Barack Obama (1961-) US President 2008-2016

Introduction

Barack Hussein Obama II, commonly known as “Barack Obama” is the first African- American President in American history. He served as the 44th President of the US from 2009 to 2017. He was born on 4 August 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Before serving as the president he served in Illinois in the US Senate from 2005 to 2008.

Early Life and Career

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. His mother was Stanley Ann Dunham and his father was Barack Obama Sr., his parents divorced soon and his mother remarried Lolo Soetoro. Then he went to his grandparents in 1971. He is called by the name “Barry” in childhood. He has done his graduation in political science from Columbia University in 1983. After completing his graduation he worked in a consulting firm as a community organizer in Chicago.

Legal Career

Then he joined Harvard Law School to become a lawyer and completed it in 1991. He served as President of Harvard Law Review. He also worked as an associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago, where he met Michelle Robinson and married her in 1992.

Legislative Career

After completing his law he shifted to Chicago and joined the Democratic Party. He collocated various drive project votes and registered thousands of African-Americans in the voting system. He also actively helped Bill Clinton win Illinois and Presidency election in 1992.

• His efforts helped win the first African American woman Carol Moseley Braun US senate election. He also published his first book at this time “Dreams from My Father” in 1995.

• He lectured “Constitutional Law” and served as an attorney on “Civil Rights” at Chicago University.

• Barack Obama was elected to the Senate of Illinois in 1996. As senate, he worked to extend health facilities to inferior families, consolidated campaign finance, and ameliorated criminal justice and health laws.

Presidential Campaigns

• In 2004, he was elected to the US Senate by defeating Alan Keyes of the Republican Party.

• His speech during the campaign for the US senate about Americans brings him to highlight. He said that all Americans are connected in such ways that transform the cultural, political and geographical differences. His words make him a popular face in politics.

• He later published his book “The Audacity of Hope” in 2006 which become a bestseller book.

• In 2007, he announced that he was looking for a presidential nomination as Democratic Party’s Candidate.

Presidency (2009-2017)

His personality and Oratory skills make him popular and help him get votes from youngsters and minorities.

• On 3 January 2008, he won the presidential election with huge votes and was surprised all over by Sen. Hillary Clinton. He won major states over the Republican Party and helped his nomination for Presidency for the Democratic Party.

• On 27 August 2008, he was nominated as the first African-American for the presidency. Although he is criticized for being inexperienced for President.

• To counter him he has chosen Joe Biden Veteran Senator for vice president. His popularity helped him gain huge funds and support, and he continued to prosecute McCain.

• On 20 January 2009, Obama won the Presidential election with 53% votes and took oath as the 44th President of the US.

Cultural and Political Image

He did various reforms in the health care sector, prohibited immoderate probing, and stopped military incarceration facilities in Cuba at Guantánamo Bay

• He signed three signatory bills in his first term omnibus bill to boost the economy, legislative reform in national financial institutions and make health care more approachable and affordable.

• Furthermore, he also signed the START treaty with Russia i.e. “Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty”. He also pledged to diminish the American Military involvement in Iraq and protect Afghanistan.

• He was re-elected US president in 2012 against Republican Mitt Romney.

• Obama said he decided on Christianity by his choice, not by family background. He said his public service is the best way to express faith in Christianity. In his biography, he wrote about the racism he faced during college.

• On 10 January 2017, he was defeated by Republican opponent and reality TV Actor Donald Trump.

Post Presidency (2017-Present)

Obama lived stayed in Washington after his term ended and purchased a house and stayed there for two years. He did not actively involve in politics after that.

• He donated some money for job training for low-income people in Chicago.

• Barack Obama starts involving in political life after the pandemic of Covid-19 and the murder of African American George Floyd.

Legacy

Some historians consider that his first African-American President changed the perception of people in America against racism.

• He was the first sitting president who visited federal prison to oversee the undocumented immigrants detained.

• He addressed the need to rectify the criminal justice system and racial equality.

• Some historians also believed he brings stability to the economy.

Conclusion

Barack Obama was the first black President in US history. He did tremendous changes during his presidency. He served two terms as president. Furthermore, he also opened “The Obama foundation” in 2014 to provide opportunities to young men.

FAQs

Q1. Name the famous book written by Barack Obama.

Ans − He wrote his first book “Dreams from My Father” in 1995, then “The Audacity of Hope” and “A Promised Land”.

Q2. Name famous awards given to Barack Obama.

Ans − Barack Obama was honoured with Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his efforts in International Diplomacy, the President’s Medal by the Israeli government, and Time person of the year by Time Magazine in 2008, 2012, etc.

Q3. What are the famous achievements of Barack Obama?

Ans − He passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on 23 March 2010, which is also named Obamacare. He is also recognised for the assassination of the 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden in 2011.