impact on the drug-related violence in Mexico.<ref>{{cite news\|first=Jason\|last=Ryan\|title=Obama to Seek New Assault Weapons Ban\|url=http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=6960824\|publisher=]\|date=February 25, 2009\|accessdate=February 26, 2009}}</ref> After the statement drew criticism from the NRA and some House Democrats, the Administration reportedly ordered the Justice Department to end public discussion of the issue.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Back Burner for an Assault-Weapon Ban\|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/193589\|first=Michael\|last=Isikoff\|first2=Suzanne\|last2=Smalley\|work=Newsweek\|date=April 11, 2009\|accessdate=March 15, 2010}}</ref> Obama has signed into law two bills containing amendments reducing restrictions on gun owners, one which permits guns to be transported in checked baggage on Amtrak trains<ref>, ], September 16, 2009. Retrieved March 15, 2010.</ref> and another which allows carrying loaded firearms in ] located in states allowing ].<ref name=NYT20100224>Urbina, Ian (February 23, 2010), , '']''. Retrieved March 15, 2010.</ref><ref name=WaTimes20100222>Dinan, Stephen (February 22, 2010), , '']''. Retrieved March 15, 2010.</ref>
	{{See also\|Operation Fast and Furious}}

	===Science and technology===
	].]]

	====Cybersecurity====
	Obama initiated a 60-day review of ]<ref>{{cite news\|author=Hathaway, Melissa\|title=Remarks by Melissa E. Hathaway Acting Senior Director for Cyberspace for the National Security and Homeland Security Councils\|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/Melissa%20Hathaway%20Speech%20at%20RSA.pdf\|date=April 22, 2009\|work=The Washington Post\|accessdate=April 22, 2009}}</ref> by ], a consultant for ], appointed Acting Senior Director for Cyberspace.<ref>{{cite press release\|title=President Obama Directs the National Security and Homeland Security Advisors to Conduct Immediate Cyber Security Review\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/advisorstoconductimmediatecybersecurityreview/\|date=February 9, 2009\|publisher=The White House \|accessdate=April 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=Molina, Brett\|date=April 15, 2009\|title=Obama to receive cybersecurity review this week\|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2009/04/65504587/1#.T7GD1dmkBpQ\|work=USA Today \|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref>

	''The New York Times'' reported in 2009, that the NSA is intercepting communications of American citizens including a Congressman, although the ] believed that the NSA had corrected its errors.<ref>{{cite news\|author=Lichtblau, Eric and Risen, James\|date=April 15, 2009\|title=N.S.A.'s Intercepts Exceed Limits Set by Congress\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/us/16nsa.html\|work=The New York Times \|accessdate=April 15, 2009}}</ref> United States Attorney General ] resumed the wiretapping according to his understanding of the ] that Congress passed in July 2008, but without explaining what had occurred.<ref>{{cite news\|author=Ackerman, Spencer\|title=NSA Revelations Spark Push to Restore FISA\|url=http://washingtonindependent.com/39153/nsa-revelations-spark-movement-to-restore-fisa\|date=April 16, 2009\|work=The Washington Independent\|publisher=Center for Independent Media\|accessdate=April 19, 2009}}</ref>

	====Environment====
	On January 27, 2009, Obama issued two presidential memoranda concerning ]. One directed the ] to raise ] standards incrementally to {{Convert\|35\|mpgus\|km/L}} by 2020, and the other directed the ] to allow individual states to set stricter tailpipe emissions regulations than the federal standard.<ref name=PerilToProgress/><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602028.html \|title=Obama Issues Orders Toward More Fuel-Efficient Cars\|last=Mufson \|first= Steven \|coauthors=Juliet Eilperin\|date=January 27, 2009\|work=The Washington Post \|accessdate=January 27, 2009}}</ref>

