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Sarah Palin

2008-09-28T17:47:40Z

Eric111111: Replacing page with 'See: Retard'

See: [[Retard]]

John McCain

2008-09-28T17:46:44Z

Eric111111:

[[Image:Casmier.jpg|right|thumb|250px|'''Senator John McCain, R-Arizona''']] '''John Sidney McCain III''' (born in the U.S. [[Panama Canal]] Zone, August 29, 1936) <ref>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=m0003http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/13/Button_enter.png Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]</ref>, is the Republican nominee for President in 2008, a generally maverick politician [citation needed] and Vietnam War vet, and is the senior [[United States Senate|Senator]] of [[Arizona]]. He has been an influential leader in American politics since 1986, when he ran for office crusading against corruption, attacking pork barrel spending and working for campaign finance reform. He was defeated by [[George W. Bush]] for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000, and in 2008 kept his distance from the president, despite efforts of Democrats to paint the two as close allies.

As a pilot for the United States Navy and former Prisoner-of-War (POW), he served in the military for 22 years.<ref>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=m000303 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]</ref> McCain, a [[Baptist]],<ref> http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296973,00.html</ref> has impressive credentials on issues of foreign policy and national security, which have propelled him in the forefront of national politics as both an outspoken voice for the United States military and as a Presidential contender for the Republican Party since 1993.<ref>Alexander, Paul. John McCain: Man of the People. Published 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-47545-9</ref> McCain is the [[Republican]] nominee for [[President of the United States of America|President of the United States]] in the [[2008 Presidential Election|2008 Election]]. <ref>[http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080305/NATIONWORLD/803050441/0/LOCAL1901 ''McCain clinches GOP nomination; Huckabee bows out''] 5 March 2008 IndyStar.com</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,255535,00.html John McCain Announces Plans for '08 Presidential Candidacy on 'Late Night With David Letterman'], Associated Press, 1 March 2007</ref>

==Early Life==
McCain's family has a long history of military service, including ancestors who fought as army soldiers in the Indian Wars, [[American Revolutionary War]], [[War of 1812]], for the Confederate States of America in the [[American Civil War]], and in [[World War I]]. Both his father and grandfather were high-ranking United States Navy admirals. In addition, McCain's two sons are currently serving in the U.S. Navy.

In 1951, the McCain family moved to Northern [[Virginia]] and he attended Episcopal High School, a private preparatory boarding school in Alexandria. McCain was on the wrestling team and went on to graduate in 1954. He later joined the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in 1958.

==Military career==
[[Image:McCain 1965.jpg|left|thumb|200px|McCain photographed in 1965]]
McCain served heroically in the [[United States Navy]] from 1958 to 1981. He spent two and a half years as a naval aviator in training at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida and the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Texas. By 1967, McCain was a veteran pilot aboard the ''USS Forrestal'' aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam. On 29 July 1967, while preparing to take off on a bombing run over North Vietnam, a missile accidentally fired from another plane, hitting the fuel tanks on McCain's aircraft and triggering explosions and a fire. McCain escaped from his plane by crawling onto the nose of the aircraft and diving on to the ship's deck which was ablaze from burning fuel. His attempt to rescue a fellow pilot whose flight suit was on fire was prevented when McCain was blown over by further explosions. When the fire was contained 24 hours later, 134 men had been killed and hundreds more injured. It was called the worst non-combat-related accident in U.S. naval history.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=526451&in_page_id=1811 ''The coronation of the ultimate survivor, John McCain''] 5 March 2008 [[Daily Mail]]</ref>

===Prisoner-Of-War (1967 - 1973)===

On October 26, 1967, as McCain was flying over Hanoi's Thermal Power Plant during his 23rd bombing mission, he was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese. He had just released his bombs when [[A-4 Skyhawk|his plane]] was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. As he ejected, unconscious from the accident, he broke his knee and both arms and descended by parachute into a lake. When he floated ashore, Vietnamese locals spit and kicked him, nearly killing him. The police took him to Hoa Loa Prison where he was held in solitary captivity without medical attention or sufficient food. During brutal interrogations, he was asked for information in return for medical care. McCain refused, giving only his name and date of birth. When it was discovered that he was the son of a top U.S. Admiral, he was given medical care. Hospital personnel never believed he would survive, as he had large wounds and weighed a mere 100 lbs. He also had completely white hair, a product of accelerated aging under harsh conditions. Nonetheless, his health improved and McCain was held as a Prisoner-Of-War (POW) at the Hanoi Hilton. As a prisoner, guards tortured him with frequent beatings and painful contortions, breaking his teeth and bones. <ref>Alexander, Paul. John McCain: Man of the People. Published 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-47545-9</ref>

After months of beating sessions and intense interrogations, McCain was psychologically and physically weakened. At one point, he was forced to sign a statement which made claims exonerating his captors of inhumane treatment. The paper was intended for use as propaganda, but in all their subsequent attempts for promoting a "humane" image of the POW camp, McCain worked his hardest to thwart them. In 1971, four years from his capture, he was placed with 20 to 30 other Americans in better treatment. They were allowed to celebrate Christian holidays, including Christmas. McCain, who served as an impromptu chaplain, recalled that during their services, men cried; "They were tears of joy that for the first time... we were able to celebrate Christmas together."<ref>Alexander, Paul. John McCain: Man of the People. Published 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-47545-9</ref> In light of his father's high military status, McCain was offered early release, which he adamantly refused in honor of the "First in, first out" clause of the POW Code of Conduct.

On March 14, 1973, after five and a half years of imprisonment, McCain was released alongside 106 other pilots under the Nixon administration. McCain received a heartfelt reception at the White House and was pronounced a war hero and eminent voice for the Vietnam War. Awards from the military followed, including the Legion of Merit, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a [[Purple Heart]], the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]], and the Vietnamese Legion of Honor.<ref>Alexander, Paul. John McCain: Man of the People. Published 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-47545-9</ref> McCain's severe war injuries prevent him today from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes. <ref>http://graphics.boston.com/news/politics/campaign2000/news/McCain_character_loyal_to_a_fault+.shtml</ref>

===Return to the Navy (1973 - 1981)===

The Vietnam War and his military service remained strong in McCain's memory. He immediately wanted to rejoin the Navy, and spent years preparing with excruciating physical therapy and a year of study in the Naval War College, where he attacked the liberal anti-war movement for weakening the morale of his fellow POWs.<ref>Kirkpatrick, David D. "[http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/14/america/15pows.php In '74 thesis, the seeds of McCain's war views.]" The New York Times (June 15, 2008) p. A1.]</ref> With his extensive experience in the Navy's Aviation division, he was selected to reform the flying fleet as Commanding Officer. John McCain quickly transformed his crew's personnel, which had been underfunded in the post-Vietnam era. Carl Smith, who served under McCain, stated, "He immediately began making changes. He fired people, and he replaced people at the top who he thought were not being as effective as he wanted them to be. He wanted real leadership. He wanted the squadron to come to life."<ref>Alexander, Paul. John McCain: Man of the People. pg. 57</ref> Many in his staff were disappointed to have him leave, and praised his work in promoting efficiency.<ref>Alexander, Paul. John McCain: Man of the People.</ref> Command of a training squadron (1976-77), gave him some executive experience, which his supporters contrast to [[Barack Obama]]'s lack of any executive experience whatsoever. Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential candidate [[Mike Huckabee]] said that this experience should be valued because just one choice he makes in that position could have disastrous consequences.

During his assignment to the Senate as the Navy's liaison, 1977-81, McCain began to join the ranks of politicians. He transformed the position from a rather unimportant post into one of authority and respect{{fact}}, gaining allies in the Senate. The Senate liaison role provided a learning experience in national security policy and foreign affairs.

==Political career==
===Congressional (1982 - 1986)===

Prior to entering public service, McCain worked in [[Phoenix]] for his father-in-law's company, Hensley & Co, which was an Anheuser-Busch beer wholesaler and distributor. With nagging injuries and limited physical mobility, McCain realized he would never become a four-star general like his forefathers.<ref>[http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9542249 John McCain Biography (1936-)]</ref> Some biographers argue that he shifted into politics so that he could achieve the equivalent in politics, leading to his Senatorial career. After gaining support from local business leaders, he ran for a congressional seat for Arizona's 1st congressional district as a Republican in 1982. His [[liberal]] opponents labeled him as a "carpetbagger". McCain responded to a voter making the charge of "carpetbagging" saying,

{{cquote|Listen, pal. I spent 22 years in the Navy. My father was in the Navy. My grandfather was in the Navy. We in the military service tend to move a lot. We have to live in all parts of the country, all parts of the world. I wish I could have had the luxury, like you, of growing up and living and spending my entire life in a nice place like the First District of Arizona, but I was doing other things. As a matter of fact, when I think about it now, the place I lived longest in my life was Hanoi.}}

With the endorsements of local newspapers, McCain easily won the election. In 1983, he became President of the Republican freshman class of representatives. At the time, he largely supported Reagan's hard stance against the [[Soviet Union]], his tax cuts and matters on Indian Affairs. He did, however, break with the President on the decision to place a U.S. military presence in Lebanon, saying {{cquote|''I do not foresee obtainable objectives in Lebanon; I believe the longer we stay, the more difficult it will be to leave.''<ref>Alexander, Paul. John McCain: Man of the People. pg. 100</ref>}} During his four years in [[Congress]], McCain and his wife Cindy had three children.

===Senatorial (1986 - Present)===
[[Image:Reagan mccain.jpg|left|thumb|300px|3/3/1987 President Reagan and Nancy Reagan greet John McCain in the Blue Room during a dinner for newly elected members of the 100th Congress]]
When Republican and [[conservative]] icon [[Barry Goldwater]] retired from the United States Senate in Arizona in 1986, Congressman McCain announced his candidacy for the seat. He easily won the election, defeating his Democratic opponent Richard Kimball by 20 percentage points. When entering the Senate, he became a member of the powerful Armed Services Committee and he also joined the Commerce Committee and the Indian Affairs Committee. During the 1988 Presidential Election, McCain was named chairman of Veterans for Bush. In 1991, Senator McCain became part of the "Keating Five" scandal, where McCain and four other Senators (all Democrats) were accused of improperly aiding Charles H. Keating, Jr., chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, which was the target of an investigation by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Between 1982 and 1987, McCain had received approximately $112,000 in political contributions from Charles Keating Jr. After a lengthy investigation, the Senate Ethics Committee determined that McCain was not involved in any wrongdoing, and McCain, along with the four other Senators, was not charged with any crimes.

===="Maverick" Image in the Senate====
John McCain has gained a reputation as a "maverick" for his sponsorship of many bills and leadership on almost every issue. Starting in 1994, he worked with Democratic [[Wisconsin]] Senator [[Russ Feingold]] on campaign finance reform. The McCain-Feingold bill banned "soft money". It passed and was signed into law on November 6th, 2002, by President Bush. In the 1990's, McCain gained attention for his strong opposition to pork barrel spending. He championed the 1996 Line Item Veto Act, which gave the President the power to veto individual spending items. However, in 1998, the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] ruled the act unconstitutional.

Voteview.com rated McCain as the second most conservative Senator in the 109th Congress (Jan. 2005 - Jan. 2007).<ref>http://voteview.com/SEN109.HTM</ref>

John McCain and the Bush administration agree on most issues. He voted with the Bush administration 95% of the time in 2007, according to Congressional Quarterly's "Presidential Support Scores". <ref>http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/512/ Politifact fact checks McCain's voting support</ref> Issues include making the Bush tax cuts permanent (even though he originally opposed and voted against them), energy independence, winning the war in Iraq, reforming Social Security, and continuing and expanding Bush's supply-side economic policies.

In 2008, McCain asked for $0 in earmarks.<ref>[http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reports_pigbook2008_database 2008 ''Pig Book''], Council for Citizens Against Government Waste</ref>The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste has given him a rating of 100% in 2007 (88% lifetime).<ref>[http://councilfor.cagw.org/site/DocServer/2007_Senate_Ratings_Final.pdf?docID=3242 2007 Senate Scorecard]</ref> A score of 100% represents voting against all pork, and 0% represents voting ''for'' all pork. Democrats averaged 5% in 2007, whereas Republicans averaged 60%. <ref>[http://councilfor.cagw.org/site/News2?abbr=CCAGW_&page=NewsArticle&id=11590 CCAGW Releases ''2007 Congressional Ratings'']</ref>

===2000 Presidential Campaign===
McCain launched his first campaign for President in 2000, when he challenged then-[[Texas]] Governor [[George W. Bush]] for the Republican nomination. McCain's campaign was surprisingly strong. By ignoring the [[Iowa Caucus]], he was able to win the [[New Hampshire]] Primary by nineteen percentage points. He then won the [[Michigan]] Primary. However, he went on to lose [[South Carolina]] and 9 out of the 13 [[Super Tuesday]] states. McCain withdrew from the race on March 9, 2000.

====After 2000====
Following McCain's loss in the 2000 Presidential primary and reports of dirty tricks in [[South Carolina]]<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2004/03/21/the_anatomy_of_a_smear_campaign/ The anatomy of a smear campaign, March 21, 2004</ref><ref>http://www.palmettoscoop.com/2007/12/30/top-romney-advisor-tied-to-anonymous-attacks-of-previous-presidential-primary/ Top Romney advisor tied to anonymous attacks of previous presidential primary, December 30, 2007</ref>, McCain began to disagree with President Bush on many issues, such as tax cuts, climate change, and gun legislation. After the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], McCain wrote legislation that created the 9/11 Commission, while he and Democratic Senator Fritz Hollings co-sponsored the Aviation and Transportation Security Act that federalized airport security. In May 2005, McCain led the so-called "[[Gang of 14]]" in the Senate, which established a compromise that preserved the ability of senators to filibuster judicial nominees, but only in "extraordinary circumstances". McCain also co-sponsored comprehensive immigration reform (see below under political record for details). In addition to bipartisan work in the Senate, it was during this period that McCain was courted by the Senate Democrats, and considered switching parties.<ref>http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-say-mccain-nearly-abandoned-gop-2007-03-28.html</ref>

===2008 Presidential Campaign===

{{main|John McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign}}

[[Image:McCain_nomination.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Senator John McCain accepting his party's presidential nomination, 09/04/08]] McCain announced his run for President in the highly volatile 2008 Republican primary early in 2007 at New Hampshire. Throughout the early months, the debates represented a splintered Party among the strong Christian constituency (Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee), anti-immigration activists (Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo), and the blockbuster fundraising by Mitt Romney and Giuliani, who appeared to be media favorites upon entry. Mitt Romney raised $23 million in the first three months of 2007, for instance, three times that of Sen. McCain. In addition, McCain's refusal to sign pacts with important donors and his distaste for political fundraising<ref>Cook, Charles. "The 2008 Presidential Primaries: What in America's Name Is Going On?" The Washington Quarterly Vol. 31 Issue 3 pp. 193-204.</ref>often left him at odds with the other candidates, namely Rudy Giuliani, who amassed over $10 million in March 2007 alone.<ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aZ7SuEo0wuMM&refer=home</ref>

McCain failed to win strong support because of his maverick image, especially with difficult relationships with key Christian leaders. Social conservatives flocked to Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee with strong disfavor for McCain because of his mixed statements on abortion and religious initiatives. Many evangelicals remained reluctant to support McCain because of longstanding offense he had raised during his 2000 campaign against George W. Bush; news had been raised that many influential Christian organizations would schism from the GOP if they did not reconcile relationships with the Republican Party nominee.<ref>Luo, Michael. "Evangelicals see Dilemma in GOP Field." July 8, 2007. New York Times.</ref> McCain also suffered from his strong support for the Iraq war, which had erupted in sharp violence during early 2007, and was attacked for his position on immigration reform, a hotly-debated issue among conservatives. A damaging false story by the New York Times, which claimed McCain had an affair with a lobbyist, hurt his stature.

When news had spread that McCain's campaign bankrupted and "imploded" in the summer of 2007, the Republican nomination began a period of quick shifting; other candidates began to soar in the polls, detracting McCain's support. Rudy Giuliani, who collected a strong following based on his leadership as "America's Mayor", began to court evangelical Christians who felt uneasy about McCain, gaining the endorsement of televangelist Pat Robertson. However, as his less-than-flattering personal life and liberal positions on social issues became apparent, he quickly lost momentum to Fred Thompson and Mike Huckabee.<ref>Cook, Charles. "The 2008 Presidential Primaries: What in America's Name Is Going On?" The Washington Quarterly Vol. 31 Issue 3 pp. 193-204.</ref> Fred Thompson, who entered late in the race, quickly withdrew because of lackadaisical popularity and poor fund-raising efforts. Huckabee remained popular in the Southern United States, but failed to win major contests among independents and Democrat voters.

