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Who is Barack Obama?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Despite his relatively short political career, Barack Obama has earned himself a place in the spotlight with his record of bipartisanship and focus on meeting the needs of American working families. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on 4 August 1961, Barack's parents divorced at the age of two, and he was then sent to live with his mother's parents in the midwest. Although there have been rumors that Barack Obama was raised as a Muslim, he has repeatedly stated that he had a non-religious upbringing and did not become a Christian until his late twenties.

Barack Obama had a difficult childhood and admits to experimenting with cocaine and marijuana when he was a teenager in an attempt to cope with conflicting feelings about his multi-racial heritage. Despite his troubles, however, he remained an exceptionally ambitious student. He earned his B.A. in political science with an international relations focus from Columbia University. He later received national recognition for being the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review .

In 1992, Barack Obama married attorney Michelle Robinson. The couple met while they were both employed at Sidley Austin LLP, a corporate law firm. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Barack Obama was a senator from Illinois before becoming the U.S. President.
Barack Obama was a senator from Illinois before becoming the U.S. President.

In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to Illinois' State Senate. During his time in office, he worked on initiatives to benefit low-income families, increase funding for the prevention of AIDS, and provide affordable access to healthcare. He became well known for his ability to work successfully with members of both the Democratic and Republican parties while avoiding the partisanship that was rather commonplace.

Obama was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2008 and 2012.
Obama was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2008 and 2012.

In 2004, Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate, making him the fifth African-American Senator in U.S. history. To fulfill one of his campaign promises, the first bill he sponsored was the Higher Education Opportunity through the Pell Grant Expansion Act. Unfortunately, the bill failed to progress beyond the committee stage. Barack later became a member of the Senate committees for Foreign Relations; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; and Veterans' Affairs.

In 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States with Joseph Biden as his Vice President. Obama also earned the distinction of being the first African American President.

In 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.
In 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.

Outside of his extensive political accomplishments, Barack Obama is also the author of several books. His 1995 memoir Dreams from My Father provides a detailed account of his early career. The Audacity of Hope , published in 2006, describes his political convictions. He is also currently working on a children’s book with his wife and daughters—a project that will have all proceeds donated to charity.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the PublicPeople team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the PublicPeople team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon292963

I would like this article modified to include information on how Mr. Obama made it into Harvard. It would be inspirational for the many young folks who would like to understand how that can be done if you're a mediocre student.

Also, Mr. Obama has the unique distinction of having raised the federal deficit more than any other president in the history of the United States. On a global scale, he has the distinction of winning the Noble Peace prize for his possible future accomplishments. That is just incredible.

The number of food stamp recipients has doubled during Mr. Obama"s reign. This is a critical factor of achievement when the objective is to get more of the citizens dependent on government. This ensures a vote for your party when people are concerned that their government income may be affected if the other party is elected.

Mr Obama is the most partisan president ever. He has held an average of only two cabinet meetings per year, and began his presidency by advising senate leaders that "we won, you lost". That is the moment when bipartisanship went out the window in Washington. It is also when the population began the transition of many state representatives from Democrats to Republicans.

Also missing in this article is the fact that Mr. Obama holds the distinction of being the first American president who believes in the redistribution of income and wealth. Had a political figure spoken of this a mere 50 years ago, he/she would be arrested for treason.

In September 2012, the American embassies in 22 countries were attacked and our ambassador, Chris Stevens, and three others were murdered at the embassy in Libya. At the same time, tensions mounted between Israel and Iran. These issues required that the president of America be on the job. Mr. Obama was very busy. During the same week, Mr. Obama was attending political fundraisers, having dinner with Jay-Z and Beyonce, and appearing on the David Letterman show.

Is it me, or did I miss the handing out of Kool-aid laced with stupid juice? Why would so many people be fooled by a cunning smooth talker such as Mr. Obama?

To me, it's not about how bad Bush was, but rather it's about managing the USA and our economy. Yes we are affected by global economic conditions, but the idea that we must spend our way out of this situation is just insane.

anon152256

I feel that people should stop hating on Obama because he is trying to fix what Bush messed up. It really does not matter what his religion is as long as he runs this country the way it is supposed to be run.

He has done what he could in such a short period of time. As for SSI, there are many people getting it that don't need it. I mean come on now, they they are the ones riding around in fancy cars and some even have houses. What about the people who don't have medicaid or insurance who need it, like me? I believe that before his second term is over, this country will be better off than it has in the past year. I love you Obama and keep up the good work. You got my vote next election!

anon123623

Obama is a serious example of an empty puppet being paid for by a multi million/billion $$ machine. He had barely any real political experience, hides his background records and attacks people who say anything bad about him. Research Joe the plumber vs. Obama.

