The United States has proven to the world once again why it is referred to as the Super power of this world. Surmounting what others thought to be impossible, Americans have come together once more time to show the power of freedom and tolerance. As the result, we are witnesses of seeing the first ever Black president of the United States of America. On January 20, 2009, president-elected Barack Obama will take over president Georges W. bush’s role and become the 44th president of the free world.
Although, the path to victory has not been an easy one for the democrat Illinois senator. How was he able to convince the multi-faceted America to believe in him? One thing we know for sure: he was prepared. Barack Obama has proven to the rest of us that ambition and dreams can come true when you set yourself up for them.
Obama is a graduate of Columbia College of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. He worked as a community organizer and practiced as a civil rights attorney before serving three terms in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. Obama announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate in January of 2003, then won a primary victory in March of 2004, becoming a senator in November that year.
Fast forward to February 10, 2007 - Barack Obama announces his candidacy for President of the United States in front of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois. That is also the same location where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous and historic speech in 1858: "The House Divided." Barack Obama knew the American population was growing tired of the current situations with the war in Iraq, the energy dependency, and the health care crisis.
Barack stunned America when, in June 19, he became the first major-party presidential candidate to turn down public financing in the general election since the system was created in 1976. Not to worry, Obama’s campaign set numerous fundraising records, especially in the quantity of small donations. On June 3, Barack Obama wins the democratic ticket against Senator Hillary Clinton and gives his victory speech in St. Paul in Minnesota. The fight against republican John McCain begins.
On August 23, 2008, Obama selects senator Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate. Five days later, he stands in a crowd of over 84 thousands supporters in Denver to deliver his acceptance speech, which was viewed by over 38 million people worldwide.
Obama and McCain entered into debates in September and October 2008. At this point, it was clear to the public, Obama started to pull ahead in national polls. Tragedy hits on November 2, two days before the election, when Obama’s grandmother Madelyn Dunham dies from cancer at the age of 86.
On November 4, 2008, history is made: Barack Obama defeats John McCain in the general election to become the first African American to be elected President of the United States. Change has definitely come to America.
Obama’s election sparked spontaneous street celebrations in the United States and abroad. Many editorialized that the image of the United States abroad that was strained during the administration of George Bush would improve.
President-elect Obama is scheduled to be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009. His assigned Secret Service code name is "Renegade".