Romney had the edge in early races, but couldn't deliver a knockout blow. McCain's poll numbers slowly increased and benefited as the field narrowed. After McCain defeated top contender Mitt Romney by a large margin on Super Tuesday in delegate-rich states like New York, California, and Arizona,<ref>Scott Neuman and Howard Berkes. "Mitt Romney Drops Out of GOP Presidential Race." Feb. 7, 2008. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18772382</ref> Mitt Romney withdrew with some protest, leaving McCain the clear front-runner.<ref>Bumiller, Elisabeth, Kirkpatrick, David. "Romney Is Out; McCain Emerges as G.O.P. Choice." Feb. 8, 2008. New York Times.</ref> Although McCain's proportion of the vote was not much higher than Romney's, he won most of the 'winner take all' states giving him a much higher proportion of the delegate count. Without Romney's well-financed opposition, McCain easily clinched the necessary delegate lead of 1,191 in March after a spirited yet short-lived fight from Mike Huckabee.<ref>NPR.org. "Election 2008: Huckabee, Romney Stay in Race for GOP Nomination." Feb. 6, 2008. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18739137</ref>

John McCain became the official Republican nominee on September 3 at the Republican National Convention. His running mate is Governor [[Sarah Palin]] of [[Alaska]] and his [[Democrat]] opponent is Senator [[Barack Obama]] of [[Illinois]]. Election day will be on November 4, 2008. After trailing Obama in the national polls, McCain suddenly took the lead after the two conventions, baffling the Democrats who had built their own campaign entirely on attacking President Bush, whom McCain ignored.<ref> The latest poll results are summarized at [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html Real Clear Politics]</ref>

==Political Views==
'''Domestic Issues'''
[[Image:McCain_on_Meet_the_Press.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Senator John McCain discusses his opinions with Tim Russert on "Meet the Press", 2005]]

===Balanced Budget===
McCain has emphasized reducing government spending over tax cuts. He is one of the Senate's most outspoken critics of pork barrel spending and has pledged to veto any bill with pork as President. Congressional experience has enabled John McCain to identify items that are unnecessary. McCain is fiscally responsible with the taxpayers' money and created a simple method to detect spending abuses. <ref>[http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=d1a878d9-f16c-4570-b402-9d1bc3fe6ab9] , http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=d1a878d9-f16c-4570-b402-9d1bc3fe6ab9, U.S. Senate Pork Barrel Spending</ref>

* An appropriation that is not properly authorized by the Senate and not requested by the Administration.
* An unauthorized and unrequested, locality-specific or facility-specific earmark (including those funds that are above the Administration request).
* A budget add-on that would be subject to a budget point of order.
* The transfer or disposal of federal property or items under terms that circumvent existing law.
* New items added in conference that were never considered in either bill in either House.

===[[Economy]]===
McCain is a staunch advocate of freedom in the economy. McCain has spent his career fighting for deregulation and the prosperity of a free market. In 1999, McCain voted in favor of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which passed in the Senate by a vote of 54-44.<ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=106&session=1&vote=00105</ref> The bill promoted more freedom for banks, brokerage houses, and insurance companies. In 2002 he voted for the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which passed the Senate without opposition.<ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00192</ref> In 2005 McCain co-sponsored the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act which would allow the office of Federal Housing Enterprise oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an independent Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Agency which shall have authority over Federal Home Associations. McCain said the following on May 26th, 2006:

''"If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that [[Fannie Mae]] and [[Freddie Mac]] pose to'' ''the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole."'' <ref>http://beltwaysnark.com/2008/09/16/john-mccain-supported-a-proposal-for-an-agency-to-oversee-fannie-and-freddiein-2005/</ref>

Congress did not act, with the bill dying in committee.

===[[Education]]===
McCain supports school vouchers and charter schools. His voting record shows support for reducing the federal government's role in education. He voted for school vouchers for Washington, D.C., education savings accounts, and against $5 billion for grants to local educational agencies. McCain sponsored the Education A-Plus bill in 1997 and again in 1999, which allowed parents to open tax-free saving accounts for their children's school supplies. McCain also co-sponsored the Child Nutrition Act, which would provide federal funding for at-risk children. He has publicly stated he supports [[intelligent design]] teaching in schools.<ref>http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/politics/90069 "On Tuesday, though, he sided with the president on two issues that have made headlines recently: teaching intelligent design in schools...McCain told the Star that, like Bush, he believes "all points of view" should be available to students studying the origins of mankind."</ref>

===Health Care===
McCain's record and stated positions on health care are based on true conservative principles. He is against socialized health care and health coverage mandates. McCain supports tax credits for personal health savings accounts and enhancing competition in the health care industry to improve quality and lower costs. He also supports allowing citizens to purchase out-of-state health insurance. In an October 2007 statement, McCain said: "In health care, we believe in enhancing the freedom of individuals to receive necessary and desired care. We do not believe in coercion and the use of state power to mandate care, coverage or costs." McCain is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership. <ref>[http://www.republicanmainstreet.org/healthcare.htm Pro Healthcare]</ref>

===Energy===
John McCain has stated "ethanol subsidies, tariff barriers and sugar quotas drive up food prices and hurt Americans. However, we cannot take the wrong direction and cut off trade for American goods."<ref>[http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/4dbd2cc7-890e-47f1-882f-b8fc4cfecc78.htm], McCain Economic Plan</ref> “America’s most vital interests call us to the mission of energy security, and so does our sense of honor. And the straightest, swiftest path to energy security is to produce more, use less, and find new sources of power — so that no commodity can determine our security, and no crisis can undermine our economy,” McCain said in Houston, TX, June 16, 2008. He proposes to remove federal obstacles to offshore drilling. Among his major initiatives is the removal of the 27-year old federal moratorium on states’ abilities to explore and drill for oil and natural gas.<ref>[http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/06/17/mccain-slaps-obama-on-energy-calls-for-more-drilling/], McCain slaps Obama on energy, June 17th, 2008</ref> In addition, he wants the states to receive incentives and royalties to drill. The current ban on offshore drilling covers an estimated 80 percent of U.S. coastal waters."We've seen the impact of it in the form of food prices, in the form of gasoline, in the form of threats of inflation and indeed indications of inflation, and we must embark on a national mission to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil." <ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080616/ap_on_el_pr/mccain] , http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080616/ap_on_el_pr/mccain , AP McCain urges end to ban on offshore drilling , June 16, 2008</ref> He indicated, though, that the end of the ban on offshore drilling would have mostly psychological effects in the short term. At a town hall meeting, McCain stated, "I don't see an immediate relief, but I do see that exploitation of existing reserves that may exist -- and in view of many experts that do exist off our coasts -- is also a way that we need to provide relief. Even though it may take some years, the fact that we are exploiting those reserves would have psychological impact that I think is beneficial."
He would support incentives for building new nuclear power plants. <ref>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/24/1163504.aspx</ref> John McCain wants more nuclear reactors to increase America's energy independence. He is calling for the construction of 45 new reactors by 2030. Also, McCain wants to increase federal funds for clean coal technology by 2 billion dollars to reduce dependence on foreign oil. <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D91CMT0O0&show_article=1] , http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D91CMT0O0&show_article=1 , AP McCain calls for building 45 new nuclear reactors, June 18, 2008</ref>
McCain supports increasing ethanol imports and more production of hybrid vehicles. He is co-sponsor of a Senate cap-and-trade bill designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions. He has consistently voted for preserving the budget for ANWR but against drilling for [[oil]] in the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] (ANWR), because of environmental concerns. Conservationists differ from conservatives that 2000 acres for oil drilling is not enough to impact [[polar bears]] in the region.

===[[Environment]]===
McCain's position on global warming issues has put him at odds with conservatives. His environmental proposals are mostly sound modern thinking by someone that understands the enormity of the problem. McCain says that we can go green as a nation without bankrupting America. Per his website, Senator McCain "wants to leave a better future for our children."
On January 2007, McCain said, "we continue to learn more about the science of climate change and the dangerous precedence of not addressing this environmental problem. The science tells us that urgent and significant action is needed." On October 30, 2003, he co-sponsored the Climate Stewardship Act (S.139), which was defeated. McCain is a member of, and was endorsed by, the Republicans for Environmental Protection organization. His conservative stances include voting to confirm Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior and he is in favor of renewable energy such as solar, hydro, and wind. "Wind power is one of many alternative energy sources that are changing our economy for the better, and one day they will change our economy forever."

===[[Immigration]]===
John McCain says that he will secure the borders first and many immigration issue are still needed but will have to come later. In 2007, McCain worked to provide border security efforts with a temporary worker program and an eventual path to citizenship for many illegal immigrants. Conservatives wanted nothing to do with the proposal and in June 2007, Congress' efforts collapsed. McCain said of the outcome,"I say it is a lesson learned about what the American people's priorities are. And their priority is to secure the borders." <ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-11-03-610628094_x.htm] , http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-11-03-610628094_x.htm, AP McCain emphasizes border security, November 4, 2007</ref> "..I support the same solution. But we've got to secure the borders first" says McCain

On Jan. 5, regarding the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, Senator McCain announced that anyone who says he supported amnesty is "a liar, is lying." The senator stated "I do not support, nor would I ever support, any services provided to someone who came to this country illegally, nor would I ever and I never have supported [[Social Security]] benefits for people who are in this country illegally. Any assertion to the contrary is absolutely false." During the comprehensive immigration reform debate, Senator McCain voted to table an amendment that would have prevented illegal immigrants from receiving Social Security who "are not able to receive Social Security benefits as a result of unlawful activity."<ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00130</ref> Senator McCain stated in a May 29, 2003 interview, "Amnesty has to be an important part because there are people who have lived in this country for 20, 30 or 40 years, who have raised children here and pay taxes here and are not citizens." Arguing amnesty is not a free pass or a reward for law breaking, McCain stated, "Well, because amnesty, according to the dictionary, is forgiveness. The proposal that we had- would require fines, would require back in the line, would require deportation for some. It would require others to go back to the country of their origin" <ref>[http://www.ontheissues.org/celeb/John_McCain_Immigration.htm] , Ontheissues.com, John McCain on Immigration</ref> At the [[Republican]] debate at the Reagan Library, McCain stated he supports the deportation of 2 million illegals who have committed crimes in the USA.

Conversely, in a June 2008 meeting with Hispanic leaders in Chicago, McCain indicated he would push legislation to overhaul federal immigration laws if elected. According to one attendee, Rosanna Pulido, head of the Illinois [[Minuteman Project]], ""He's one John McCain in front of white Republicans. And he's a different John McCain in front of Hispanics..." <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/20/mccain-discusses-immigrat_n_108297.html McCain Discusses Immigration With Hispanic Leaders</ref> <ref>http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-06-19-4020801806_x.htm McCain Meets With Hispanic Leaders</ref> Pulido further stated, "He was telling one group of people one thing and the Hispanics another, I'm a conservative and I think he's throwing conservatives under the bus."<ref>http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/06/title----mcca-1.html McCain Double-Talk on Immigration?</ref> Due to his support, members of the Minuteman Project, participating in the Minuteman Project Caravan, traveled to Washington, D.C. to register their disapproval. They made an entry into McCain's Guest Log Book asking him to uphold the Constitution and enforce the law. After making the entry, the group was forced to leave by a senior staffer for Senator McCain or be reported to the police. <ref>http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1643181/posts Minuteman Project Thrown Out of McCain's Office</ref>

Senator McCain's position on illegal immigration has arguably resulted in the most criticisms from conservatives. On May 12, 2005, McCain joined Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] (D-[[Massachusetts]]) as co-sponsor of the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act. The bill would legalize and eventually grant citizenship to the estimated 12–20 million [[illegal alien]]s in the United States and have them immediately start collecting social security and other government benefits. The bill never came for a vote on the Senate floor. The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 and the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 are two additional compromises based on the original McCain-Kennedy bill. McCain has consistently voted for visas for skilled workers. McCain voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006 and has said border security should be a bigger priority then the illegal aliens who are currently here.

===Global Trade===
McCain has actively supported reducing barriers to trade and has shown leadership in the [[Senate]] on Free Trade Agreements (FTA). Senator McCain supports both pending FTAs for Columbia and [[South Korea]]. <ref>[http://useconomy.about.com/od/candidatesandtheeconomy/p/McCain_Trade.htm], John McCain and Trade</ref> He voted for and defends the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

===[[Social Security]]===
McCain is a strong supporter of private Social Security accounts.

===Tax Reform===
In 2001, McCain gained attention as one of only two Republicans who voted against President Bush's tax cuts. He opposed accelerating the cuts in 2003, saying, "I voted against the tax cuts because of the disproportional amount that went to the wealthiest Americans. I would clearly support not extending those tax cuts in order to help address the deficit." He has now changed his stance, by voting to make the tax cuts permanent, and says he would do the same as President. In 2002, Senator McCain was one of only two Republicans to twice vote against the permanent repeal of the Death Tax. He has also refused to sign a pledge put forth by Americans for Tax Freedom not to impose any new taxes or increase existing taxes. However, many of McCain's votes has shown support for lower taxes, such as eliminating the marriage penalty, a 1997 vote to cut capital gains taxes and he introduced measures that would require a sixty-vote majority to pass a tax increase.

==Foreign Policy==

===National Security===

McCain urges the Senate to pass FISA. “For months, House Democrats, the [[ACLU]], and the trial lawyers have held up legislation to modernize our nation’s terrorist surveillance laws. Today, the House passed a compromise bill to end this impasse. While I would have preferred to see the Senate bill enacted, which I voted for earlier this year, I am pleased Congressional leaders and the Administration were able to reach an agreement to reform our current surveillance law and not let FISA expire in August. I hope [[Senate]] Democrats will allow this matter to quickly be considered by the Senate and sent to the President for his signature. I will support this measure and hope that politics will be put aside in favor of this vital national security matter.” <ref>[http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a7f9dc6c-da0e-459d-dd6c-91e20a46e1e5] , McCAIN URGES SENATE PASSAGE OF FISA
, June 20, 2008</ref> Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was established in 1978.

McCain has voted in support of the [[Patriot Act|USA PATRIOT Act]] as well as National Missile Defense. However, he has joined [[liberal]]s in support of immediately closing [[Guantanamo Bay]], and moving all the prisoners to Fort Leavenworth. On October 3, 2005, he introduced the McCain Detainee Amendment which prohibits inhumane treatment of prisoners, including prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. The bill was passed and signed by President [[George W. Bush]]. McCain has recently criticized the practice of [[waterboarding]], saying "they should know what it is. It is not a complicated procedure. It is torture." McCain voted against HR 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which included provisions that would have prevented the CIA from water boarding prisoners.

===[[Afghanistan]]===
After the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] McCain was a strong advocate for military action in Afghanistan, saying:

''We did not cause this war. Our enemies did, and they are to blame for the deprivations and difficulties it occasions. They are to'' ''blame for the loss of innocent life. They are to blame for the geopolitical problems confronting our friends and us. We can help'' ''repair the damage of war. But to do so, we must destroy the people who started it.'' <ref>http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=95001375</ref>

McCain is currently calling for 15,000 additional troops to address the situation in Afghanistan, similar to his victorious 2007 troop surge in Iraq.

===[[Iran]]===
McCain has said that "We continue to be concerned about Iranian influence and assistance to Hezbollah as well as Iranian pursuit of nuclear weapons." He tried to ban Iran from playing in the 2006 World Cup, citing Iranian President [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]'s [[Holocaust]] denials.

===[[Iraq]]===
[[Image:610x.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Senator John McCain with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, 03/17/08]] McCain voted with the majority [[Republican]] party and 29 Democrats of the Senate in favor of the 2002 "Iraq War Resolution" authorizing President George W. Bush to go to war against Iraq and overthrow the [[Saddam Hussein]] regime. In 1998, McCain voted in favor of HR 4655 Iraq Liberation Act, signed by then President Clinton. <ref>[http://www.iraqwatch.org/government/US/Legislation/ILA.htm], http://www.iraqwatch.org/government/US/Legislation/ILA.htm, HR4655 Public Law: 105-338, October 31, 1998</ref> HR 4655 declares that it should be the policy of the United States to seek to remove the Saddam Hussein regime from power in Iraq and to replace it with a democratic government. McCain went on to became a critic of the management of the war, arguing that there wasn't enough troop strength in the area. However, he never became a defeatist advocating surrender. McCain publicly stated that he had "no confidence" in then-Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]]. However, he refused to call for his resignation, saying that "the president picks his team, and the president has the right to stay with that team if he wants to." McCain became one of the strongest leading advocates in the Senate for the 2007 troop surge, which increased the number of American troops by 20,500, deployed to provide security to [[Baghdad]] and Al Anbar Province. On February 4, he criticized a non-binding resolution opposing the troop buildup, calling it a reckless "vote of no confidence" in the U.S. Commanders and in the military. Additionally, he voted against all measures aimed at withdrawal of U.S. forces and voted against cutting off of war funds. McCain rightly believes that Congress should not micromanage the war and to give the military everything they ask for to successfully complete the mission. He has mentioned in a town hall forum that staying the course in Iraq for 'a hundred years' would not bother him if no American soldier's were losing their lives. This became an issue for Democratic political strategy. The DNC lead by chairman [[Howard Dean]] repeatedly tried to use false statements in justifying attacking McCain.<ref>[http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/04/mccains_100year_war.html]http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/04/mccains_100year_war.html, Washington post Fact Checker, April 2, 2008</ref> What McCain said is very different from what the liberal media and the DNC were reporting. Asked in Derry, NH of the willingness to keep troops in Iraq for 50 years, he said "Make it 100" and

{{QuoteBox|"That's fine with me as long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed."}}

===[[Russia]]===
Senator McCain has strongly criticized Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]]. During a primary debate he sad, ""He bullies his neighbors and he wants to get a control of the energy supply of Western Europe. This is a dangerous person. And he has to understand that there's a cost to some of his actions." In 2005 McCain and [[Connecticut]] senator [[Joe Lieberman]] drafted a resolution banning Russia from attending the Group of 8 (G8) international forum. McCain is also a strong supporter of ballistic national missile defenses.

===[[Cuba]]===
McCain forcefully supports the [[Cuban embargo]] and believes it should be maintained until certain specific political freedoms are restored to the country. <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/us/politics/21mccain.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&fta=y&adxnnlx=1222106556-zea3cQG12OakFI9P97dogQ</ref>

==Social Issues==
===[[Abortion]]===
{{QuoteBox|"If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the next President of the United States, I pledge to you to be a loyal and unswerving friend of the right to life movement."}}

Sen. John McCain has more than a twenty year anti-abortion record, first in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], then in the U.S. Senate. McCain voted 11 times on anti-abortion and other pro-life issues in the House. Senator McCain has voted 119 times on anti-abortion and other pro-life measures in the Senate. <ref>[http://www.naral.org/assets/files/mccain_fact_sheet.pdf], http://www.naral.org/assets/files/mccain_fact_sheet.pdf</ref>

* Voted against a [[Roe v. Wade]] resolution
* Co-sponsored and voted for the Federal Abortion Ban
* Supported H.R.1997, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act

"Voted for four anti-abortion U.S. Supreme Court judges"

"Voted for six anti-abortion lower court judges"

* Supported H.R.3913, to prohibit federal funds for abortion services in any case
* Voted to make it a federal crime for anyone but a parent to cross state lines for abortion termination
* Voted in favor of a national network of parental notification.