	The ] provides $54 billion in funds to double domestic ] production, renovate federal buildings making them more energy-efficient, improve the nation's ], repair public housing, and weatherize modest-income homes.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110106095705/http://waxman.house.gov/UploadedFiles/ARRA.pdf\|date=April 20, 2009\|title=American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref> Multiple companies received federal funds, of which five had declared bankruptcy {{as of\|2012\|10\|lc=on}}, including ] and ].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Obama's alternative energy bankruptcies \|author=Steve Hargreaves \|url=http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/22/news/economy/obama-energy-bankruptcies/?source=cnn_bin \|newspaper=CNN \|date=22 October 2012 \|accessdate=23 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=A123 Filing Shows Struggle Extending MIT Smarts to Factory Floor \|author=Craig Trudell \|agency=Bloomberg News \|url=http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/A123-Filing-Shows-Struggle-Extending-MIT-Smarts-3971023.php#page-1 \|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicles \|date=22 October 2012 \|accessdate=23 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Delaware judge approves Solyndra bankruptcy \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/delaware-judge-approves-solyndra-bankruptcy-exit-plan-government-lawyers-likely-to-appeal/2012/10/23/db3ad6b4-1d5d-11e2-8817-41b9a7aaabc7_story.html \|newspaper=Washington Post \|date=23 October 2012 \|accessdate=21 October 2012}}</ref>

	On February 10, 2009, Obama overturned a Bush administration policy that had opened up a five-year period of ] for oil and gas near both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has been quoted as saying, "To establish an orderly process that allows us to make wise decisions based on sound information, we need to set aside" the plan "and create our own timeline".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29119940 \|title=Bush-era offshore drilling plan is set aside \|publisher=MSNBC \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref>

	On May 19, 2009, Obama announced a plan to increase the ] national standards for gasoline mileage, by creating a single new national standard that will create a car and light truck fleet in the United States that is almost 40 percent cleaner and more fuel-efficient by 2016, than it is today, with an average of 35.5 miles per gallon.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news\| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/business/19emissions.html \| work=The New York Times \| title=Obama to Toughen Rules on Emissions and Mileage \| first=John M. \| last=Broder \| date=May 19, 2009 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref> Environmental advocates and industry officials welcomed the new program, but for different reasons. Environmentalists called it a long-overdue tightening of emissions and fuel economy standards after decades of government delay and industry opposition. Auto industry officials said it would provide the single national efficiency standard they have long desired, a reasonable timetable to meet it and the certainty they need to proceed with product development plans.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

	On March 30, 2010, Obama partially reinstated Bush administration proposals to open certain offshore areas along the Atlantic coastline, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the north coast of Alaska to oil and natural gas drilling. The proposals had earlier been set aside by President Obama after they were challenged in court on environmental grounds.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/science/earth/31energy.html \|title=Obama to Open Offshore Areas to Oil Drilling for First Time \|first=John M.\|last=Broder\|work=The New York Times \|date=March 30, 2010\|accessdate=April 7, 2010}}</ref>

	On May 27, 2010, Obama extended a moratorium on offshore drilling permits after the April 20, 2010 ] which is considered to be the worst oil spill in U.S. history.<ref name="extmorat">{{cite news\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/us/28drill.html \|title=Obama Extends Moratorium; Agency Chief Resigns \|newspaper=New York Times \|date=May 27, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-06-08 \| first=Peter \| last=Baker}}</ref><ref name="largest in US hist">{{cite news\|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-05-27-oil-spill-news_N.htm \|title=Obama, in Gulf, pledges to push on stopping leak \|newspaper=USA Today \|date=May 27, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-05-27 }}</ref> Although ] took responsibility for the disaster and its ongoing after effects, Obama began a federal investigation along with forming a bipartisan commission to review the incident and methods to avoid it in the future.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Hechtkopf \|first=Kevin \|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20003862-503544.html \|title=Obama Promises Review of Gulf Oil Spill – Political Hotsheet \|publisher=CBS News \|date=April 30, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=James Oliphant \| coauthors = Peter Nicholas \|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/06/gulf-oil-spill-obama-administration-launches-criminal-probe-of-rig-explosion-.html \|title=Gulf oil spill: Obama administration launches criminal probe of rig explosion\|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=June 1, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last=Etter \|first=Lauren \|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704875604575280363277341150.html \|title=U.S. Opens Criminal Probe on Spill \|work=The Wall Street Journal \|date=June 1, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-06-06}}</ref> Obama visited the Gulf Coast on May 2 and 28 and expressed his frustration on the June 8 '']'', by saying "I don't sit around just talking to experts because this is a college seminar. We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers, so I know whose ass to kick."<ref>{{cite web\|last=Etter \|first=Lauren \|url=http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/06/obama_on_today_wonders_whose_a.html \|title=Obama, on 'Today,' wonders 'whose ass to kick' following BP oil spill \|publisher=Mlive.com \|date=June 8, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-06-08}}</ref> Obama's response to the disaster drew confusion and criticism within segments of the media and public.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0529/Gulf-oil-spill-Obama-s-big-political-test \|title=Gulf oil spill: Obama's big political test \|work = The Christian Science Monitor \|date=May 29, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-06-06}}</ref>