What about his upcoming seriously expensive trip to Asia? How is this beneficial to the country? Where are the jobs promised? where is the focus on economy? What about his pastor's anti american views? I wouldn't attend services if I didn't agree with what was being preached.

His wife is pretty honest in her views, listen to her if you want to know how he feels because if this man doesn't want to answer a question he won't. Do some real research and think about who is representing us. Are they really serving the people or themselves?

anon122240

I just don't understand his ways. I liked him when he was going to help senior citizens. Well, I and many others are hurting so bad since he was elected.

We have cut way back on food and other things. Our Social Security was helping. Now it's everything going up, but not our checks.

Can't afford my meds, be cause I either eat, pay my gas bill, electric bill. The check does not go that far anymore. yet I was making it fine before. i blame him for lying. I thought he was a caring man, how wrong I was. others know he lied.

All the people there are getting raises. Is that why we can't have one, because our cuts in SS help give them a raise. Vacations, party time, we don't know what that is, we don't have the money any more. they have our money.

Also, you are not a true blue American if you stand with your hands in front of you instead of putting your hand over your heart, and this person we are supposed to trust, I don't think so. For God's sake, what the heck happened to our country? We are heading down hill.

You can't trust the people in the White House. Won't be a true american and show you are one (shame. put your hand on your heart)

And the lies that come out of the White House. You know my father-in-law, rest his soul, was right. All the presidents do not live out here among us, so they have no idea what is going on. he said they need someone in the white house who does know. You know maybe we should get Wal-Mart to run this country. They seem to be on the ball and know what's going on, know the people and that's what you get when things are run right. they haven't screwed us, the White House has.

anon88609

Meet the new Jimmy Carter.

anon20124

I'm so excited about this election. I voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden by mail. I think one of the most motivating factors for me as far as making my decision were McCain supporters arguments as to why I shouldn't vote for Obama. Here are a few (Not kidding):

"He's the anti-christ"

"Do you know he's not even an american citizen?" (seriously?? Hey, do you know they removed Gullible from the dictionary? Take your time....)

"He's a muslim." to which McCain responded something to the tune of -no he's not-he's decent. (I'm not quoting him, but he said as much. Nice way to Alienate 8 million people that are American Muslims)

"His middle name is Hussein." (yeah so?)

I mean I can go on and on. Not a single person gave a valid reason, even remotely involving his plans as far as governing the country. Just your typical backward folk fodder. (His middle name's hussein, I bet he's a terrorist and his name sounds like Osama too!)

McCain almost had my vote when I heard him speaking openly about Stem cell research and then I heard that since he was ahead in the polls at the time, he didn't want to touch the subject anymore. I want a president who will stand by what they say and since he couldn't, he lost, not my respect, I won't bash him or Palin--Just my vote. Obama for REAL CHANGE and then we can REALLY put "country first" not fat wealthy Republicans with equally fat wallets.

ostrich

Barack Obama is the clear choice for president to get this country back on track. One of the biggest problems with the United States at the moment is how the rest of the world thinks of us. Everyone thinks that we are self-centered, selfish, greedy, and led by a totally incompetent president. Barack Obama has actually lived in another country, so he has a different perspective than everyone else. Also, he has family in another country and is thus aware of how US policies affect other nations. Also, he is much calmer than the other candidates, and we need someone who is not hotheaded, and is not going to make everyone more angry than they already are!

All this nonsense about him not being experienced is just silly. He is intelligent enough to surround himself with smart, experienced people – whether Democrat or Republican – who can get the job done. He is the only one who will not divide the country further!

anon9526

Barack Obama is not a Muslim. He is a Christian. His book The Audacity of Hope discusses his relationship to Christianity. He was not sworn in on the Qu'ran (Koran). His mother was a woman who studied numerous religions. He grew up with familiarity with a number of religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hindu ideas. His grandparents were Christians. He did not attend a militant school for Islam. These are the kind of rumors that get bandied about and are picked up by the far right pundits in order to discredit him.

bigmetal

why would obama use the koran to be sworn into office when he's christian?

Julholath89

Did obama use the koran when being sworn into office?

anon7302

After 8 plus years of divisive, partisan politics, it is nice to see a leader with real aspirations to unify rather than further divide. With all the negativity directed at the US and American people, it seems important that the country, for national and international reasons, go down a rational, unified road.

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    • Barack Obama was a senator from Illinois before becoming the U.S. President.
      Barack Obama was a senator from Illinois before becoming the U.S. President.
    • Obama was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2008 and 2012.
      By: Carsten Reisinger
      Obama was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2008 and 2012.
    • In 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.
      In 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.