''John McCain's Pro-Life Words''

“I do not support Roe v. Wade. It should be overturned.”Ann Althouse, Rudy & Mitt Hem & Haw on Abortion, N.Y. TIMES, Feb. 24, 2007.

Sen. McCain’s campaign website “believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned.” John McCain for President 2008, On the Issues: Human Dignity and the Sanctity of Life
{{QuoteBox|"I have many, many votes and it’s been consistent. And I’ve got a consistent zero from NARAL throughout all those years…."}}
[[Image:Mccain911.jpg|left|250px]]
"My record is clear. And I think the important thing is you look at people’s voting record because sometimes rhetoric can be a little… misleading…. As you know I don’t support Roe v. Wade…. I thought it was a bad decision, and I think that the decision should be made in the states"
(John McCain for President 2008, On the Issues: Human Dignity and the Sanctity of Life)

“I’m proud that we have Justice Alito and Roberts on the United States Supreme Court. I’m very proud to have played a very small role in making that happen.” McCain explained further that he “will try to find clones of Alito and Roberts” to fill future court vacancies.<ref>[http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=26539], Letter from Sen. John McCain to Pro‐Life Community Janary 23, 2008</ref>

McCain's record in the Senate on abortion is pro-life. He voted for the 2003 Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. McCain has also voted against government funding of birth control and sex education.<ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00214 Voted Nay on an amendment to authorize grants to carry out programs to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies</ref> <ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00075 Vote against allocation of $100m for prevention of unintended pregnancies </ref><ref>http://www.nowpublic.com/quiet-campaign-against-contraception Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain's campaign officials boast that he has "consistently voted against taxpayer-funded contraception programs." And Mr. McCain reports that his adviser on sexual-health matters is Sen. Tom Coburn, Republican of Oklahoma, who leads campaigns claiming condoms are unsafe and opposing emergency contraception.</ref> During his first Presidential campaign for the 2000 election, McCain said the following on [[Roe v. Wade]], "I'd love to see a point where it is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary. But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." <ref>http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/feb/07021908.html McCain's "</ref> He has since changed his position, saying Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

===[[Gun Control]]===
A top official of the [[National Rifle Association]] said Republican John McCain has been a reliable ally of gun owners despite divisions with the powerful lobbying group on some issues. NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre told The Associated Press "...We're not foolish enough to ignore the vast areas of agreement in which John McCain has been a friend to gun owners." <ref>[http://www.gopusa.com/news/2008/may/0514_nra_mccain.shtml], http://www.gopusa.com/news/2008/may/0514_nra_mccain.shtml, NRA chief stresses common ground with McCain, May 14, 2008</ref> The Republican presidential nominee has voted against a ban on assault-type weapons with restrictions which were objected.

McCain's record on gun control is mixed. He co-sponsored the Gun Show Loophole Closing and Gun Law Enforcement Act of 2001. This act would reduce the number of gun shows, require gun-owners to purchase trigger locks, and allow federal agents to arrest those who violate federal gun laws. However, McCain has frequently voted in support of the Second Amendment, such as voting against background checks at gun shows and voting in support of prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. In August of 1999, McCain said he was open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details. However, he still voted against the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the efforts to renew it, as well as the Brady Bill.

===[[Same-sex marriage]]===
In the speech on the Senate floor July 13th, 2004, McCain stated “Mr. President, most Americans believe, as I do, that the institution of marriage should be reserved for the union of a man and a woman." <ref>http://www.friendsofmccain.com/news/dspnews.cfm?id=143</ref> John McCain revealed his decision based on super majority requirements and the current political realities within Congress. “By my count, there is not at this time even a small majority of senators who would vote for Senator Allard’s amendment, much less the 67 votes required by the Constitution. That won’t change, Mr. President, unless public opinion changes significantly. The [[Founders]], wisely, made certain that the Constitution is difficult to amend, and, as a practical political matter, can’t be done without overwhelming public approval. And thank God for that. Were it any easier I fear we could not make the claim for the Constitution’s enduring success that I have just made." Further, he explained his approach to the amendment's ultimate success “If a constitution is to be amended, Mr. President, it should be a state constitution." McCain voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court effectively created a ruling to grant same-sex partners equal rights to [[Marriage]] and to be recognized by the state. A spokesman for Republican John McCain, who opposes gay marriage, said the Arizona senator "doesn't believe judges should be making these decisions."

== Votes missed ==
As of August 2007, McCain had missed more votes during the current session of Congress than any Senator other than [[South Dakota]] [[Democrat]] [[Tim Johnson]], who had suffered a brain hemorrhage that had kept him from Congress. He had missed over 48% of his votes. <ref>Lawrence Journal-World, August 10, 2007</ref> This is due to the fact that he is running a nationwide campaign for President.

==Personal life==
[[Image:Cindy McCain.jpg|thumb|Cindy McCain]]
McCain has been married twice. His first marriage, to Carol Shepp, ended in [[divorce]] in 1980 after 15 years, of which he spent five in captivity. McCain admitted responsibility for the breakup.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/rules021299.htm</ref> His second and current wife is Cindy Lou Hensley, to whom he has been married for 28 years. His son John Sidney IV is a Midshipman at the [[United States Naval Academy]], Annapolis, and his son James is a non-commissioned officer in the [[United States Marine Corps]], who is serving in [[Iraq]] as part of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. Also, the McCains adopted a ten-week old baby girl in 1993, who they named Bridget, from [[Mother Teresa]]'s orphanage in [[Bangladesh]].<ref>[http://celebrity.rightpundits.com/?p=3183 Bridget McCain Biography] Rightpundits.com</ref> <ref>[http://www.newsanalysisindia.com/109022008.htm Bridget vs Sonia: McCain vs Rajiv Gandhi] News Analysis India</ref>
Cindy McCain was in the country as part of the American Voluntary Medical Team <ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-041408-cindy-mccain-bio,1,2151434.story Bio of Cindy McCain]</ref> in response to the 1991 [[Bangladesh]] cyclone.
===McCain's family===
*Wife Cindy
*4 sons
**Douglas
**Andrew
**John (''"Jack"'') Sidney IV
**James
*3 daughters
**Sidney
**Meghan
**Bridget
*Parents
**[[Admiral]] John Sydney McCain, Jr. (from [[Indiana]])
**[[Roberta McCain|Roberta Wright McCain]] (from [[Oklahoma]]).

== Books ==
* ''Faith of My Fathers'' (Random House; 1999) ISBN 0-3755-0191-6
* ''Odysseus in America'' (Scribner; 2002) ISBN 0-7432-1156-1
* ''Worth Fighting For: A Memoir'' (Diane Publ. Co; 2002) ISBN 0-7567-6759-8
* ''Medal of Honor'' (Artisan; 2003) ISBN 1-5796-5240-9
* ''Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life'' (Random House; 2004) ISBN 1-4000-6030-3
* ''Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember'' (Random House; 2005) ISBN 1-4000-6412-0
* ''Hard Call: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People Who Made Them'' (Twelve; 2007) ISBN 0-4466-9911-X

==Further reading==
*McCain, John [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=513224&in_page_id=1811 ''My six years of hell: John McCain recalls life as a prisoner of war in Vietnam''] 8 February 2008 [[Daily Mail]]. Accessed 9 February 2008

==See Also==
* [[John McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign]]
* [[Previous Breaking News/John McCain|Articles about '''John McCain''' from previous "Breaking News"]]
* [[White House]]
*[[Cindy McCain]], spouse of [[John McCain]]
*[[Roberta McCain]], mother of [[John McCain]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQsckD9trn4&eurl=http://evangelicalsformccain.org/meetthesenator.htm ''John McCain: Courageous Service''] - Streaming video documentary hosted at YouTube, including footage of McCain's time as a POW and the Forrestal incident.
*[http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9542249 John McCain Biography]
*[http://evangelicalsformccain.org/index.htm Evangelicals for McCain] - Christians, Families and Patriots for John McCain
*[http://studentsformccain08.blogspot.com/ Students for McCain 2008]
*[http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/01/mccains-mom-pop.html McCain's Mom Pops Off]
*[http://www.rd.com/national-interest/people-and-politics/our-interview-with-sen-john-mccain/article.html Presidential Candidate John McCain on the Issues]
*[http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=53270 Voting record]

==References==
{{reflist|small}}

{{2008 presidential candidates}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:McCain, John}}

[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:Arizona Senators]]

Barack Hussein Obama

2008-09-28T17:43:45Z

Eric111111:

{{Redirect4|Barack|Obama}}
{{pp-semi|small=yes}}
{{featured article}}
{{fixHTML|begin}}
{{Infobox Senator
| name = Barack Obama
| image name = Barack Obama.jpg
| imagesize = 220px
| jr/sr = Junior Senator
| state = [[Illinois]]
| term_start = January 4, 2005
| alongside = [[Richard Durbin]]
| preceded = [[Peter Fitzgerald]]
| state_senate3 = Illinois
| district3 = 13th
| term_start3 = January 8, 1997
| term_end3 = November 4, 2004
| preceded3 = [[Alice J. Palmer]]
| succeeded3 = [[Kwame Raoul]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|08|4}}
| birth_place = [[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]], [[United States|U.S.A.]]
| nationality = [[United States|American]]
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| spouse = [[Michelle Obama]] (m. 1992)
| children = [[Family of Barack Obama#Malia Ann and Sasha Obama|Malia Ann (b. 1998), Natasha ("Sasha") (b. 2001)]]
| residence=([[Kenwood, Chicago|Kenwood]]), [[Chicago, Illinois]]
| alma_mater = [[Harvard Law School]] [[Columbia University]] [[Occidental College]]
| profession = [[Attorney]], [[Politician]]
| religion = [[Christian]]: [[United Church of Christ]]
| net worth = $1.3 million ([[United States Dollar|USD]])
| signature = Barack Obama signature.svg
| website = [http://obama.senate.gov Barack Obama—U.S. Senator for Illinois]
| footnotes = <center>More detailed articles about Barack Obama ———————————— [[Early life and career of Barack Obama|Early life and career]] '''·''' [[Family of Barack Obama|(Family]] '''·''' [[Dreams from My Father|Memoir)]] [[Illinois Senate career of Barack Obama|Illinois Senate career]] [[United States Senate career of Barack Obama|U.S. Senate career]] [[Barack Obama presidential primary campaign, 2008|Presidential primaries]] '''·''' [[Barack Obama presidential campaign, 2008|Obama–Biden 2008]] [[Political positions of Barack Obama|Policy positions]] '''·''' [[Public image of Barack Obama|Public image]]</center>}}
{{fixHTML|end}}

'''Barack Hussein Obama II''' ({{pron-en|bəˈrɑːk hʊˈseɪn oʊˈbɑːmə}}; born August 4, 1961) is the [[United States Senate#Seniority|junior]] [[United States Senator]] from [[Illinois]] and [[presidential nominee]] of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 general election]].

Obama is the [[List of African-American firsts|first African American]] to be nominated by a major political party for president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/bangla/2008-08-28-voa1.cfm| title=First African American Nominated as Presidential Candidate of US Major Party| date=2008-08-28|publisher= [[Voice of America]]| accessdate=2008-09-18}}</ref> A graduate of [[Columbia University]] and [[Harvard Law School]], where he served as president of the ''[[Harvard Law Review]]'', Obama worked as a [[Community organizing|community organizer]] and practiced as a [[civil rights]] attorney before serving in the [[Illinois Senate]] from 1997 to 2004. He taught [[constitutional law]] at the [[University of Chicago Law School]] from 1992 to 2004. Following an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] in 2000, he announced his campaign for the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] in January 2003. After a primary victory in March 2004, Obama delivered the [[keynote|keynote address]] at the [[2004 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]] in July 2004. He was elected to the Senate in November 2004 with 70% of the vote.

As a member of the Democratic minority in the [[109th Congress]], he helped create legislation to control [[conventional weapons]] and to promote greater public accountability in the use of federal funds. He also made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. During the [[110th Congress]], he helped create legislation regarding [[lobbying in the United States|lobbying]] and [[electoral fraud]], [[mitigation of global warming|climate change]], [[nuclear terrorism]], and care for returned U.S. military personnel. After announcing [[Barack Obama presidential campaign, 2008|his presidential campaign]] in February 2007, Obama emphasized withdrawing American troops from Iraq, [[U.S. energy independence|energy independence]], decreasing the influence of [[Lobbying in the United States|lobbyists]], and promoting [[Universal health care#United States|universal health care]] as top national priorities.

==Early life and career==
{{main|Early life and career of Barack Obama}}

Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in [[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]], to [[Barack Obama, Sr.]], a black [[Kenyan]] of [[Nyang’oma Kogelo]], [[Siaya District]], [[Kenya]], and [[Ann Dunham]], a [[White American]] from [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]], [[Kansas]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=my.barackobama.com |url=http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/birthcert |title=The truth about Barack's birth certificate |accessdate= 2008-06-13}}</ref> His parents met while attending the [[University of Hawaii at Manoa]], where his father was a foreign student.<ref>Obama (1995), pp. 9–10. For book excerpts, see {{cite news | title=Barack Obama: Creation of Tales|date=2004-11-01 | url=http://www.nationmedia.com/EastAfrican/01112004/Features/PA2-2212.html | work=East African | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> They separated when he was two years old and later divorced.<ref>Obama (1995), pp. 125–126. See also: {{cite news | first=Tim | last=Jones | title=Obama's Mom: Not Just a Girl from Kansas | date=2007-03-27 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0703270151mar27,1,3372079.story?coll=chi-news-hed | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Obama's father returned to Kenya and saw his son only once more before dying in an automobile accident in 1982.<ref>{{cite news | first=Kevin | last=Merida | title=The Ghost of a Father | date=2007-12-14 | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/12/13/ST2007121301893.html | work=Washington Post | accessdate=2008-06-24}} See also: {{cite news | first=Philip | last=Ochieng | title=From Home Squared to the US Senate: How Barack Obama Was Lost and Found | date=2004-11-01 | url=http://www.nationmedia.com/EastAfrican/01112004/Features/PA2-11.html | work=East African | accessdate=2008-06-24}} In August 2006, Obama flew his wife and two daughters from Chicago to join him in a visit to his father's birthplace, a village near [[Kisumu]] in rural western Kenya. {{cite news | first=Nico | last=Gnecchi | title=Obama Receives Hero's Welcome at His Family's Ancestral Village in Kenya | date=2006-02-27 | url=http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-08/2006-08-27-voa17.cfm | work=Voice of America | accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> After her divorce, Dunham married [[Lolo Soetoro]], and the family moved to Soetoro's home country of [[Indonesia]] in 1967, where Obama attended local schools in [[Jakarta]] until he was ten years old. He then returned to Honolulu to live with his [[Madelyn and Stanley Dunham|maternal grandparents]] while attending [[Punahou School]] from the [[Education in the United States#School grades|fifth grade]] in 1971 until his graduation from high school in 1979.<ref>{{cite news | first=Peter | last=Serafin | title=Punahou Grad Stirs Up Illinois Politics | date=2004-03-21 | url=http://starbulletin.com/2004/03/21/news/story4.html | work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin | accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: Obama (1995), Chapters 3 and 4.</ref> Obama's mother returned to Hawaii in 1972 for several years and then back to Indonesia for her fieldwork. She died of [[ovarian cancer]] in 1995.<ref>{{cite news | first=Amanda | last=Ripley | title=The Story of Barack Obama's Mother | date=2008-04-09 | url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1729524,00.html | work=Time | accessdate=2008-06-24}} See also: {{cite news | first=Julia | last=Suryakusuma | title=Obama for President... of Indonesia | date=2006-11-29 | work=Jakarta Post | url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20061129.F03 | accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref>
As an adult Obama admitted that during high school he used [[marijuana]], [[cocaine]], and alcohol, which he described at the 2008 [[Civil Forum on the Presidency]] as his greatest moral failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/16/warren.forum/ |title=Obama, McCain talk issues at pastor's forum - CNN.com |publisher=cnn.com |date=2008-08-17 |accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/24/news/dems.php |title=Barack Obama, asked about drug history, admits he inhaled |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=2006-10-25 |accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref>

Following high school, Obama moved to [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], where he studied at [[Occidental College]] for two years.<ref>{{cite web | title=Oxy Remembers "Barry" Obama '83 | date=2007-01-29 | url=http://www.oxy.edu/x2526.xml | publisher=Occidental College | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> He then transferred to [[Columbia College of Columbia University|Columbia University]] in [[New York City]], where he majored in [[political science]] with a specialization in [[international relations]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.college.columbia.edu/cct_archive/jan05/cover.php | title=Barack Obama '83 | work=Columbia College Today | author=Boss-Bicak, Shira | date=January 2005 | accessdate=2008-06-09}}</ref> Obama graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] from Columbia in 1983, then worked for a year at the [[Business International Corporation]]<ref>{{cite news | first=Sasha | last=Issenberg | title=Obama shows hints of his year in global finance: Tied markets to social aid | date=2008-08-06 | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/08/06/obama_shows_hints_of_his_year_in_global_finance/?page=1 | work=Boston Globe | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> and then at the [[New York Public Interest Research Group]].<ref name="Who's Who 2008">{{cite book |author=Chassie, Karen (ed.) |year=2007 |title=Who's Who in America, 2008 |url=http://www.marquiswhoswho.com/products/WAprodinfo.asp |location=New Providence, NJ |publisher=Marquis Who's Who |isbn=9780837970110 |page=p. 3468 |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Janny | last=Scott | title=Obama's Account of New York Years Often Differs from What Others Say | date=2007-10-30 | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-13}} Obama (1995), pp. 133–140; Mendell (2007), pp. 62–63.</ref>