	====NASA====
	{{main\|Space policy of the Barack Obama administration}}
	], April 15, 2010.]]

	Obama set up the ] to review the ] in 2009, and announced in February 2010, that he was cutting the program from the ], describing it as "over budget, behind schedule, and lacking in innovation."<ref name="BBC cancels Moon return">{{Cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8489097.stm\|accessdate=March 7, 2010\|title=Obama cancels Moon return project \|work=BBC News \| date=February 1, 2010 \| first=Jonathan \| last=Amos}}</ref><ref name=FY2011_budget>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2011/assets/trs.pdf \|accessdate=March 7, 2010\|title=Terminations, Reductions, and Savings}}</ref><ref name="WashPost eliminates funds">{{cite news\|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/31/AR2010013101058.html\|title=NASA budget for 2011 eliminates funds for manned lunar missions\|work=The Washington Post \|date=February 1, 2010\|accessdate=February 1, 2010 \| first=Joel \| last=Achenbach}}</ref><ref>. BBC</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2009-08-26-voa54-68820852.html\|author=Art Chimes\|title=Expert Group Says NASA Budget Too Small for Big Space Plans\|publisher=VOA News\|accessdate=September 1, 2009}}</ref> After the decision drew criticism in the United States, a new "Flexible path to ]" plan was unveiled at a space conference in April 2010.<ref name="misswi">{{cite news\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37907917/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/misconceptions-swirl-around-obama-space-plan/\|author=Clara Moskowitz\|title=Misconceptions swirl around Obama space plan
	\|publisher=MSNBC \|date=June 24, 2010\|accessdate=2010-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35751461/ns/technology_and_science-space/ \|title=Obama to unveil 'ambitious plan' for NASA \|agency=Associated Press \|publisher=MSNBC \|date=March 7, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/396093main_HSF_Cmte_FinalReport.pdf\|title=Review of U.S. Plans Committee\|publisher=Human Space Flights Committee\|accessdate=2010-07-07}}</ref> It included new technology programs, increased R&D spending, a focus on the ] and contracting out flying crew to space to commercial providers.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/factsheet_key_innovation/\|title=Federal Budget Fiscal Year 2011 – Fact Sheet on Innovation\|publisher=]\|year=2010\|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref> The new plan also increased NASA's 2011 budget to $19 billion from $18.3 billion in 2010.<ref name="misswi"/>

	In July 2009, Obama appointed ], a former astronaut, to be administrator of ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8154525.stm\|publisher=BBC\|title=
	Ex-astronaut Bolden to lead Nasa\|date=July 16, 2009}}</ref>

	====Stem cell research====
	On March 9, 2009, Obama repealed a Bush-era policy that prevented federal tax dollars from being used to fund research on new lines of ]s. Such research has been a ] between those who emphasize the therapeutic potential of such research and those who suggest that elements of this research breach ethical limitations. Obama stated that "In recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values...In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research — and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/09/obama.stem.cells/index.html \|title=Obama overturns Bush policy on stem cells \|publisher=CNN \|date=March 9, 2009 \|accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref>

	===Social policy===
	On January 23, 2009, Obama rescinded the ], a measure from the Reagan and Bush eras that required any non-governmental organization receiving U.S. Government funding to refrain from performing or promoting abortion services in other countries.<ref>"". NPR: National Public Radio. January 23, 2009.</ref>