After four years in New York City, Obama moved to [[Chicago]] to work as a [[community organizer]] for three years from June 1985 to May 1988 as director of the Developing Communities Project (DCP), a church-based community organization originally comprising eight Catholic parishes in Greater Roseland ([[Roseland, Chicago|Roseland]], [[West Pullman, Chicago|West Pullman]], and [[Riverdale, Chicago|Riverdale]]) on Chicago's far [[South Side (Chicago)|South Side]].<ref name="Who's Who 2008"/><ref>{{cite news |author=Secter, Bob; McCormick, John |date=2007-03-30 |title=Portrait of a pragmatist |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0703300121mar30,1,6651421,full.story |work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 |accessdate=2008-06-06}} {{cite news | first=Ryan | last=Lizza | title=The Agitator: Barack Obama's Unlikely Political Education | format=alternate link | date=2007-03-19 | url=http://www.pickensdemocrats.org/info/TheAgitator_070319.htm | work =New Republic | accessdate=2008-04-13}} Obama (1995), pp. 140–295; Mendell (2007), pp. 63–83.</ref> During his three years as the DCP's director, its staff grew from one to thirteen and its annual budget grew from $70,000 to $400,000, with accomplishments including helping set up a job training program, a college preparatory tutoring program, and a tenants' rights organization in [[Altgeld Gardens, Chicago|Altgeld Gardens]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Matchan, Linda |date=1990-02-15 |title=A Law Review breakthrough |url=http://search.boston.com/local/Search.do?s.sm.query=&s.author=Linda+Matchan&s.tab=globe&s.si%28simplesearchinput%29.sortBy=-articleprintpublicationdate&docType=&date=&s.startDate=1990-02-15&s.endDate=1990-02-15 |format=paid archive |work=The Boston Globe |page=29 |accessdate=2008-06-06}} {{cite news |author=Corr, John |date=1990-02-27 |title=From mean streets to hallowed halls |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&p_theme=pi&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_trackval=PI&s_search_type=customized&s_dispstring=Author(John%20Corr)%20AND%20date(02/27/1990%20to%2002/27/1990)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=02/27/1990%20to%2002/27/1990)&p_field_advanced-0=Author&p_text_advanced-0=(John%20Corr)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes |format=paid archive |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |page=C01 |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> Obama also worked as a consultant and instructor for the [[Gamaliel Foundation]], a community organizing institute.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Obama, Barack |month=August–September |year=1988 |title=Why organize? Problems and promise in the inner city |journal=Illinois Issues |volume=14 |issue=8–9 |pages=40–42 |accessdate=2008-06-06}} reprinted in: {{cite book |year=1990 |pages=pp. 35–40 |author=Knoepfle, Peg (ed.) |title=After Alinsky: community organizing in Illinois |location=Springfield, IL |publisher=Sangamon State University |isbn=0962087335 |accessdate=2008-06-06}} {{cite news |author=Tayler, Letta; Herbert, Keith |date=2008-03-02 |title=Obama forged path as Chicago community organizer |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/nation/ny-usobam025598601mar02,0,7841545,full.story |work=Newsday |page=A06 |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> In mid-1988, he traveled for the first time to Europe for three weeks and then for five weeks in Kenya, where he met many of his [[Family of Barack Obama#Paternal_relations|Kenyan relatives]] for the first time.<ref>Obama (1995), pp. 299–437.</ref>

Obama entered [[Harvard Law School]] in late 1988. At the end of his first year, he was selected, based on his grades and a writing competition, as an editor of the ''[[Harvard Law Review]]''.<ref name="Harvard Law 2007">{{cite news |author=Levenson, Michael; Saltzman, Jonathan |date=2007-01-28 |title=At Harvard Law, a unifying voice |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/01/28/at_harvard_law_a_unifying_voice/?page=full |work=The Boston Globe |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Kantor, Jodi |date=2007-01-28 |title=In law school, Obama found political voice |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/us/politics/28obama.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |page=1 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Kodama, Marie C |date=2007-01-19 |title=Obama left mark on HLS |url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=516664 |work=The Harvard Crimson |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Mundy, Liza |title=A series of fortunate events |date=2007-08-12 |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/08/AR2007080802038_pf.html |work=The Washington Post |page=W10 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite journal |author=Heilemann, John |title=When they were young |date=2007-10-22 |url=http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=When+They+Were+Young&expire=&urlID=24417790&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnymag.com%2Fnews%2Ffeatures%2F39321%2F&partnerID=73272 |journal=New York |volume=40 |issue=37 |pages=32–7, 132–3 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} Mendell (2007), pp. 80–92.</ref> In February 1990, in his second year, he was elected president of the ''Law Review'', a full-time volunteer position functioning as editor-in-chief and supervising the ''Law Review'''s staff of eighty editors.<ref name="Harvard Law 1990"> {{cite news |author=Butterfield, Fox |date=1990-02-06|title=First black elected to head Harvard's Law Review |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE2DC1631F935A35751C0A966958260 |work=The New York Times |page=A20 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Ybarra, Michael J |date=1990-02-07 |title=Activist in Chicago now heads Harvard Law Review |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/28797353.html?dids=28797353:28797353&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |format=paid archive |work=Chicago Tribune |page=3 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Matchan, Linda |date=1990-02-15 |title=A Law Review breakthrough |url=http://search.boston.com/local/Search.do?s.sm.query=&s.author=Linda+Matchan&s.tab=globe&s.si%28simplesearchinput%29.sortBy=-articleprintpublicationdate&docType=&date=&s.startDate=1990-02-15&s.endDate=1990-02-15 |format=paid archive |work=The Boston Globe |page=29 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Corr, John |date=1990-02-27 |title=From mean streets to hallowed halls |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&p_theme=pi&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_trackval=PI&s_search_type=customized&s_dispstring=Author(John%20Corr)%20AND%20date(02/27/1990%20to%2002/27/1990)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=02/27/1990%20to%2002/27/1990)&p_field_advanced-0=Author&p_text_advanced-0=(John%20Corr)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes |format=paid archive |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |page=C01 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Drummond, Tammerlin |date=1990-03-12 |title=Barack Obama's Law; Harvard Law Review's first black president plans a life of public service |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/60017156.html?dids=60017156:60017156&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |format=paid archive |work=Los Angeles Times |page=E1 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Pugh, Allison J. (Associated Press) |date=1990-04-18 |title=Law Review's first black president aims to help poor |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&p_theme=realcities2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_site=miami&s_trackval=MH&s_dispstring=Title(Law%20Review's%20first%20black%20president%20aims%20to%20help%20poor)%20AND%20date(04/18/1990%20to%2004/18/1990)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=04/18/1990%20to%2004/18/1990)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Law%20Review's%20first%20black%20president%20aims%20to%20help%20poor)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes |format=paid archive |work=The Miami Herald |page=C01 |accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref> Obama's election as the [[List of African-American firsts|first black president of the ''Law Review'']] was widely reported and followed by several long, detailed profiles.<ref name="Harvard Law 1990"/> During his summers, he returned to Chicago where he worked as a summer associate at the law firms of [[Sidley Austin|Sidley & Austin]] in 1989 and Hopkins & Sutter in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |author=Aguilar, Louis |date=1990-07-11 |title=Survey: Law firms slow to add minority partners |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/28774085.html?dids=28774085:28774085&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |format=paid archive |work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 (Business) |quote=Barack Obama, a summer associate at Hopkins & Sutter in Chicago |accessdate=2008-06-15}}</ref> After graduating with a [[Juris Doctor]] ([[J.D.]]) [[Latin honors|''magna cum laude'']] from Harvard in 1991, he returned to Chicago.

The publicity from his election as the first black president of the ''Harvard Law Review'' led to a publishing contract and advance for a book about race relations.<ref name="Scott 2008a"> {{cite news |author=Scott, Janny |date=2008-05-18 |title=The story of Obama, written by Obama |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/us/politics/18memoirs.html?pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |page=1 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} Obama (1995), pp. xiii–xvii.</ref> In an effort to recruit him to their faculty, the [[University of Chicago Law School]] provided Obama with a fellowship and an office to work on his book.<ref name="Scott 2008a"/> He originally planned to finish the book in one year, but it took much longer as the book evolved into a personal memoir. In order to work without interruptions, Obama and his wife, [[Michelle Obama|Michelle]], traveled to [[Bali]] where he wrote for several months. The manuscript was finally published in mid-1995 as ''[[Dreams from My Father]]''.<ref name="Scott 2008a"/>
[[Image:Ann Dunham with father and children.jpg|thumb|left|''Right-to-left:'' [[Barack Obama]] and [[Maya Soetoro]] with their mother [[Ann Dunham]] and grandfather [[Stanley Dunham]] in Hawaii (early 1970s)]]
Obama directed Illinois' [[Project Vote]] from April to October 1992, a voter registration drive with a staff of ten and seven hundred volunteers; it achieved its goal of registering 150,000 of 400,000 unregistered African-Americans in the state, and led to ''Crain's Chicago Business'' naming Obama to its 1993 list of "40 under Forty" powers to be.<ref name="Illinois Blue Book 2000">{{cite book |author=White, Jesse (ed.) |year=2000 |title=Illinois Blue Book, 2000, Millennium ed. |url=http://www.sos.state.il.us/bb/toc.html |location=Springfield, IL |publisher=Illinois Secretary of State |oclc=43923973 |page=p. 83 |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jarrett, Vernon |date=1992-08-11 |title='Project Vote' brings power to the people |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=(Vernon%20Jarrett)%20AND%20date(8/11/1992%20to%208/11/1992)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=8/11/1992%20to%208/11/1992)&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(Vernon%20Jarrett)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no |work=Chicago Sun-Times |format=paid archive |page=23 |accessdate=2008-06-06}} {{cite journal |author=Reynolds, Gretchen |month=January |year=1993 |title=Vote of Confidence |url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-1993/Vote-of-Confidence |journal=[[Chicago (magazine)|Chicago]] |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=53–54 |accessdate=2008-06-06}} {{cite journal |author=Anderson, Veronica |month=September 27–October 3, |year=1993 |title=40 under Forty: Barack Obama, Director, Illinois Project Vote |journal=[[Crain Communications Inc.|Crain's Chicago Business]] |volume=16 |issue=39 |accessdate=2008-06-06 |pages=43}}</ref>

Beginning in 1992, Obama taught [[constitutional law]] at the [[University of Chicago Law School]] for twelve years, being first classified as a Lecturer from 1992 to 1996, and then as a Senior Lecturer from 1996 to 2004.<ref>{{cite web |author=University of Chicago Law School |date=2008-03-27 |title=Statement regarding Barack Obama |publisher=University of Chicago Law School |url=http://www.law.uchicago.edu/media/index.html |accessdate=2008-06-10}} {{cite web |author=Miller, Joe |date=2008-03-28 |title=Was Barack Obama really a constitutional law professor?|publisher=FactCheck.org |url=http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/was_barack_obama_really_a_constitutional_law.html |accessdate=2008-06-10}} {{cite web |author=Holan, Angie Drobnic |date=2008-03-07 |title=Obama's 20 years of experience |url=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/mar/07/obamas-20-years-experience |publisher=PolitiFact.com |accessdate=2008-06-10}}</ref>

He also, in 1993, joined Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, a twelve attorney law firm specializing in civil rights litigation and neighborhood economic development, where he was an [[associate (business rank)|associate]] for three years from 1993 to 1996, then [[of counsel]] from 1996 to 2004, with his law license becoming inactive in 2002.<ref name="Who's Who 2008"/><ref>{{cite news |author=Robinson, Mike (Associated Press) |date=2007-02-10 |title=Obama got start in civil rights practice |url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/02/20/obama_got_start_in_civil_rights_practice |work=The Boston Globe |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author=Pallasch, Abdon M |date=2007-12-17 |title=As lawyer, Obama was strong, silent type; He was 'smart, innovative, relentless,' and he mostly let other lawyers do the talking |url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/700499,CST-NWS-Obama-law17.article |work=Chicago Sun-Times |page=4 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author= |date=1993-06-27 |title=People |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24302659.html?dids=24302659:24302659&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |format=paid archive |work=Chicago Tribune |page=9 (Business) |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite news |author= |date=1993-07-05 |title=Business appointments |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=(Business%20appointments)%20AND%20date(7/5/1993%20to%207/5/1993)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=7/5/1993%20to%207/5/1993)&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(Business%20appointments)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no |format=paid archive |work=Chicago-Sun-Times |page=40 |accessdate=2008-06-15}} {{cite web |author=Miner, Barnhill & Galland |year=2008 |title=About Us |url=http://www.lawmbg.com/index.cfm/PageID/2711 |publisher=Miner, Barnhill & Galland – Chicago, Illinois |accessdate=2008-06-15}} Obama (1995), pp. 438–439, Mendell (2007), pp. 104–106.</ref>

Obama was a founding member of the board of directors of [[Public Allies]] in 1992, resigning before his wife, Michelle, became the founding executive director of Public Allies Chicago in early 1993.<ref name="Who's Who 2008"/><ref>{{cite web |author=Public Allies |year=2008 |title=Fact Sheet on Public Allies' History with Senator Barack and Michelle Obama |url=http://www.publicallies.org/site/c.liKUL3PNLvF/b.3960231/ |publisher=[[Public Allies]] |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> He served from 1993 to 2002 on the board of directors of the [[Woods Fund of Chicago]], which in 1985 had been the first foundation to fund Obama's DCP, and also from 1994 to 2002 on the board of directors of The [[Joyce Foundation]].<ref name="Who's Who 2008"/> Obama served on the board of directors of the [[Chicago Annenberg Challenge]] from 1995–2002, as founding president and chairman of the board of directors from 1995–1999.<ref name="Who's Who 2008"/> He also served on the board of directors of the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, and the Lugenia Burns Hope Center.<ref name="Who's Who 2008"/>

==State legislator, 1997–2004==
{{main|Illinois Senate career of Barack Obama}}

Obama was elected to the [[Illinois Senate]] in 1996, succeeding State Senator [[Alice Palmer (Illinois politician)|Alice Palmer]] as Senator from Illinois' 13th District, which then spanned Chicago [[South Side (Chicago)|South Side]] neighborhoods from [[Hyde Park, Chicago|Hyde Park]]-[[Kenwood, Chicago|Kenwood]] south to [[South Shore, Chicago|South Shore]] and west to [[Chicago Lawn, Chicago|Chicago Lawn]].<ref>{{cite news | first=David | last=Jackson | coauthors= Ray Long | title=Obama Knows His Way Around a Ballot | date=2007-04-03 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070403obama-ballot,1,57567.story | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-01-14}}
{{cite book |author=[[Jesse White (politician)|White, Jesse]] |year=2001 |chapter=Legislative Districts of Cook County, 1991 Reapportionment |chapterurl=http://www.sos.state.il.us/publications/02bluebook/legislative_branch/legdistrictmaps.pdf |title=Illinois Blue Book 2001–2002 |location=Springfield |publisher=[[Secretary of State of Illinois|Illinois Secretary of State]] |pages=p. 65}}State Sen. District 13 = State Rep. Districts 25 & 26.</ref> Once elected, Obama gained bipartisan support for legislation reforming ethics and health care laws.<ref>{{cite news | first=Peter | last=Slevin | title=Obama Forged Political Mettle in Illinois Capitol | date=2007-02-09 | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/08/AR2007020802262.html | work=Washington Post | accessdate=2008-04-20}} {{cite news | first=Scott | last=Helman | title=In Illinois, Obama Dealt with Lobbyists | date=2007-09-23 | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/09/23/in_illinois_obama_dealt_with_lobbyists/ | work=Boston Globe | accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news | title=Obama Record May Be Gold Mine for Critics | date=2007-01-17 | publisher=CBS News | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml | work=Associated Press | accessdate=2008-04-20}} {{cite news | title=In-Depth Look at Obama's Political Career | date=2007-02-09 | publisher=Chicago Tribune | url=http://video.chicagotribune.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?clipid1=1226539 | work=CLTV | format=video | accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> He sponsored a law increasing [[tax credit]]s for low-income workers, negotiated welfare reform, and promoted increased subsidies for childcare.<ref name=Scott20070730>{{cite news | first=Janny | last=Scott | title=In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd | date=2007-07-30 | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news | first=Rick | last=Pearson | coauthors=Ray Long | title=Careful Steps, Looking Ahead | date=2007-05-03 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0705030101may03,1,7439904.story | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> In 2001, as co-chairman of the bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Obama supported Republican Governor Ryan's payday loan regulations and predatory mortgage lending regulations aimed at averting home foreclosures.<ref>{{cite news |author=Allison, Melissa |date=2000-12-15 |title=State takes on predatory lending; Rules would halt single-premium life insurance financing |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/65214450.html?dids=65214450:65214450&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |type=paid archive |work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 (Business) |accessdate=2008-06-01}} {{cite news |author=Long, Ray; Allison, Melissa |date=2001-04-18 |title=Illinois OKs predatory loan curbs; State aims to avert home foreclosures |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/71459393.html?dids=71459393:71459393&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |type=paid archive |work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 |accessdate=2008-06-01}}</ref>

Obama was reelected to the Illinois Senate in 1998, and again in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html |title=13th District: Barack Obama | format=archive | accessdate=2008-04-20 | date=2000-08-24 | publisher=Illinois State Senate Democrats | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20000824102110/http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html |archivedate=2000-04-12 }} {{cite web | url=http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html | title=13th District: Barack Obama | format=archive | accessdate=2008-04-20 |date=2004-10-09 | publisher=Illinois State Senate Democrats | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20040802233730/http://www.senatedem.state.il.us/obama/index.html | archivedate=2004-08-02}}</ref> In 2000, he lost a Democratic primary run for the U.S. House of Representatives to four-term incumbent [[Bobby Rush]] by a margin of two to one.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2000/ilh.htm | title=Federal Elections 2000: U.S. House Results - Illinois | publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]] | accessdate=2008-04-24}}. See also: {{cite web|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14502364|title=Obama's Loss May Have Aided White House Bid}} and {{cite news | first=Janny | last=Scott | title=A Streetwise Veteran Schooled Young Obama | date=2007-09-09 | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref><ref name=McClelland20070212> {{cite news | first=Edward | last=McClelland | title=How Obama Learned to Be a Natural | date=2007-02-12 | url=http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/02/12/obama_natural/ | work =Salon | accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news | first=Richard | last=Wolffe | coauthors= Daren Briscoe | title=Across the Divide | date=2007-07-16 | publisher=MSNBC | url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/33156 | work=Newsweek | accessdate=2008-04-20}} {{cite news | first=Scott | last=Helman | title=Early Defeat Launched a Rapid Political Climb | date=2007-10-12 | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/12/early_defeat_launched_a_rapid_political_climb/ | work=Boston Globe | accessdate=2008-04-20}} and {{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-10-24-3157940059_x.htm|title=Obama learned from failed Congress run | work=USA Today | author=Wills, Christopher| date=2007-10-24 | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref>

In January 2003, Obama became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee when Democrats, after a decade in the minority, regained a majority.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jackie | last=Calmes | title=Statehouse Yields Clues to Obama | date=2007-02-23 | url=http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB117219748197216894-Sn6oV_4KLQHp_xz7CjYLuyjv3Jg_20070324.html | work=Wall Street Journal | accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> He sponsored and led unanimous, bipartisan passage of legislation to monitor [[racial profiling]] by requiring police to record the race of drivers they detained and legislation making Illinois the first state to mandate videotaping of homicide interrogations.<ref name=Scott20070730 /><ref>{{cite news |author=Tavella, Anne Marie |date=2003-04-14 |title=Profiling, taping plans pass Senate |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADHB&p_theme=adhb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Profiling,%20AND%20taping%20AND%20plans%20AND%20pass%20AND%20Senate&s_dispstring=Profiling,%20taping%20plans%20pass%20Senate%20AND%20date(4/4/2003%20to%204/4/2003)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=4/4/2003%20to%204/4/2003)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no |type=paid archive |work=Daily Herald |page=17 |accessdate=2008-06-01}} {{cite news |author=Haynes, V. Dion |date=2003-06-29 |title=Fight racial profiling at local level, lawmaker says; U.S. guidelines get mixed review |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/352884461.html?dids=352884461:352884461&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |type=paid archive |work=Chicago Tribune |page=8 |accessdate=2008-06-01}} {{cite news |author=Pearson, Rick |date=2003-07-17 |title=Taped confessions to be law; State will be 1st to pass legislation |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/370136121.html?dids=370136121:370136121&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |type=paid archive |work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 (Metro) |accessdate=2008-06-01}}</ref> During his 2004 general election campaign for U.S. Senate, police representatives credited Obama for his active engagement with police organizations in enacting [[capital punishment in the United States|death penalty]] reforms.<ref>{{cite news | first=Sam | last=Youngman | coauthors=Aaron Blake | title=Obama's Crime Votes Are Fodder for Rivals | date=2007-03-14 | url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obamas-crime-votes-are-fodder-for-rivals-2007-03-13.html | work=The Hill | accessdate=2008-04-20}} See also: {{cite news | title=US Presidential Candidate Obama Cites Work on State Death Penalty Reforms | date=2007-11-12 | publisher=International Herald Tribune | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/12/america/NA-POL-US-Obama-Death-Penalty.php | work=Associated Press | accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> Obama resigned from the Illinois Senate in November 2004 following his election to the US Senate.<ref>{{cite news | first=Melanie | last=Coffee | title=Attorney Chosen to Fill Obama's State Senate Seat | date=2004-11-06 | publisher=HPKCC | url=http://www.hydepark.org/hpkccnews/raoul.htm#ap | work=Associated Press | accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref>

==2004 U.S. Senate campaign==
{{seealso|United States Senate election in Illinois, 2004}}
In mid-2002, Obama began considering a run for the U.S. Senate; he enlisted political strategist [[David Axelrod (political consultant)|David Axelrod]] that fall and formally announced his candidacy in January 2003.<ref>{{cite news | first=Scott | last=Helman | title=Early Defeat Launched a Rapid Political Climb | date=2007-10-12 | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/12/early_defeat_launched_a_rapid_political_climb/ | work=Boston Globe | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Decisions by Republican incumbent [[Peter Fitzgerald]] and his Democratic predecessor [[Carol Moseley Braun]] not to contest the race launched wide-open Democratic and Republican primary contests involving fifteen candidates.<ref>{{cite news | last=Davey | first=Monica | title=Closely Watched Illinois Senate Race Attracts 7 Candidates in Millionaire Range | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/07/politics/campaign/07ILLI.html | work=The New York Times | date=2004-03-07 | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Obama's candidacy was boosted by Axelrod's advertising campaign featuring images of the late Chicago Mayor [[Harold Washington]] and an endorsement by the daughter of the late [[Paul Simon (politician)|Paul Simon]], former U.S. Senator for Illinois.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ben | last=Wallace-Wells | title=Obama's Narrator | date=2007-04-01 | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/magazine/01axelrod.t.html | work=[[The New York Times Magazine]] | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> He received over 52% of the vote in the March 2004 primary, emerging 29% ahead of his nearest Democratic rival.<ref>{{cite news | first=Monica | last=Davey | title=From Crowded Field, Democrats Choose State Legislator to Seek Senate Seat | date=2004-03-17 | url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9400E4D61431F934A25750C0A9629C8B63 | work =New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-13}} See also: {{cite news | first=John S | last=Jackson | title=The Making of a Senator: Barack Obama and the 2004 Illinois Senate Race | date=August 2006 | publisher=Southern Illinois University | url=http://www.siu.edu/~ppi/PDF/papers/Obama.pdf | work=Occasional Paper of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute | accessdate=2008-04-13|format=PDF}}</ref>

Obama's expected opponent in the general election, Republican primary winner [[Jack Ryan (2004 U.S. Senate candidate)|Jack Ryan]], withdrew from the race in June 2004 following the release of sensational details from his divorce with actress [[Jeri Ryan]]. Obama was already ahead in the polls when the allegations from Ryan's divorce were released and Republican officials admitted that Ryan's replacement would face an uphill battle.<ref>{{cite news | title=Ryan Drops Out of Senate Race in Illinois | date=2004-06-25 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/25/il.ryan/ | work=CNN | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

In July 2004, Obama wrote and delivered the keynote address at the [[2004 Democratic National Convention]] in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite news | first=David | last=Bernstein| title=The Speech | date=June 2007| url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/June-2007/The-Speech/ | work=Chicago Magazine| accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> After describing his maternal grandfather's experiences as a [[World War II]] veteran and a beneficiary of the [[New Deal|New Deal's]] [[Federal Housing Administration|FHA]] and [[Servicemen's Readjustment Act (USA)|G.I. Bill]] programs, Obama spoke about changing the U.S. government's economic and social priorities. He questioned the Bush administration's management of the Iraq War and highlighted America's obligations to its soldiers. Drawing examples from U.S. history, he criticized heavily partisan views of the electorate and asked Americans to find unity in diversity, saying, "There is not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America."<ref>{{cite web | first=Barack | last=Obama | title=Keynote Address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention | format=text or [http://www.barackobama.com/tv/speeches.php?bcpid=900718856&bclid=900554575&bctid=791793079 video] | date=2004-07-27 | url=http://www.barackobama.com/2004/07/27/keynote_address_at_the_2004_de.php | publisher=BarackObama.com | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> Broadcasts of the speech by major news organizations launched Obama's status as a national political figure and boosted his campaign for U.S. Senate.<ref>{{cite news | first=Randal C | last=Archibold | title=The Illinois Candidate; Day After, Keynote Speaker Finds Admirers Everywhere | date=2004-07-29 | url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A03E7DB103DF93AA15754C0A9629C8B63 | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-13}} {{cite news | first=Ronald | last=Roach | title=Obama Rising | date=2004-10-07 | publisher=DiverseEducation.com | url=http://www.diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_4041.shtml | work=Black Issues In Higher Education | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

In August 2004, two months after Ryan's withdrawal and less than three months before Election Day, [[Alan Keyes]] accepted the Illinois Republican Party's nomination to replace Ryan.<ref>{{cite news | first=Maura Kelly | last=Lannan | title=Alan Keyes Enters U.S. Senate Race in Illinois Against Rising Democratic Star | date=2004-08-09 | publisher=Union-Tribune (San Diego) | url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20040809-0849-illinoissenate.html | work=Associated Press | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> A long-time resident of Maryland, Keyes established legal residency in Illinois with the nomination.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ford | last=Liam | coauthors= David Mendell | title=Keyes Sets Up House in Cal City | date=2004-08-13 | url =http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/chi-0408130201aug13,1,7640082.story | work =Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> In the November 2004 general election, Obama received 70% of the vote to Keyes's 27%, the largest victory margin for a statewide race in Illinois history.<ref>{{cite news | title=America Votes 2004: U.S. Senate / Illinois | url =http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/IL/S/01/index.html | publisher=CNN | accessdate=2008-04-13}} {{cite news | first=Peter | last=Slevin | title=For Obama, a Handsome Payoff in Political Gambles | date=2007-11-13 | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/12/AR2007111201945.html | work=The Washington Post | accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref>

==U.S. Senator, from 2005==
{{main|United States Senate career of Barack Obama}}
Obama was sworn in as a senator on January 4, 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://obama.senate.gov/about/ | title=About Barack Obama | accessdate=2008-04-27 | publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office}}
</ref> Obama was the fifth African American Senator in U.S. history, and the third to have been [[Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|popularly elected]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/history/h_multi_sections_and_teasers/Photo_Exhibit_African_American_Senators.htm | title=Breaking New Ground: African American Senators | publisher=U.S. Senate Historical Office | accessdate=2008-06-25}}
</ref> He is the only Senate member of the [[Congressional Black Caucus]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Member Info | url=http://www.house.gov/kilpatrick/cbc/member_info.html | publisher=Congressional Black Caucus | accessdate=2008-06-25}} See also: {{cite news | first=Jeff | last=Zeleny | title=When It Comes to Race, Obama Makes His Point—With Subtlety | date=2005-06-26 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-050626obama-race,1,7205709.story | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-06-25}}
</ref> ''[[Congressional Quarterly|CQ Weekly]]'', a nonpartisan publication, characterized him as a "loyal Democrat" based on analysis of all Senate votes in 2005–2007, and the ''[[National Journal]]'' ranked him as the "most liberal" senator based on an assessment of selected votes during 2007. In 2005 he was ranked sixteenth, and in 2006 he was ranked tenth.<ref>{{cite news | first=David | last=Nather | title=The Space Between Clinton and Obama | date=2008-01-14 | url=http://public.cq.com/docs/cqw/weeklyreport110-000002654703.html | work=CQ Weekly | accessdate=2008-06-25}} See also: {{cite news | first=Tom | last=Curry | title=What Obama's Senate Votes Reveal | date=2008-02-21 | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23276453/ | work=MSNBC | accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://nj.nationaljournal.com/voteratings| title=Obama: Most Liberal Senator In 2007 | work=National Journal | date=2008-01-31| accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> In 2008, he was ranked by Congress.org as the eleventh most powerful Senator.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.congress.org/congressorg/power_rankings/overall.tt | title= Power Rankings: Senate | author=KnowLegis | accessdate=2008-09-07}}</ref>

===Legislation===
{{seealso|List of bills sponsored by Barack Obama in the United States Senate}}
[[Image:Coburn and Obama discuss S. 2590.jpg|thumb|right|Senate bill sponsors Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Obama discussing the Coburn–Obama Transparency Act<ref>{{cite web | title=President Bush Signs Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act | date=2006-09-26 | url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/09/20060926.html | publisher=White House | 2008-04-27}}</ref>]]
Obama voted in favor of the [[Energy Policy Act of 2005]] and cosponsored the [[Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act]].<ref>{{cite web | first=109th Congress, 1st Session | last=U.S. Senate | title=S. 1033, Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act | date=2005-05-12 | url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SN01033: | publisher=Thomas | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> In September 2006, Obama supported a related bill, the [[Secure Fence Act of 2006|Secure Fence Act]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Latinos Upset Obama Voted for Border Fence | date=2006-11-20 | url=http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_324192245.html | work=CBS 2 (Chicago) | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Obama introduced two initiatives bearing his name: Lugar–Obama, which expanded the [[Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction|Nunn–Lugar cooperative threat reduction]] concept to conventional weapons,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://obama.senate.gov/press/070111-lugar-obama_non/ | title=Lugar–Obama Nonproliferation Legislation Signed into Law by the President | date=2007-01-11 | publisher=Richard Lugar U.S. Senate Office | accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news | first=Richard G | last=Lugar | coauthors=Barack Obama | title=Junkyard Dogs of War | date=2005-12-03 | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/02/AR2005120201509.html | work=Washington Post | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> and the [[Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006|Coburn–Obama Transparency Act]], which authorized the establishment of USAspending.gov, a web search engine on federal spending.<ref>{{cite news | first=John | last=McCormack | title=Google Government Gone Viral | date=2007-12-21 | url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/502njiqx.asp | work=Weekly Standard | accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite web | title=President Bush Signs Coburn–Obama Transparency Act | date=2006-09-26 | url=http://coburn.senate.gov/ffm/index.cfm?FuseAction=LegislativeFloorAction.Home&ContentRecord_id=eb582f19-802a-23ad-41db-7a7cb464cfdb | publisher=Tom Coburn U.S. Senate Office | accessdate=2008-04-27}} and [http://www.USAspending.gov USAspending.gov]</ref> On June 3, 2008, Senator Obama, along with Senators [[Thomas R. Carper]], [[Tom Coburn]], and [[John McCain]], introduced follow-up legislation: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008.<ref>[http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-3077 S. 3077: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008] ''Govtrack.us'', 2007-2008 (110th Congress)</ref>

Obama sponsored legislation requiring nuclear plant owners to notify state and local authorities of radioactive leaks.<ref>{{cite news |last=McIntire |first=Mike | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/us/politics/03exelon.html | title=Nuclear Leaks and Response Tested Obama in Senate | date=2008-02-03 |
work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> In December 2006, President Bush signed into law the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act, marking the first federal legislation to be enacted with Obama as its primary sponsor.<ref>{{cite web | title=Democratic Republic of the Congo | month=April | year=2006 | url=http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/drc0406.shtml | publisher=United States Conference of Catholic Bishops | accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite web | title=The IRC Welcomes New U.S. Law on Congo | date=2007-01-05 | url=http://www.theirc.org/news/the-irc-welcomes-new-us-law.html | publisher=International Rescue Committee | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> In January 2007, Obama and Senator Feingold introduced a corporate jet provision to the [[Honest Leadership and Open Government Act]], which was signed into law in September 2007.<ref>{{cite news | first=Nathaniel | last=Weixel | title=Feingold, Obama Go After Corporate Jet Travel | date=2007-11-15 | url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/feingold-obama-go-after-corporate-jet-travel-2007-11-15.html | work=The Hill | accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news | first=Nathaniel | last=Weixel | title=Lawmakers Press FEC on Bundling Regulation | date=2007-12-05 | url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/lawmakers-press-fec-on-bundling-regulation-2007-12-05.html | work=The Hill | accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news | title=Federal Election Commission Announces Plans to Issue New Regulations to Implement the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 | date=2007-09-24 | publisher=Federal Election Commission | url=http://www.fec.gov/press/press2007/20070924travel.shtml | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He introduced [[Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act]], a bill to criminalize deceptive practices in federal elections.<ref>{{cite news | first=Seth | last=Stern | title=Obama–Schumer Bill Proposal Would Criminalize Voter Intimidation | date=2007-01-31 | publisher=The New York Times | url=http://www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/01/31/cq_2213.html | work=CQPolitics.com | accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite web | first=110th Congress, 1st Session | last=U.S. Senate | title=S. 453, Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 | date=2007-01-31 | url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN00453: | publisher=Thomas | accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news | title=Honesty in Elections | date=2007-01-31 | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/opinion/31wed1.html | work=The New York Times | format=editorial | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>
Obama also introduced the [[Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007]].<ref>{{cite news | first=E. Kasak | last=Krystin | title=Obama Introduces Measure to Bring Troops Home |date=2007-02-07 | publisher=The Times (Munster, Indiana) | url =http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/02/07/news/illiana/doc65cc98d8dc6506b28625727b0011edb5.txt | work=Medill News Service | accessdate=2008-04-27}} "Latest Major Action: 1/30/2007 Referred to Senate committee." {{cite web | first=110th Congress, 1st Session | last=U.S. Senate | title=S. 433, Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 | date=2007-01-30 | url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN00433: | publisher=Thomas | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