	On June 17, 2009, Obama authorized the extension of some benefits (but not health insurance or pension benefits) to same-sex partners of federal employees.<ref>{{cite news
	\| last = Bailey
	\| first = Holly
	\| title = Obama: LGBT Benefits Memo "Just a Start"
	\|work=Newsweek
	\| date = June 17, 2009
	\| url = http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/06/17/obama-lgbt-benefits-memo-just-a-start.aspx
	\| accessdate = June 17, 2009}}
	</ref> Obama has chosen to leave larger changes, such as the repeal of ] and the ], to Congress.<ref>{{cite news\|author = Ira Kantor \|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20090624gay_rights_advocates_protest_dem_fundraiser/ \|title=Gay rights advocates protest Dem fundraiser \|work = Boston Herald \|date=June 24, 2009 \|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31550347/ns/politics-white_house/ \|title=Donors say Obama slow on pledge to gays \|publisher=MSNBC \|date=June 25, 2009 \|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref>

	On October 19, 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a directive to federal prosecutors in states with ] laws not to investigate or prosecute cases of marijuana use or production done in compliance with those laws.<ref>{{cite web \|author=Office of Public Affairs \|date=October 19, 2009 \|title=Attorney General announces formal medical marijuana guidelines \|publisher=U.S. Department of Justice \|url=http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/October/09-ag-1119.html \|accessdate=July 19, 2010}}<br />{{cite web \|author=Ogden, David W. \|date=October 19, 2009 \|title=Memorandum for selected United States Attorneys: Investigations and prosecutions in states authorizing the medical use of marijuana \|publisher=U.S. Department of Justice \|url=http://www.justice.gov/opa/documents/medical-marijuana.pdf \|accessdate=July 19, 2010}}<br />{{cite news \|author=Stout, David; Moore, Solomon \|date=October 20, 2009 \|title=U.S. won't prosecute in states that allow medical marijuana \|newspaper=The New York Times \|page=A1 \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/us/20cannabis.html \|accessdate=July 19, 2010}}<br />{{cite news \|author=Johnson, Connie \|date=October 20, 2009 \|title=U.S. eases stance on medical marijuana. Attorney general says prosecuting such cases 'will not be a priority' \|newspaper=The Washington Post \|page=A1 \|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101903638.html \|accessdate=July 19, 2010}}</ref>

	On December 16, 2009, President Obama signed the ], which repealed a 21-year-old ban on federal funding of ]s.<ref>{{cite news \|author=Egelko, Bob \|date=December 18, 2009 \|title=U.S. ends funding ban for needle exchanges \|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle \|page=A126 \|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/18/MNKM1B5S7L.DTL \|accessdate=July 20, 2010}}</ref>

	On December 22, 2010, Obama signed the ], a bill that provides for repeal of the ] policy of 1993, that has prevented gay and lesbian people from serving openly in the ].<ref>{{cite web\|author=Jesse Lee \|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/12/22/president-signs-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell-out-many-we-are-one \|title=The President Signs Repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell": "Out of Many, We Are One"\|publisher=Whitehouse.gov \|accessdate=December 22, 2010}}</ref> Repealing "Don't ask, don't tell" had been a key campaign promise that Obama had made during the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/22/obama-repeals-dont-ask-dont-tell \|title='Don't ask, don't tell' repealed as Obama signs landmark law \|work=The Guardian \|date=December 22, 2010\|accessdate=December 22, 2010 \|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/21/obama-to-delay-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/ \|title=Obama to delay 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal \|work = The Washington Times \|date=November 21, 2008 \|accessdate=December 22, 2010}}</ref>

	====Health care reform====
	{{See also\|Health care reform in the United States}}

	Once the stimulus bill was enacted, health care reform became Obama's top domestic priority. On July 14, 2009, House Democratic leaders introduced a 1,000-page plan for overhauling the US health care system, which Obama wanted Congress to approve by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://articles.marketwatch.com/2009-11-05/news/30991733_1_health-care-reform-president-barack-obama-overhaul-bill\|title=Obama urges Congress to pass health-care reform\|author=Robert Schroeder\|date=November 5, 2009\|publisher=]\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref>