[[Image:Lugar-Obama.jpg|left|thumb|Obama and Richard Lugar visit a Russian mobile launch missile dismantling facility<ref>{{cite web | title=Nunn–Lugar Report | month=August | year=2005 | publisher=Richard Lugar U.S. Senate Office | url =http://lugar.senate.gov/nunnlugar/pdf/trip_report_2005.pdf | accessdate=2008-04-30|format=PDF}}</ref>]]
Later in 2007, Obama sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act adding safeguards for personality disorder military discharges.<ref>{{cite web | title=Obama, Bond Hail New Safeguards on Military Personality Disorder Discharges, Urge Further Action | date=2007-10-01 | url=http://bond.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=5C1EBFEB-1321-0E36-BA7D-04630AEFAD31 | publisher=Kit Bond U.S. Senate Office | accessdate=2008-04-27}} See also: {{cite news | first=Philip | last=Dine | title=Bond Calls for Review of Military Discharges | date=2007-12-23 | url=http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/special/srlinks.nsf/story/2E7CC823AD55667B862573A7007D12A2?OpenDocument | work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He sponsored the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act supporting divestment of state pension funds from Iran's oil and gas industry, and co-sponsored legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism.<ref>{{cite news | first=Adam | last=Graham-Silverman | title=Despite Flurry of Action in House, Congress Unlikely to Act Against Iran | date=2007-09-12 | url =http://public.cq.com/docs/cqt/news110-000002583189.html | work=CQ Today | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref name=ObamaSchiff>{{cite web | title=Obama, Schiff Provision to Create Nuclear Threat Reduction Plan Approved | date=2007-12-20 | url=http://obama.senate.gov/press/071220-obama_schiff_pr/ | publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Obama also sponsored a Senate amendment to the [[State Children's Health Insurance Program]] providing one year of job protection for family members caring for soldiers with combat-related injuries.<ref>{{cite web | title=Senate Passes Obama, McCaskill Legislation to Provide Safety Net for Families of Wounded Service Members | date=2007-08-02 | url=http://obama.senate.gov/press/070802-senate_passes_o_1/ | publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref>

===Committees===
Obama held assignments on the Senate Committees for [[United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations|Foreign Relations]], [[United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works|Environment and Public Works]] and [[United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs|Veterans' Affairs]] through December 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20061209190827/obama.senate.gov/committees/ | format=archive | date=2006-12-09 | title=Committee Assignments | accessdate=2008-04-27 | publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office}}</ref> In January 2007, he left the Environment and Public Works committee and took additional assignments with [[United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions|Health, Education, Labor and Pensions]] and [[United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Obama Gets New Committee Assignments | date=2006-11-15 | publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office | url=http://obama.senate.gov/news/061115-obama_gets_new/ | work=Associated Press | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> He also became Chairman of the Senate's subcommittee on [[United States Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs|European Affairs]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Tom | last=Baldwin | title=Stay-At-Home Barack Obama Comes Under Fire for a Lack of Foreign Experience | date=2007-12-21 | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3080794.ece | work=Sunday Times (UK) | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama has made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.<ref>{{cite news | first=Christina | last=Larson | title=Hoosier Daddy: What Rising Democratic Star Barack Obama Can Learn from an Old Lion of the GOP | date=September 2006 | url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0609.larson.html | work=Washington Monthly | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Chuck | last=Goudie | title=Obama Meets with Arafat's Successor | date=2006-01-12 | url =http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=3806933 | work=WLS-TV | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Obama Slates Kenya for Fraud | date=2006-08-28 | url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_1989646,00.html | work=News24.com | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Chris | last=Wamalwa | title=Envoy Hits at Obama Over Graft Remark | date=2006-09-02 | url =http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143957666 | work=The Standard (Nairobi) | accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{cite news | first=Vincent | last=Moracha | coauthors=Mangoa Mosota | title=Leaders Support Obama on Graft Claims | date=2006-09-04 | url=http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143957752 | work=The Standard (Nairobi) | accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> 

==2008 presidential campaign==
{{Future election candidate|section|Obama, Barack}}
{{main|Barack Obama presidential primary campaign, 2008|Barack Obama presidential campaign, 2008}}

On February 10, 2007 Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States in front of the [[Old State Capitol State Historic Site|Old State Capitol]] building in [[Springfield, Illinois]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-070210obama-pearson1-story,0,3768114.story | title=Obama: I'm running for president | work=Chicago Tribune | author=Pearson, Rick | coauthors=Long, Ray |date=2007-02-10 | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref><ref name=BBC20070210>{{cite news | title=Obama Launches Presidential Bid | date=2007-02-10 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6349081.stm | work=BBC News | accessdate=2008-01-14}} </ref> The choice of the announcement site was symbolic since it was also where [[Abraham Lincoln]] in 1858 delivered his historic [[Lincoln's House Divided Speech|"House Divided"]] speech.<ref>{{cite news | title=Presidential Campaign Announcement | format=video | date=2007-02-10 | publisher=Brightcove.TV | url=http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=494649996&channel=353512430 | work=Obama for America | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Throughout the campaign Obama has emphasized the issues of ending the [[Iraq War]], increasing [[Energy policy of the United States|energy independence]], and providing [[Universal health care#United States|universal health care]], at one point identifying these as his top three priorities.<ref>{{cite news | title=Barack Obama on the Issues: What Would Be Your Top Three Overall Priorities If Elected? | url=http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/issues/candidates/barack-obama/#top-priorities | work=Washington Post | accessdate=2008-04-14}} See also: {{cite news | first=Michael | last=Falcone | title=Obama's 'One Thing' | date=2007-12-21 | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/obamas-one-thing/ | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14}}
</ref>

[[Image:Flickr Obama Springfield 01.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Obama on stage with his wife and two daughters just before announcing his presidential campaign in Springfield, Illinois]]
Obama's campaign raised $58 million during the first half of 2007, of which "small" donations of less than $200 accounted for $16.4 million. The $58 million set the record for fundraising by a presidential campaign in the first six months of the calendar year before the election.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jim | last=Malone | title=Obama Fundraising Suggests Close Race for Party Nomination | date=2007-07-02 | url=http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-07-02-voa52.cfm | work=Voice of America | accessdate=2008-01-14}}
</ref> The magnitude of the small donation portion was outstanding from both the absolute and relative perspectives.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jeanne | last=Cummings | title=Small Donors Rewrite Fundraising Handbook | date=2007-09-26 | url=http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=3ECB3515-3048-5C12-004D622CB6F4E214 | work=Politico | accessdate=2008-01-14}}
</ref> In January 2008, his campaign set another [[fundraising]] record with $36.8 million, the most ever raised in one month by a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries.<ref>{{cite news | first=Emily | last=Cadei | title=Obama Outshines Other Candidates in January Fundraising | date=2008-02-21 | url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002674309 | work=CQ Politics | accessdate=2008-02-24}}
</ref>

Among the January 2008 [[Democratic Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2008#January|DNC-sanctioned state contests]], Obama tied with [[Hillary Rodham Clinton|Hillary Clinton]] for delegates in the [[New Hampshire Democratic primary, 2008|New Hampshire]] primary and won more delegates than Clinton in the [[Iowa Democratic caucuses, 2008|Iowa]], [[Nevada Democratic caucuses, 2008|Nevada]] and [[South Carolina Democratic primary, 2008|South Carolina]] elections and caucuses. On [[Super Tuesday, 2008|Super Tuesday]], he emerged with 20 more delegates than Clinton.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_delegate_count.html | title=2008 Democratic Delegates | work=RealClearPolitics | accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> He again broke fundraising records in the first two months of 2008, raising over $90 million for his primary to Clinton's $45 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-money7mar07,1,5383518.story | title=Obama sets fundraising record with $55 million | work=Los Angeles Times | author=Dan Morain | date=2008-03-07 | accessdate=2008-03-18}}
</ref> After Super Tuesday, Obama won the eleven remaining February primaries and caucuses.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/make-that-11-for-obama/ |title=Make That 11 for Obama | author=Brian Knowlton | work=The New York Times | date=2008-02-21 | accessdate=2008-03-18}}
</ref> Obama and Clinton split delegates and states nearly equally in the March 4 contests of [[Vermont Democratic primary, 2008|Vermont]], [[Texas Democratic primary and caucuses, 2008|Texas]], [[Ohio Democratic primary, 2008|Ohio]], and [[Rhode Island Democratic primary, 2008|Rhode Island]]; Obama closed the month with victories in Wyoming and [[Mississippi Democratic primary, 2008|Mississippi]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/index.html#val=20080304 | title=Results: March 4 - Multi-State Events | publisher=[[CNN]] | date=2008-03-04 | accessdate=2008-03-04}}
</ref>

In March 2008, a [[Jeremiah Wright controversy|controversy]] broke out concerning Obama's former pastor of twenty years, [[Jeremiah Wright]].<ref name="Obama's Pastor">{{cite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788 | title=Obama's Pastor: God Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11 | author=Brian Ross | coauthors=Rehab el-Buri|publisher=''[[ABC News]]'' | date=2008-03-13 | accessdate=2008-03-17}} See also: {{cite news | url=http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/03/for-the-record.html | title=For The Record | work=The Daily Dish | publisher=''The Atlantic'' |date=2008-03-16 | accessdate=2008-03-18 | last=Sullivan | first=Andrew}}</ref> After ABC News broadcast [[Media clip|clips]] of his racially and politically charged sermons,<ref name="Obama's Pastor" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/14/obamas-spiritual-adviser-questioned-us-role-in-spread-of-hiv-sept-11-attacks/ | title=Obama's Pastor's Sermon: 'God Damn America' | publisher=FOXNews | author=Jeff Goldblatt | date=2008-03-14 | accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref> Obama initially responded by defending Wright,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Politics/Story?id=4536957&page=1 |title=Obama Defends Wright on ABC's 'The View'| publisher=[[ABC]]| author=Miller, Sunlen | date=2008-03-27 | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref> but later condemned his remarks and ended Wright's relationship with the campaign.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23634881/ |title=Controversial minister leaves Obama campaign | publisher=[[MSNBC]]|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-04-28|first=Alex|last=Johnson}}</ref> Obama delivered a speech, during the controversy, entitled "[[A More Perfect Union (speech)|A More Perfect Union]]"<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0319/p25s01-uspo.html | title=Remarks by Barack Obama: 'A More Perfect Union' | author=Barack Obama | work=The Christian Science Monitor | date=2008-03-18 | accessdate=2008-03-18}}</ref> that addressed issues of race. Obama subsequently resigned from [[Trinity United Church of Christ|Trinity United Church]] "to avoid the impression that he endorsed the entire range of opinions expressed at that church."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/31/obama-resigns-from-controversial-church/ | title =Obama resigns from controversial church | publisher=CNN | accessdate=2008-05-31 |date=2008-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/31/obama.church/
| title =Obama quits church, citing controversies
| publisher=CNN
| accessdate=2008-07-24
| date=2008-05-31
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24908975/ | title =Obama quits church after long controversy | publisher=MSNBC | accessdate=2008-06-05 | date=2008-06-01}}</ref>

[[Image:Obama Petraeus Hagel.jpg|thumb|General [[David Petraeus]] gives an aerial tour of Baghdad to Barack Obama and [[Chuck Hagel]].]]
During April, May, and June, Obama won the [[North Carolina Democratic primary, 2008|North Carolina]], [[Oregon Democratic primary, 2008|Oregon]], and [[Montana Democratic primary, 2008|Montana primaries]] and remained ahead in the count of pledged delegates, while Clinton won the [[Pennsylvania Democratic primary, 2008|Pennsylvania]], [[Indiana Democratic primary, 2008|Indiana]], [[West Virginia Democratic primary, 2008|West Virginia]], [[Kentucky Democratic primary, 2008|Kentucky]], [[Puerto Rico Democratic primary, 2008|Puerto Rico]], and [[South Dakota Democratic primary, 2008|South Dakota primaries]]. During the period, Obama received endorsements from more [[superdelegate]]s than did Clinton.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24583678/ | title=Superdelegates put Obama within reach | publisher=MSNBC.com | work=The Associated Press | date=2008-05-12 | accessdate=2008-05-13}}</ref> On May 31, the [[Democratic National Committee]] agreed to seat all of the [[Michigan]] and [[Florida]] delegates at the national convention, each with a half-vote, narrowing Obama's delegate lead while increasing the delegate count needed to win.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://freeinternetpress.com/story.php?sid=16916/ | title=Clinton Wins Puerto Rico Primary | publisher=Free Internet Press | work=The Associated Press | date=2008-06-01 | accessdate=2008-06-01}}</ref> On June 3, with all states counted, Obama passed the threshold to become the [[presumptive nominee]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/03/election.democrats/index.html |title = Obama: I will be the Democratic nominee | publisher=CNN.com |date=2008-06-04|accessdate = 2008-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23809081-23109,00.html |title = Obama clinches nomination | publisher=Herald Sun (Australia) | date=2008-06-04|accessdate = 2008-06-06 |author = John Whitesides in Washington}}</ref> On that day, he gave a victory speech in St. Paul, Minnesota. Clinton suspended her campaign and endorsed him on June 7.<ref>{{cite news | first = Jeff and Michael Luo | last = Zeleny | title = Obama Clinches Nomination | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/us/politics/04cnd-campaign.html | work= The New York Times | date = 2008-06-04 | accessdate = 2008-06-04}}</ref> Since then, he has campaigned for the general election race against Senator [[John McCain]], the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee.

On June 19, Obama became the first major-party presidential candidate to turn down [[Campaign finance in the United States#Public financing of campaigns|public financing]] in the general election since the system was created in 1976, reversing his earlier intention to accept it.<ref>{{cite news | author = Salant, Jonathan D. | title = Obama Won't Accept Public Money in Election Campaign | url = http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aNi.G0PhWnFw&refer=home | publisher = [[Bloomberg]] | date = 2008-06-19 | accessdate = 2008-06-19}}</ref>

On August 23, 2008, Obama selected [[Delaware]] Sen. [[Joe Biden]] as his vice presidential running mate.<ref>{{cite news|author=Lis Sidoti and Nedra Pickler|title=Obama picks Biden for veep|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/08/29/politics/p050941D34.DTL |work=San Francisco Chronicle | author=Sidoti, Liz | coauthors=Fouhy, Beth (Associated Press)|date=2008-08-22 | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref> At the [[2008 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]] in [[Denver, Colorado|Denver]], [[Colorado]], Obama's former rival Hillary Clinton gave a speech in strong support of Obama's candidacy and later was the person that called for Obama to be nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate by [[acclamation]].<ref>{{cite news | author = Tom Baldwin | title = Hillary Clinton: 'Barack is my candidate' | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4616719.ece | work = TimesOnline | date = 2008-08-27 | accessdate = 2008-08-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/28/us/politics/28DEMSDAY.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&em |title=Obama Wins Hard-Fought Nomination as Biden and Bill Clinton Rally the Party |publisher=The New York Times |author=Nagourney, Adam | date=2008-08-27|accessdate=2008-08-27}}</ref> On August 28, Obama delivered a speech in front of 84,000 supporters in Denver and viewed by over 38 million on television. During the speech he accepted his party's nomination and presented details of his policy goals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Obama accepts Democrat nomination |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7586375.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=2008-08-29 |accessdate=2008-08-29 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/08/29/soaring-speech-from-obama-plus-some-specifics/ | title=Soaring speech from Obama, plus some specifics | work=The Christian Science Monitor | author=Marks, Alexandra | date=2008-08-29 | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Political positions==
{{Main|Political positions of Barack Obama|Comparison of United States presidential candidates, 2008}}

Obama was an early opponent of the Bush administration's policies on [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Strausberg, Chinta |date=2002-09-26 |work=[[Chicago Defender]] |page=1 |title=Opposition to war mounts |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-220062931.html |format=paid archive |accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref> On October 2, 2002, the day President [[George W. Bush|Bush]] and [[United States Congress|Congress]] agreed on the [[Iraq Resolution|joint resolution]] authorizing the Iraq War,<ref>{{cite web |author=[[White House Press Secretary|Office of the Press Secretary]] |date=2002-10-02 |title=President, House Leadership Agree on Iraq Resolution |publisher=[[Executive Office of the President of the United States|The White House]] |url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021002-7.html |accessdate=2008-02-17}} {{cite news |author=Tackett, Michael |date=2002-10-03 |work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 |title=Bush, House OK Iraq deal; Congress marches with Bush |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/203569641.html?dids=203569641:203569641&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |format=paid archive |accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref> Obama addressed the first high-profile Chicago [[Protests against the Iraq War|anti-Iraq War rally]] in [[Kluczynski Federal Building|Federal Plaza]],<ref>{{cite news |author=Glauber, Bill |date=2003-10-03|work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 |title=War protesters gentler, but passion still burns |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/203569621.html?dids=203569621:203569621&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |format=paid archive |accessdate=2008-02-03}} {{cite news |author=Strausberg, Chinta |date=2002-10-03 |work=Chicago Defender |page=1 |title=War with Iraq undermines U.N. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-220379051.html |accessdate=2008-02-03}} {{cite news |author=Bryant, Greg |date=2002-10-02 |publisher=[[Medill School of Journalism#Medill News Service - Chicago|Medill News Service]] |title=300 protesters rally to oppose war with Iraq |url=http://mesh.medill.northwestern.edu/mnschicago/archives/2002/10/300_protesters.html |accessdate=2008-02-03}} {{cite web |author=Katz, Marilyn |date=2007-10-02 |title=Five Years Since Our First Action |publisher=Chicagoans Against War & Injustice |url=http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?p=127 |accessdate=2008-02-17}} Mendell (2007), pp. 172–177.</ref> speaking out against the war.<ref>{{cite news |author=Obama, Barack |date=2002-10-02 |title=Remarks of Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama Against Going to War with Iraq |url=http://www.barackobama.com/2002/10/02/remarks_of_illinois_state_sen.php |publisher=BarackObama.com |accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref> On March 16, 2003, the day President Bush issued his 48-hour [[ultimatum]] to [[Saddam Hussein]] to leave Iraq before the U.S. [[2003 invasion of Iraq|invasion of Iraq]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Office of the Press Secretary |date=2003-03-16 |title=President Bush: Monday "Moment of Truth" for World on Iraq |publisher=The White House |url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030316-3.html |accessdate=2008-02-17}} {{cite news |author=Associated Press |date=2003-03-17 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |page=1 |title='Moment of truth for the world'; Bush, three allies set today as final day for Iraq to disarm or face massive military attack |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(Moment%20of%20truth%20for%20the%20world)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Moment%20of%20truth%20for%20the%20world)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no |format=paid archive |accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref> Obama addressed an anti-Iraq War rally and told the crowd that "it's not too late" to stop the war.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ritter, Jim |date=2003-03-17 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |page=3 |title=Anti-war rally here draws thousands |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(Anti-war%20rally%20here%20draws%20thousands)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Anti-war%20rally%20here%20draws%20thousands)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no |format=paid archive |accessdate=2008-02-03}}</ref>

Obama stated that if elected he would enact budget cuts in the range of tens of billions of dollars, stop investing in "unproven" [[National missile defense|missile defense systems]], not "weaponize" space, "slow development of [[Future Combat Systems]]," and work towards eliminating all [[Nuclear warfare|nuclear weapons]]. Obama favors ending development of new nuclear weapons, reducing the current U.S. nuclear stockpile, enacting a global ban on production of fissile material, and seeking negotiations with Russia in order to take [[Intercontinental ballistic missile|ICBMs]] off high alert status.<ref>{{cite video |people=Barack Obama |date2=2007-10-22 |title=Obama-Caucus4Priorities |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o84PE871BE |format=flv |publisher=Obama '08 |accessdate=2008-05-18}}</ref>

In November 2006, Obama called for a "phased redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq" and an opening of diplomatic dialogue with [[Syria]] and [[Iran]].<ref>For audio and text, see: {{cite web | first=Barack | last=Obama | title=A Way Forward in Iraq | date=2006-11-20 | url=http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/hottopics_details.php?hottopics_id=52 | publisher=Chicago Council on Global Affairs | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In a March 2007 speech to [[American Israel Public Affairs Committee|AIPAC]], a [[Israel lobby in the United States|pro-Israel lobby]], he said that the primary way to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons is through talks and diplomacy, although not ruling out military action.<ref>{{cite web | first=Barack | last=Obama | title=AIPAC Policy Forum Remarks | date=2007-03-02 | url=http://obama.senate.gov/speech/070302-aipac_policy_fo/index.php | publisher=Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office | accessdate=2008-01-30}} For Obama's 2004 Senate campaign remarks on possible missile strikes against Iran, see: {{cite news | last=Mendell | first=David | title=Obama Would Consider Missile Strikes on Iran | format=paid archive | date=2004-09-25 | publisher=''Chicago Tribune'' | url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/699578571.html?dids=699578571:699578571&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Obama has indicated that he would engage in "direct presidential diplomacy" with Iran without preconditions.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.barackobama.com/issues/foreignpolicy/ |title=Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan to Secure America and Restore Our Standing | publisher=Obama for America| accessdate=2008-09-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/02/us/politics/01cnd-obama.html?_r=2&ei=5088&en=6e53bced62b78a88&ex=1351656000&oref=slogin&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin | title=Obama Pledges 'Aggressive' Iran Diplomacy | author=Gordon, Michael R. and Zeleny, Jeff | work=The New York Times| date=2007-11-02|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/24/us/politics/24transcript.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all| title=Transcript of fourth Democratic debate |work=The New York Times | date=2007-07-24 |accessdate=2008-06-17}} </ref> Detailing his strategy for fighting global terrorism in August 2007, Obama said "it was a terrible mistake to fail to act" against a 2005 meeting of al-Qaeda leaders that U.S. intelligence had confirmed to be taking place in Pakistan's [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]]. He said that as president he would not miss a similar opportunity, even without the support of the Pakistani government.<ref>{{cite news | title=Obama Warns Pakistan on Al-Qaeda | date=2007-08-01 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6926663.stm | work=BBC News | accessdate=2008-01-14}} For video and text of the speech, see: {{cite news | title=Policy Address on Terrorism by The Honorable Barack Obama, United States Senator from Illinois | date=2007-08-01 | url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.event&event_id=269510 | work=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars | accessdate=2008-01-30}} For details of the aborted 2005 military operation, see {{cite news | first=Mark | last=Mazzetti | title=Rumsfeld Called Off 2005 Plan to Capture Top Qaeda Figures | date=2007-07-08 | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/08/news/qaeda.php | work=International Herald Tribune | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

[[Image:Barack Obama in New Hampshire.jpg|right|thumb|Obama taking questions from a crowd in [[New Hampshire]]]]

In a December 2005, ''Washington Post'' opinion column, and at the [[Save Darfur Coalition|Save Darfur]] rally in April 2006, Obama called for more assertive action to oppose [[genocide]] in the [[War in Darfur|Darfur region]] of [[Sudan]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Barack | last=Obama | coauthors=Sam Brownback | title=Policy Adrift on Darfur | date=2005-12-27 | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/26/AR2005122600547.html | work=The Washington Post | accessdate=2008-01-14}} {{cite news | first=Jim | last=Doyle | title=Tens of Thousands Rally for Darfur | date=2006-05-01 | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/05/01/MNGFBIIFOA1.DTL | work=San Francisco Chronicle | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> He has [[divestment|divested]] $180,000 in personal holdings of Sudan-related stock, and has urged divestment from companies doing business in Iran.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jim (Associated Press) | last=Kuhnhenn | title=Giuliani, Edwards Have Sudan Holdings | date=2007-05-17 | work=San Francisco Chronicle | url=http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/05/17/politics/p171906D95.DTL | accessdate=2008-01-14}}; {{cite news | first=Barack | last=Obama | title=Hit Iran Where It Hurts | date=2007-08-30 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2007/08/30/2007-08-30_hit_iran_where_it_hurts.html | work=New York Daily News | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In the July–August 2007 issue of ''[[Foreign Affairs]]'', Obama called for an outward looking post-Iraq War [[Foreign policy of the United States|foreign policy]] and the renewal of American military, diplomatic, and moral leadership in the world. Saying "we can neither retreat from the world nor try to bully it into submission," he called on Americans to "lead the world, by deed and by example."<ref>{{cite journal | first = Barack | last = Obama | title = Renewing American Leadership | date = July–August 2007 | volume = 86 | issue = 4 | url = http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070701faessay86401/barack-obama/renewing-american-leadership.html | journal = Foreign Affairs | accessdate = 2008-01-14}}</ref>

In economic affairs, in April 2005, he defended the New Deal social welfare policies of [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and opposed Republican proposals to establish private accounts for [[Social Security debate (United States)|Social Security]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Ben A | last=Franklin | title=The Fifth Black Senator in U.S. History Makes F.D.R. His Icon | date=2005-06-01 | url=http://www.washingtonspectator.com/articles/20050601obama_1.cfm | work =Washington Spectator | accessdate = 2008-01-14 | }}</ref> In the aftermath of [[Hurricane Katrina]], Obama spoke out against government indifference to growing economic class divisions, calling on both political parties to take action to restore the [[social safety net]] for the poor.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jeff | last=Zeleny | title=Judicious Obama Turns Up Volume | date=2005-09-12 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0509120140sep12,1,5984193.story?coll=chi-news-hed | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate = 2008-01-14}}</ref> Shortly before announcing his presidential campaign, Obama said he supports [[universal healthcare]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite news | first=Nedra | last=Pickler | title=Obama Calls for Universal Health Care within Six Years | date=2007-01-25 | publisher=Associated Press via ''Union-Tribune'' (San Diego) | url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20070125-1240-democrats-healthcare.html | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Obama proposes to reward teachers for performance from traditional [[merit pay]] systems, assuring unions that changes would be pursued through the [[collective bargaining]] process.<ref>{{cite news | first=Teddy | last=Davis | coauthors=Sunlen Miller | title=Obama Bucks Party Line on Education | date=2007-11-20 | url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=3894699 | publisher=ABC News | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

In September 2007, he blamed [[interest group|special interests]] for distorting the [[taxation in the United States|U.S. tax code]].<ref>{{cite news | title=A Speech On the Economy, Opportunity and Tax Policy with Senator Barack Obama | date=2007-09-18 | url=http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/events/obama.cfm | publisher=Tax Policy Center | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> His plan would eliminate taxes for senior citizens with incomes of less than $50,000 a year, repeal income tax cuts for those making over $250,000 as well as the capital gains and dividends tax cut,<ref>{{citenews | title=Study:Bush tax cuts favor wealthy | date=2004-08-13 | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/16/politics/main636398.shtml | publisher=CBS | accessdate=2008-04-05}}</ref> close corporate tax loopholes, lift the income cap on Social Security taxes, restrict offshore [[tax haven]]s, and simplify filing of income tax returns by pre-filling wage and bank information already collected by the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Obama Tax Plan: $80 Billion in Cuts, Five-Minute Filings | date=2007-09-18 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/18/obama.taxplan/ | publisher=CNN | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Announcing his presidential campaign's energy plan in October 2007, Obama proposed a [[emissions trading|cap and trade]] auction system to restrict carbon emissions and a ten year program of investments in new energy sources to reduce [[Energy policy of the United States|U.S. dependence on imported oil]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Jeff | last=Zeleny | title=Obama Proposes Capping Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Making Polluters Pay | date=2007-10-09 | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/us/politics/09obama.html | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Obama proposed that all pollution credits must be auctioned, with no [[grandfathering]] of credits for oil and gas companies, and the spending of the revenue obtained on energy development and economic transition costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf|title=The Blueprint for Change: Barack Obama's plan for America|author=Barack Obama| publisher=Obama for America |accessdate=2008-04-20|format=PDF}}</ref>

Obama has encouraged Democrats to reach out to [[evangelicalism|evangelicals]] and other religious groups.<ref>{{cite news | first=Michael | last=Lerner | title=U.S. Senator Barack Obama Critiques Democrats' Religiophobia | date=2006-07-03 | url=http://www.tikkun.org/rabbi_lerner/news_item.2006-07-02.3949597607 | work=Tikkun Magazine | accessdate=2008-01-14}} {{cite web|url=http://www.beliefnet.com/story/194/story_19473_1.html | title=Sen. Barack Obama: Call to Renewal Keynote Address | date=2006-06-28 | work=Beliefnet | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> In December 2006, he joined Sen. [[Sam Brownback]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]-[[Kansas|KS]]) at the "Global Summit on [[AIDS]] and the Church" organized by church leaders Kay and [[Rick Warren]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Manda | last=Gibson | title=At Global AIDS Summit, Churches Challenged to Take the Lead | date=2006-06-28 | url=http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/HIVAIDSCommunity/StartingAMinistry/churches_challenged_to_take_the_lead.htm | work=PurposeDriven.com | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Together with Warren and Brownback, Obama took an HIV test, as he had done in Kenya less than four months earlier.<ref>{{cite news | title=Screaming Crowds Welcome U.S. Senator 'Home' | date=2006-08-27 | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/08/26/kenya.obama/index.html | publisher=CNN | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> He encouraged "others in public life to do the same" and not be ashamed of it.<ref>{{cite news | first=Barack | last=Obama | title=Race Against Time—World AIDS Day Speech | date=2006-12-01 | url =http://obama.senate.gov/speech/061201-race_against_time_-_world_aids_day_speech/index.html | work=Obama U.S. Senate Office | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Before the conference, eighteen anti-abortion groups published an [[open letter]] stating, in reference to Obama's support for legal abortion: "In the strongest possible terms, we oppose Rick Warren's decision to ignore Senator Obama's clear [[Pro-life#Term controversy|pro-death]] stance and invite him to [[Saddleback Church]] anyway."<ref> {{cite news | title=Rick Warren/Barack Obama AIDS Partnership Must End, Say Pro-Life Groups | date=2006-11-28 | url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/791771591.html | work=Christian Newswire Press Release | accessdate=2008-01-14}} See also: {{cite news | first=David | last=Van Biema | title=The Real Losers in the Obama-Warren Controversy | date=2006-12-01 | url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1565076,00.html | work=Time | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Addressing over 8,000 [[United Church of Christ]] members in June 2007, Obama challenged "so-called leaders of the Christian Right" for being "all too eager to exploit what divides us."<ref>{{cite news | title=Barack Obama: Faith Has Been 'Hijacked' | date=2007-06-24 | publisher=Associated Press via CBS News | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/24/politics/main2971556.shtml | accessdate = 2008-01-14 | }} See also: {{cite news | first=David | last=Brody | title=Obama to CBN News: We're No Longer Just a Christian Nation | date=2007-07-30 | url=http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/204016.aspx | work=Christian Broadcasting Network | accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref>

A method that political scientists use for gauging ideology is to compare the annual ratings by the [[Americans for Democratic Action]] (ADA) with the ratings by the [[American Conservative Union]] (ACU).<ref>{{cite news | author=Mayer, William | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A28761-2004Mar27?language=printer | title=Kerry's Record Rings a Bell | work=Washington Post | date=2004-03-28 | quote=The question of how to measure a senator's or representative's ideology is one that political scientists regularly need to answer. For more than 30 years, the standard method for gauging ideology has been to use the annual ratings of lawmakers' votes by various interest groups, notably the Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) and the American Conservative Union (ACU). | accessdate=2008-06-07}}</ref> Based on his years in Congress, Obama has a lifetime average conservative rating of 7.67% from the ACU,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.acuratings.org/2005senate.htm | title=2005 U.S. Senate Votes | publisher= American Conservative Union | accessdate=2008-09-20}}; {{cite web | url=http://www.acuratings.org/2006senate.htm | title=2006 U.S. Senate Votes | publisher= American Conservative Union | accessdate=2008-09-20}}; {{cite web | url=http://www.acuratings.org/2007senate.htm | title=2007 U.S. Senate Votes | publisher= American Conservative Union | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref> and a lifetime average liberal rating of 90% from the ADA.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.adaction.org/media/votingrecords/2005.pdf | title=ADA's 2005 Congressional Voting Record | publisher=Americans for Democratic Action | accessdate=2008-09-20}}; {{cite web | url=http://www.adaction.org/media/votingrecords/2006.pdf | title=ADA's 2006 Congressional Voting Record | publisher=Americans for Democratic Action | accessdate=2008-09-20}}; {{cite web | url=http://www.adaction.org/media/votingrecords/2007.pdf | title=ADA's 2007 Congressional Voting Record | publisher=Americans for Democratic Action | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Family and personal life==
{{see also|Family of Barack Obama}}
Obama met his wife, [[Michelle Obama|Michelle Robinson]], in June 1989 when he was employed as a summer associate at the Chicago law firm of [[Sidley Austin]].<ref>Obama (2006), pp. 327–332. See also: {{cite news | first=Sarah | last=Brown | title=Obama '85 Masters Balancing Act | date=2005-12-07 | work=Daily Princetonian | url=http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2005/12/07/news/14049.shtml | accessdate=2008-04-28}} {{cite news | first=Eric | last=Tucker | title=Family Ties: Brown Coach, Barack Obama | date=2007-03-01 | publisher=ABC News | url =http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2916437 | work=Associated Press | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Assigned for three months as Obama's adviser at the firm, Robinson joined him at group social functions, but declined his initial offers to date.<ref>Obama (2006), p. 329.</ref> They began dating later that summer, became engaged in 1991, and were married on October 3, 1992.<ref>{{cite news | first=Scott | last=Fornek | title=Michelle Obama: 'He Swept Me Off My Feet' | date=2007-10-03 | url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/585261,CST-NWS-wedding03.stng | work=Chicago Sun-Times | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> The couple's first daughter, [[Family_of_Barack_Obama#Malia_Ann_and_Sasha_Obama|Malia Ann]], was born in 1998,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0708/Born_on_the_4th_of_July.html |title=Born on the 4th of July |date=2008-07-04 |accessdate=2008-07-10 |publisher=[[The Politico]] |last=Martin |first=Jonathan }}</ref> followed by a second daughter, [[Family_of_Barack_Obama#Malia_Ann_and_Sasha_Obama|Natasha ("Sasha")]], in 2001.<ref>Obama (1995), p. 440, and Obama (2006), pp. 339–340. See also: {{cite web | title=Election 2008 Information Center: Barack Obama | url=http://www.gannettnewsservice.com/?cat=153 | work=Gannett News Service | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

[[Image:BarackObama-Basketball.JPEG|left|thumb|upright|Obama playing basketball with U.S. military in Djibouti in 2006<ref>{{cite news | title=Senator Barack Obama Visit to CJTF-HOA and Camp Lemonier: 31 August—1 September 2006 | format=video | date=2007-02-06 | publisher=YouTube | url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9GqdzQeCz0 | work =Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>]]
Applying the proceeds of a book deal,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-obama-rezkomar15,0,4474107,full.story|title=Obama: I trusted Rezko|date=2008-03-15}}</ref> the family moved in 2005 from a [[Hyde Park, Chicago|Hyde Park]], Chicago condominium to their current $1.6 million house in neighboring [[Kenwood, Chicago|Kenwood]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Jeff | last=Zeleny | title=The First Time Around: Sen. Obama's Freshman Year | date=2005-12-24 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-051224obama,1,1815354.story | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> The purchase of an adjacent lot and sale of part of it to Obama by the wife of developer and friend [[Tony Rezko]] attracted media attention because of Rezko's indictment and subsequent conviction on political corruption charges that were unrelated to Obama.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24973282/ | title=Rezko found guilty in corruption case | accessdate=2008-06-24 | date=2008-06-04 | work=The Associated Press | publisher=MSNBC.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/16/AR2006121600729.html | title=Obama Says He Regrets Land Deal With Fundraiser | work=The Washington Post | date=2006-12-17 | accessdate=2008-06-10| last=Slevin | first=Peter}}</ref>

In December 2007, ''[[Money (magazine)|Money]]'' magazine estimated the Obama family's net worth at $1.3 million.<ref>{{cite news | title=Obama's Money | date=2007-12-07 | url=http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/moneymag/0712/gallery.candidates.moneymag/5.html | publisher=CNNMoney.com | accessdate=2008-04-28}} See also:
{{cite news | first=Zachary A | last=Goldfarb | title=Measuring Wealth of the '08 Candidates | date=2007-03-24 | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/24/AR2007032400305.html | work=The Washington Post | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Their 2007 tax return showed a household income of $4.2 million—up from about $1 million in 2006 and $1.6 million in 2005—mostly from sales of his books.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jeff | last=Zeleny | title=Book Sales Lifted Obamas' Income in 2007 to a Total of $4.2 Million | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/17/us/politics/17obama.html | date=2008-04-17 | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