	The ] (CBO) estimated the ten-year cost to the federal government of the major insurance-related provisions of the bill at approximately $1.0 trillion.<ref name="CBO - Prelim. Anal. of the Health Choices Act">], , June 15, 2009</ref> In mid-July 2009, Douglas Elmendorf, director of the CBO, testified that the proposals under consideration would significantly increase federal spending and did not include the "fundamental changes" needed to control the rapid growth in health care spending.<ref>Lori Montgomery and Shailagh Murray, '']'', July 17, 2009</ref><ref>], '']'', July 17, 2009</ref> However after reviewing the final version of the bill introduced after 14 months of debate the CBO estimated that it would reduce federal budget deficits by $143 billion over 10 years and by more than a trillion in the next decade.<ref name="nytimes.com"> '']'', March 21, 2010</ref>

	After much public debate during the Congressional summer recess of 2009, Obama delivered a speech to a ] where he addressed concerns over his administration's proposals.<ref>. Retrieved September 9, 2009.</ref> In March 2010, Obama gave several speeches across the country to argue for the passage of health care reform.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/03/obama-not-worried-about-procedural-rules-like-deem-and-pass-for-health-care.html \|title=Obama Not Worried About "Procedural Rules" like "Deem and Pass" for Health Care – Political Punch \|publisher=Blogs.abcnews.com \|date=March 17, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/17/AR2010031704184.html \| work=The Washington Post \| title=Democrats yet to decide on health-care bill bear the weight of Washington \| first1=Sandhya \| last1=Somashekhar \| first2=Paul \| last2=Kane \| date=March 18, 2010 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref> On March 21, 2010, after Obama announced an executive order reinforcing the current law against spending federal funds for elective abortion services, the House, by a vote of 219 to 212, passed the version of the bill previously passed on December 24, 2009, by a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate. The bill, which includes over 200 Republican amendments, was passed without a single Republican vote. On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the bill into law. Immediately following the bill's passage, the House voted in favor of a reconciliation measure to make significant changes and corrections to the ], which was passed by both houses with two minor alterations on March 25, 2010, and signed into law on March 30, 2010.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=99102\|title=Congress Passes Final Tweaking to Health Reform Bill\|author=David Beardsley\|date=March 25, 2010\|network=]\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704094104575143603431943646.html\|title=Congress Approves Final Health Overhaul\|author=Gregg Hitt\|date=March 25, 2010\|work=The Wall Street Journal\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref>

	====Education reform====
	On March 30, 2010, Obama signed the ], which ended the role of private banks in lending out federally insured student loans.<ref>{{cite news\| url=http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/the-last-piece-in-place/ \| work=The New York Times \| title=The Last Piece in Place \| first=David M. \| last=Herszenhorn \| date=March 30, 2010 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref> By directly lending to students, the government is projected to save taxpayers $68 billion dollars over the next several years.<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{cite news\| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20001419-503544.html \| work=CBS News \| title=Obama Lauds Passage of Education Reform \| first=Brian \| last=Montopoli \| date=March 30, 2010}}</ref> Federally insured student loans will instead be distributed by the Department of Education.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{cite news\| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/25/AR2010032503578.html \| work=The Washington Post \| title=What would change if student lending legislation passes \| date=March 26, 2010 \| accessdate=May 22, 2010}}</ref> The law also increased the amount of Pell Grant awards given each year, doubling its current funding.<ref name="CBSNews">{{cite news\|last=Madison\|first=Lucy \|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20126172-503544/who-will-benefit-from-obamas-student-loan-plan/\|title=Who will benefit from Obama's student loan plan? \|publisher=] \|date=October 26, 2011 \|accessdate=2012-5-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-03-30-student-loans_N.htm\|title=Q&A: What does student loan overhaul mean for U.S., you?\|author=Associated Press\|publisher='']\|date=March 30, 2010\|accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref> Starting in 2014, the law permits borrowers to cap the amount they spend on student loans each year to ten percent of their discretionary income and have their balance forgiven if they have faithfully paid the balance of their loan over 20 years.<ref name="CBSNews"/><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/03/30/2246401.aspx \|title=Obama on 'milestone' education bill \|publisher=MSNBC \|date=March 30, 2010 \|accessdate=2010-12-18}}</ref> Additionally, the law seeks to make it easier for parents to qualify for Grad PLUS loans, and spends billions on poor and minority schools and $2 billion for community colleges.<ref name="cbsnews.com"/><ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>