In a 2006 interview, Obama highlighted the diversity of his extended family. "Michelle will tell you that when we get together for Christmas or Thanksgiving, it's like a little mini-United Nations," he said. "I've got relatives who look like [[Bernie Mac]], and I've got relatives who look like [[Margaret Thatcher]]."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200610/20061018/slide_20061018_284_110.jhtml | title=Keeping Hope Alive: Barack Obama Puts Family First | date=2006-10-18 | work=The Oprah Winfrey Show | accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> Obama has seven half-siblings from his Kenyan father's family, six of them living, and a half-sister, [[Maya Soetoro-Ng]], the daughter of his mother and her Indonesian second husband.<ref>{{cite news | first=Scott | last=Fornek | title=Half Siblings: 'A Complicated Family' | date=2007-09-09 | url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/familytree/545462,BSX-News-wotrees09.stng | work=Chicago Sun-Times | accessdate=2008-06-24}} See also: {{cite web | url=http://www.suntimes.com/images/cds/special/family_tree.html | title=Interactive Family Tree | date=2007-09-09 | work=Chicago Sun-Times | accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> Obama's mother is survived by her Kansas-born mother, [[Madelyn and Stanley Dunham|Madelyn Dunham]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Scott | last=Fornek | title=Madelyn Payne Dunham: 'A Trailblazer' | date=2007-09-09 | url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/familytree/545449,BSX-News-wotreeee09.stng | work=Chicago Sun-Times | accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> In ''Dreams from My Father'', Obama ties his mother's family history to possible [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] ancestors and distant relatives of [[Jefferson Davis]], president of the southern Confederacy during the American Civil War.<ref>Obama (1995), p. 13. For reports on Obama's maternal genealogy, including slave owners, Irish connections, and common ancestors with George W. Bush, [[Dick Cheney]], and [[Harry S. Truman|Harry Truman]], see: {{cite news | first=David | last=Nitkin | coauthors=Harry Merritt | title=A New Twist to an Intriguing Family History | date=2007-03-02 | url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/politics/bal-te.obama02mar02,0,3453027.story | work=Baltimore Sun | accessdate=2008-06-24}} {{cite news | first=Mary | last=Jordan | title=Tiny Irish Village Is Latest Place to Claim Obama as Its Own | date=2007-05-13 | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/12/AR2007051201551.html | work=The Washington Post | accessdate=2008-06-24}} {{cite news | title=Obama's Family Tree Has a Few Surprises | date=2007-09-08 | publisher=CBS 2 (Chicago) | url =http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/Barack.Obama.family.2.339709.html | work=Associated Press | accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref>

Obama plays basketball, a sport he participated in as a member of his high school's varsity team.<ref>{{cite news | first=Jodi | last=Kantor | title=One Place Where Obama Goes Elbow to Elbow | date=2007-06-01 | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/01/us/politics/01hoops.html | work=The New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-28}} See also: {{cite news | title=The Love of the Game | format=video | date=2008-04-15 | publisher=YouTube (BarackObama.com) | url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1Lqm5emQl4 | work=[http://www.hbo.com/realsports/stories/2008/episode.133.s1.html HBO: Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel] | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Before announcing his presidential candidacy, he began a well-publicized effort to quit smoking. Obama told the ''Chicago Tribune''. "I've quit periodically over the last several years. I've got an ironclad demand from my wife that in the stresses of the campaign I do not succumb."<ref> {{cite news | first=Christi | last=Parsons | title=Obama Launches an '07 Campaign—To Quit Smoking | date=2007-02-06 | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0702060167feb06,0,373462.story | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

Obama is a Christian whose religious views have evolved in his adult life. In ''The Audacity of Hope'', Obama writes that he "was not raised in a religious household." He describes his [[Ann Dunham|mother]], raised by non-religious [[Madelyn and Stanley Dunham|parents]] (whom Obama has specified elsewhere as "non-practicing [[Methodist]]s and [[Baptist]]s") to be detached from religion, yet "in many ways the most spiritually awakened person that I have ever known." He describes his Kenyan [[Barack Obama, Sr.|father]] as "raised a Muslim," but a "confirmed [[atheism|atheist]]" by the time his parents met, and his [[Indonesian]] stepfather as "a man who saw religion as not particularly useful." In the book, Obama explains how, through working with [[black church]]es as a community organizer while in his twenties, he came to understand "the power of the African-American religious tradition to spur social change."<ref>Obama (2006), pp. 202–208. Portions excerpted in: {{cite news | first=Barack | last=Obama | title=My Spiritual Journey | date=2006-10-23 | url =http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1546579,00.html | work=Time | accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060628-call_to_renewal/ | title = 'Call to Renewal' Keynote Address | accessdate = 2008-06-16 | last = Obama | first = Barack | date = 2006-06-28 | work = Barack Obama: U.S. Senator for Illinois (website)}}</ref>

==Cultural and political image==
{{main|Public image of Barack Obama}}

[[Image:Barack Obama in Berlin.jpg|thumb|Obama speaking before a crowd at the [[Berlin Victory Column]] in [[Germany]] on July 24, 2008]]
With his Kenyan father and white American mother, his upbringing in [[Honolulu]] and [[Jakarta]], and his [[Ivy League]] education, Obama's early life experiences differ markedly from those of African American politicians who launched their careers in the 1960s through participation in the [[African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968)|civil rights movement]].<ref>{{cite news | last=Wallace-Wells | first=Benjamin | title=The Great Black Hope: What's Riding on Barack Obama? | date=November 2004 | work =Washington Monthly | url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2004/0411.wallace-wells.html |accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news | first=Janny | last=Scott | title=A Member of a New Generation, Obama Walks a Fine Line | date=2007-12-28 | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/28/america/obama.php | work=International Herald Tribune | accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref>

In January 2007, ''The End of Blackness'' [[Debra Dickerson]] warned against drawing favorable cultural implications from Obama's political rise: "Lumping us all together," Dickerson wrote in ''[[Salon.com|Salon]]'', "erases the significance of [[Slavery in the United States|slavery]] and continuing [[Racism in the United States|racism]] while giving the appearance of progress."<ref>{{cite news | first=Debra J | last=Dickerson | title=Colorblind | date= 2007-01-22 | url=http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/01/22/obama/index_np.html | work=Salon | accessdate=2008-01-14}} For a sampling of views by other black commentators see: {{cite news | first=Gary | last=Younge | title=Obama: Black Like Me | date=2006-10-27 | url =http://www.thenation.com/doc/20061113/younge | work=The Nation | accessdate=2008-04-07}} {{cite news | first=Stanley | last=Crouch | title=What Obama Isn't: Black Like Me | date=2006-11-02 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/467300p-393261c.html | work=New York Daily News | accessdate=2008-04-07 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070308142850/www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/467300p-393261c.html | archivedate=2007-03-08}} {{cite news | first=Laura | last=Washington | title=Whites May Embrace Obama, But Do 'Regular Black Folks'? | date=2007-01-01 | url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obamacommentary/193216,CST-EDT-LAURA01.article | work =Chicago Sun-Times | accessdate=2008-04-07}} {{cite news | first=Clarence | last=Page | title=Is Barack Black Enough? Now That's a Silly Question | date=2007-02-25 | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4580864.html | work=Houston Chronicle | accessdate=2008-04-07 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070308133020/www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4580864.html | archivedate=2007-03-08}}</ref> [[David Ehrenstein]], writing in a March 2007 ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' article, compared the cultural sources of Obama's favorable polling among whites to those of "[[magical negro]]" roles played by black actors in [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] movies.<ref>{{cite news | author=Ehrenstein, David | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-ehrenstein19mar19,0,5335087.story?coll=la-opinion-rightrail | title=Obama the 'Magic Negro' | work=Los Angeles Times | date=2007-03-19| accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> Expressing puzzlement over questions about whether he is "black enough," Obama told an August 2007 meeting of the [[National Association of Black Journalists]] that the debate is not about his physical appearance or his record on issues of concern to black voters. Obama said that "we're still locked in this notion that if you appeal to white folks then there must be something wrong."<ref>{{cite news | first=Les | last=Payne | title=In One Country, a Dual Audience | format=paid archive | date=2007-08-19 | url =http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/1322008241.html?dids=1322008241:1322008241&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT | work=Newsday | accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref>

In a December 2006 ''[[The Wall Street Journal|Wall Street Journal]]'' editorial headlined "The Man from Nowhere," [[Peggy Noonan]], advised "[[The Establishment|establishment]]" commentators to avoid becoming too quickly excited about Obama's still early political career.<ref>{{cite news | first=Peggy | last=Noonan | title=The Man From Nowhere|date=2006-12-15 | url=http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110009388 | work=OpinionJournal (Wall Street Journal) | accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: Obama (2006), pp. 122–124. For Noonan's comments on Obama winning the January 2008 Iowa Caucus, see: {{cite news | first=Peggy | last=Noonan | title=Out With the Old, In With the New | date=2008-01-04 | url=http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110011083 | work=OpinionJournal (Wall Street Journal) | accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> Echoing the [[inaugural address of John F. Kennedy]], Obama acknowledged his youthful image, saying in an October 2007 campaign speech: "I wouldn't be here if, time and again, the torch had not been passed to a new generation."<ref>{{cite news | first=Mike | last=Dorning | title=Obama Reaches Across Decades to JFK | format=paid archive | date=2007-10-04 | url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1353513781.html?dids=1353513781:1353513781&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+4%2C+2007&author=Mike+Dorning | work=Chicago Tribune | accessdate=2008-04-07}} See also: {{cite news | first=Toby | last=Harnden | title=Barack Obama is JFK Heir, Says Kennedy Aide | date=2007-10-15 | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/12/wobama112.xml | work=Daily Telegraph | accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref>

In March 2007, [[Global Language Monitor]] added "Obama" to its English lexicon based on the use of Obama- as a root for [[neologism]]s such as: obamamentum, obamaBot, obamacize, obamarama, obamaNation, obamanomics, obamican, obamafy, obamamania, and obamacam.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.languagemonitor.com/obamaspeak | title=ObamaSpeak:‘Obama’ as a Word Enters English Language | publisher=Global Language Monitor | date=2007-03-03 | accessdate=2008-09-20}} </ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/offbeat/2008/02/19/moos.obamafied.cnn | title=Are you 'Obamafied'? | type=video | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-19 | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref>

A prominent part of Obama's political image is a belief that his rhetoric and actions toward political reform are matched with a political savvy that often includes a measure of expediency. In a July 2008 ''[[The New Yorker]]'' feature article, for example, [[Ryan Lizza]] wrote: "[Obama] campaigns on reforming a broken political process, yet he has always played politics by the rules as they exist, not as he would like them to exist."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/21/080721fa_fact_lizza?currentPage=all | title=Making It: How Chicago shaped Obama | work=The New Yorker | author=Lizza, Ryan | date=2008-05-21 | accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref>

==Works==
*{{citebook
|first=Barack
|last=Obama
|title=[[Dreams from My Father]]: A Story of Race and Inheritance
|publisher=[[Three Rivers Press]]
|year=1995
|isbn=0307383415}} Audio Book Grammy Award Winner: Spoken word<ref>{{cite news | author=Morris, Chris | url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001994185 | title=U2 goes 5-for-5 at Grammys | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=2006-09-06| accessdate=2008-09-20}}</ref>
*{{citebook
|first=Barack
|last=Obama
|title=[[The Audacity of Hope]]: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
|publisher=[[Crown Publishing Group]] / [[Three Rivers Press]]
|date=October 17, 2006
|isbn=0307237699}} Audio Book Grammy Award Winner: Spoken word<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/302267|title=Obama beats ex-presidents for audiobook Grammy | work=Toronto Star |author=Associated Press |date=2008-02-10|accessdate=2008-02-10}}</ref>
*{{citebook
|first=Barack
|last=Obama
|title=Barack Obama in His Own Words
|publisher=[[PublicAffairs]]
|date=March 27, 2007
|isbn=0786720573}}
*{{citebook
|author=National Urban League
|title=The State of Black America 2007: Portrait of the Black Male
|publisher=Beckham Publications Group
|edition=Foreword by Barack Obama
|date=April 17, 2007
|isbn=0931761859}}
*{{cite journal
| last = Obama
| first = Barack
| title = Renewing American Leadership
| journal = Foreign Affairs
| volume = 86
| issue = 4
| date = July-August 2007
| url = http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070701faessay86401/barack-obama/renewing-american-leadership.html
| accessdate = 2008-01-14}}
*{{citebook
|first=Barack
|last=Obama
|coauthors:U.S. Senate
|title=Barack Obama: What He Believes In - From His Own Works
|publisher=Arc Manor
|date=March 1, 2008
|isbn=1604501170}}
*{{citebook
|first=Barack
|last=Obama
|title=Barack Obama vs. John McCain - Side by Side Senate Voting Record for Easy Comparison
|publisher=Arc Manor
|coauthors=McCain, John
|date=June 13, 2008
|isbn=1604502495}}
*{{citebook
|title=Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise
|publisher=[[Three Rivers Press]]
|date=September 9, 2008
|edition=Foreword by Barack Obama
|isbn=0307460452}}

==Notes==

{{reflist|3}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last=Mendell|first=David|title=Obama: From Promise to Power|publisher=Amistad/[[HarperCollins]]|year=2007|url=http://www.harpercollins.com/book/index.aspx?isbn=9780060858209|id=ISBN 0-06-085820-6}}
*{{cite book|last=Obama|first=Barack|title=[[Dreams from My Father|Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance]]|publisher=[[Times Books]]|year=2004|id=ISBN 1-4000-8277-3}}
*{{cite book|last=Obama|first=Barack|title=[[The Audacity of Hope|The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream]]|publisher=[[Crown Publishing Group]]|year=2006|id=ISBN 0-307-23769-9}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
{{BarackObamaSegmentsUnderInfoBox}}
{{Spoken Wikipedia|En-Barack_Obama-article1.ogg|2008-09-03}}
*Curry, Jessica. "[http://www.chicagolife.net/content/politics/Barack_Obama Barack Obama: Under the Lights]", ''Chicago Life'', Fall 2004. Retrieved on [[2008-01-14]].
*Graff, Garrett. "[http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/mediapolitics/1836.html The Legend of Barack Obama]", ''Washingtonian'', November 1, 2006. Retrieved on [[2008-01-14]].
*Lizza, Ryan. "[http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_5841 Above the Fray]", ''GQ'', September 2007. Retrieved on [[2008-01-14]].
*MacFarquhar, Larissa. "[http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/05/07/070507fa_fact_macfarquhar The Conciliator: Where is Barack Obama Coming From?]", ''New Yorker'', May 7, 2007. Retrieved on [[2008-01-14]].
*Mundy, Liza. "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/08/AR2007080802038.html A Series of Fortunate Events]", ''The Washington Post Magazine'', August 12, 2007. Retrieved on [[2008-01-14]].
*Wallace-Wells, Ben. "[http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/13390609/campaign_08_the_radical_roots_of_barack_obama Destiny's Child]", ''Rolling Stone'', February 7, 2007. Retrieved on [[2008-01-14]].
*Zutter, Hank De. "[http://www.chicagoreader.com/obama/951208/ What Makes Obama Run?]", ''Chicago Reader'', December 8, 1995. Retrieved on [[2008-01-14]].

==External links==
{{Sisterlinks-author|Barack Obama}}

'''Official sites'''
* [http://obama.senate.gov/ Barack Obama U.S. Senator for Illinois] (U.S. Senate office)
* [http://www.barackobama.com/ Obama '08—BarackObama.com] (2008 U.S. presidential campaign)
* [http://www.fightthesmears.com/ Fight the Smears]: the candidate's responses to Internet rumors. 

'''Congressional links'''
{{CongLinks | congbio = o000167 | fec = S4IL00180 | opensecrets = N00009638 | votesmart = 9490 | ontheissuespath = Barack_Obama.htm | legistorm = 76/Sen_Barack_Obama.html | surge = 923 | govtrack = 400629 | findagrave = }}

'''Site directory'''
*{{dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Society_and_Culture/Politics/Candidates_and_Campaigns/Presidential/Candidates/Obama,_Barack}}
*{{worldcat id|id=lccn-n94-112934}}

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{{Persondata
|NAME=Obama, Barack, Jr.
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Obama, Barack Hussein
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=US Jr. Senator from Illinois
|DATE OF BIRTH=August 4, 1961
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{lifetime|1961||Obama, Barack}}
[[Category:Barack Obama]]
[[Category:African American academics]]
[[Category:African American lawyers]]
[[Category:African American memoirists]]
[[Category:African American politicians]]
[[Category:African American United States presidential candidates]]
[[Category:African American United States Senators]]
[[Category:American Christians]]
[[Category:American civil rights lawyers]]
[[Category:American legal academics]]
[[Category:Americans of Dutch descent]]
[[Category:Americans of English descent]]
[[Category:Americans of French descent]]
[[Category:Americans of German descent]]
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[[Category:American podcasters]]
[[Category:American political writers]]
[[Category:American Protestants]]
[[Category:Chicago politicians]]
[[Category:Harvard Law School alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia University alumni]]
[[Category:Community organizers]]
[[Category:Congressional opponents of the Iraq War]]
[[Category:Current members of the United States Senate]]
[[Category:Democratic Party (United States) presidential nominees]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Illinois Democrats]]
[[Category:Illinois lawyers]]
[[Category:Illinois State Senators]]
[[Category:Luo people]]
[[Category:Kenyan-Americans]]
[[Category:Occidental College alumni]]
[[Category:People from Honolulu, Hawaii]]
[[Category:People of mixed Black African-European ethnicity]]
[[Category:Punahou School alumni]]
[[Category:United Church of Christ members]]
[[Category:United States presidential candidates, 2008]]
[[Category:United States Senators from Illinois]]
[[Category:University of Chicago faculty]]
[[Category:Writers from Chicago]]

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