	===Gates arrest controversy===
	{{Further\|Henry Louis Gates arrest controversy}}
	]
	On July 16, 2009, prominent African-American ] professor ], was arrested at his ] home by a local police officer, ] Sgt. James Crowley, for ]. Gates, who was locked out of his house, had attempted to break into his own property, thus causing the initial alarm from a neighbor who called ]. The incident sparked national controversy over whether Gates's civil rights had been violated by Crowley. On July 21, the Cambridge Police Department dropped charges against Gates. On July 22, President Barack Obama, commented on the incident over national and international television, criticized the arrest, and stated the police acted "stupidly" in handling the incident. National law enforcement organizations and members objected to Obama's comments and criticized his handling of the issue. In the aftermath, Obama stated that he regretted his comments exacerbating the situation, and hoped that the situation could become a "]". To reduce tensions, on July 24, Obama invited both parties to the White House to discuss the issue over beers, and on July 30, Obama and Vice President ] joined Crowley and Gates in a private, cordial meeting in a courtyard near the ]; this became known colloquially as the "Beer Summit".<ref>{{cite web \|title=Obama Called Police Officer Who Arrested Gates, Still Sees 'Overreaction' in Arrest\|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=8163051&page=1\|last1=Khan\|first1=Huma\|last2=McPhee\|first2=Michele\|last3=Goldman\|first3=Russell\|date=July 24, 2009 \|accessdate=December 7, 2010}}</ref>

	===Wall Street reform===
	On July 21, 2010, Obama signed ], considered to be the largest financial system overhaul since the ]. The law recognizes complex financial ] and makes rules to protect consumers from unfair practices in loans and credit cards by establishing a new consumer protection agency. At the signing ceremony in the ] in Washington D.C. Obama proclaimed, "There will be no more taxpayer-funded bailouts. Period." Obama also mentioned that "These reforms represent the strongest consumer financial protections in history." At the ceremony were Sen. ], D-], and Rep. ], D-], the two committee chairmen who sponsored the bill.<ref>{{cite news \|last= Censky\|first=Annalyn\|title=Obama on new law: 'No more taxpayer bailouts' \|url=http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/21/news/economy/obama_signs_wall_street_reform_bill/index.htm\|date=July 21, 2010\|accessdate=07-22-2010 \| work=CNN}}</ref>

	==2010 midterm elections==
	Attacking Obama relentlessly, emphasizing the stalled economy, and fueled by the anger of the ], Republicans scored a landslide in in the ], ] but not the Senate.<ref> Gary C. Jacobson, "The Republican Resurgence in 2010," ''Political Science Quarterly'' (2011) 126#1 pp. 27–52 </ref>

	Obama blamed himself, in part, for the many Democrats who went down to defeat knowing that they had risked their careers to support his agenda of economic stimulus legislation and a landmark health care bill.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Espo\|first=David\|last2=Pace\|first2=Julie\|title=Obama Takes Responsibility For Voter Frustration On Election Night \|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/03/obama-takes-responsibility_n_778302.html\|work=Huffington Post\|date=November 3, 2010\|accessdate=April 3, 2011}}</ref> Obama called the elections "humbling" and a "shellacking", arguing that the defeat came because not enough Americans had felt the effects of the economic recovery.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131048554\|title=Obama: Midterm Election Was A 'Shellacking{{'-}}\|first=Michele\|last=Norris\|first2=Robert\|last2=Siegel\|publisher=]\|date=November 3, 2010\|accessdate=April 3, 2011 }}</ref>

	==2012 re-election campaign==
	{{main\|Barack Obama presidential campaign, 2012}}
	On April 4, 2011, Obama announced that he would seek ] in the ]. The campaign would be based in Chicago and run by many former members of the White House staff and members of the successful ].<ref>{{cite news\| url=http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2011/04/barack_obamas_re-election_campaign \| work=] \| title=Lack of change you can believe in \|date=April 4, 2011\|author= E.M.\|accessdate=2012-11-07}}</ref>

	The campaign succeeded: on November 6, 2012 Obama won a second term, pending the ] vote in December.<ref name="wins"/><ref name="FedRegEC"/> In his victory speech, he said he had "never been more hopeful about America" and that "we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We're not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states."<ref>{{cite news\| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-President-Barack-Obamas-full-victory-speech/tabid/313/articleID/275849/Default.aspx\|work=3 News NZ \| title= VIDEO: President Barack Obama's full victory speech\| date=November 7, 2012\|accessdate=2012-11-07}}</ref>

	==References==
	{{Reflist\|30em\|refs =
	<ref name="Savage0428">{{cite news\|last=Savage\|first=Charlie\|title=U.S. Subpoenas Times Reporter Over Book on C.I.A.\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/us/29justice.html\|accessdate=March 12, 2012\|newspaper=The New York Times\|date=April 28, 2010}}</ref>

	<ref name=shane3>, August 27, 2010, Scott Shane, ''The New York Times''. Retrieved March 11, 2011</ref>

	<ref name=newsweek3>, Michael Isikoff, Newsweek, June 11, 2010. Retrieved March 11, 2011</ref>

	<ref name=harri1> ,Shane Harris, washingtonian, January 25, 2011. Retrieved March 9, 2011</ref>

	<ref name=naka2>, Ellen Nakashima, ''The Washington Post'', November 29, 2010. Retrieved March 10, 2011</ref>

	<ref name="hosenball">{{cite news\|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/blogs/declassified/2010/04/16/exclusive-house-republican-staffer-introduced-alleged-nsa-leaker-to-reporter.html
	\|title=Exclusive: House Republican Staffer Introduced Alleged NSA Leaker to Reporter\|author=Mark Hosenball\|work=Newsweek \|date=April 16, 2010\|accessdate=February 10, 2012}}</ref>

	<ref name=shane2>{{cite news \|title=Obama Takes a Hard Line Against Leaks to Press \|author=Scott Shane \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=June 11, 2010 \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/12/us/politics/12leak.html}}</ref>

	}}

	==Further reading==
	* Alter, Jonathan. ''The Promise: President Obama, Year One'' (2011)
	* Crotty, William, ed. ''The Obama Presidency: Promise and Performance'' (Lexington Books; 2012) 231 pages; essays by scholars
	* Indyk, Martin S., Kenneth G. Lieberthal and Michael E. O'Hanlon. ''Bending History: Barack Obama's Foreign Policy'' (Brookings FOCUS Book) (2012)
	* McElya, Micki. "To 'Choose Our Better History': Assessing the Obama Presidency in Real Time," ''American Quarterly'' (March 2011) 63#1 pp 179–189.
	* Mann, James. ''The Obamians: The Struggle Inside the White House to Redefine American Power'' (2012), on foreign policy
	* Skocpol, Theda, and Lawrence R. Jacobs. "Accomplished and Embattled: Understanding Obama's Presidency," ''Political Science Quarterly'' (Spring 2012) 127#1 pp. 1–24
	* Skocpol, Theda, and Lawrence R. Jacobs. ''Reaching for a New Deal: Ambitious Governance, Economic Meltdown, and Polarized Politics in Obama's First Two Years'' (2011)
	* Watson, Robert P., ed. ''The Obama Presidency: A Preliminary Assessment'' (State University of New York Press; 2012) 443 pages; essays by scholars

	==External links==
	{{Portal\|Barack Obama}}
	'''*'''
	* (photography: ])
	*
	*. The White House.
	*. The White House.
	* C-SPAN.

	{{Obama Administration personnel\|state=collapsed\|hideCabinet=true}}
	{{Barack Obama}}
	{{Use mdy dates\|date=October 2012}}

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Presidency Of Barack Obama}}
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Revision as of 04:18, 8 November 2012

In a gadda da vida, baby (In the Garden of Eden) In a gadda da vida, honey Don't you know that I'm lovin' you

Oh, won't you come with me And take my hand Oh, won't you come with me And walk this land Please take my hand

In a gadda da vida, honey Don't you know that I'm lovin' you In a gadda da vida, baby Don't you know that I'll always be true Oh, won't you come with me And take my hand Oh, won't you come with me And walk this land Please take my hand

In a gadda da vida, honey Don't you know that I'm lovin' you In a gadda da vida, baby Don't you know that I'll always be true

Oh, won't you come with me And take my hand Oh, won't you come with me And walk this land Please take my hand

In a gadda da vida, baby (In the Garden of Eden) In a gadda da vida, honey Don't you know that I'm lovin' you

Oh, won't you come with me And take my hand Oh, won't you come with me And walk this land Please take my hand