Presidency of Barack Obama: Diving into Challenges and Milestones

Segregation is systemic separation that affected millions of Americans after the Civil War. Thousands of people since the end of the Civil War fought for equality. Over time, Activists all over the world fought for equality between African Americans and Cacausians. While there were many Heroes, Barack Obama will always be remembered as one. This racial inequality still exists but recently , he is a leader who has risen up to combat it. How presidency of Barack Obama affected millions of people is presented on this essay as he shattered the color barrier which makes him different from previous presidents.

From Keynote Address to Senate Candidacy: Obama's Rise in American Politics

Before Presidency, he had a political background which prepared him for the life as the First African American President. In 1985 Obama was a Community Activist in Chicago. He moved to Chicago to work for a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods. His talent and all the strategies he used brought people together. During this time Obama a church and a political identity. He organized more than twenty congregations to change their neighborhoods. They admired him as an organizer. Everyone described him as a dedicated, hard-working, dependable, intelligent, inspiring, a good listener and more.

In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois state senate. He served in from 1997 to 2004. Obama focused on issues such as lobbying and ethics reform, veterans benefits, energy, nuclear nonproliferation, and government transparency. He also had a seat on the Veterans Affairs Committee where he secured disability pay for veterans and advocated greater services and assistance for returning service members who served in Iraq. He was also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

After serving his time as an Illinois Senate, Obama delivered the Keynote Address at the Democratic Convention in Boston on July 27th 2004. This Speech was very impressive to others. Which led to Obama becoming the Democratic Candidate for the United States Senate. Senator of New Jersey Jon Corzine supported Obama. He described Obama as the “easier candidates” to raise money for. He believed he was the most interesting and capable people running. This was impressive to the people in American Politics. Which is an example of Obama breaking a barrier . He was one of the very few people that impressed the politics world. Especially as an African American.

The Keynote Address set Obama aside from other African American Politicians. During this speech he expressed the importance of America to unite once again. He was sworn in as a United States Senator for the first time in 2005. Obama steered himself away from discussing his cultural background, which made the audience perceive Obama as diverse. As a presidential candidate, he frequently refers to his community organizing, asking supporters to treat his campaign as a social movement. This was the key to his success. Obama became a National Figure, many people looked up to him.

Path to the Presidency: Obama's Candidacy and Nomination

In February 2007, Obama announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic nomination for the U.S presidency. Later on in June 2008, Obama got enough Democratic delegate Votes to become the main party nominee for the presidential race. In November he defeated an Republican presidential nominee John McCain. Obama to become the first African- and the 44th American President of the United States. This moment was very memorable in American History because Obama made it possible for all African Americans to put their mind to anything they want to become or achieve.

But Obama had three advantages that enabled him to win. First, he was able to contrast his consistent opposition to the war in Iraq with Clinton’s vote in 2002 to authorize the war before later turning against it. Second, Obama ran on a theme of change and Clinton on a theme of experience. Third, while fighting Clinton, He strongly out-organized Clinton in those contests, winning fourteen of seventeen caucuses.

Obama broke a Barrier in History. He united America during his 8 year presidency term . He accomplished many things which will affect the world forever. In his first 100 days in office, he expanded health care insurance for children and provided legal protection for women seeking equal pay. He got Congress to pass a $787 billion stimulus bill to promote short-term economic growth, and he also cuts taxes for working families, small businesses and first-time home buyers. He loosens the ban on embryonic stem cell research and improves relations with Europe, China, Cuba, and Venezuela.These are his many achievements as president.

1 year into his Presidency Obama is awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his accomplishments. Obama made a lot of accomplishments during his first term of presidency. In March 2010, he signs his health care reform plan, known as the Affordable Care Act, into law. In May 2011, he allowed a covert operation in Pakistan that leads to the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by a team of U.S. Navy SEALs.

Second Term Triumph: Obama's Re-election and Continued Achievements

After his 4 year term is up, Obama started running for his second term. In November 2012, he won his second presidency campaign against Republican Mitt Romney. He received with nearly 5 million more votes than Romney. Obama broke a barrier again becoming the first african american to become relected. During his second term Obama made many more accomplishments.

In June 2013, Obama reduced the federal deficit by raising taxes on the wealthy. The following year, Obama orders sanctions on Russia because of its annexation of Crimea. This caused a lot of complications in the White House. Which led to Republicans gaining control of the Senate. Republicans controlled both houses of Congress during the final two years of his second term.

In 2015, Obama has two major Supreme Court victories this year. The Affordable Care Act's tax subsidies are upheld, and same-sex marriage becomes legal nationwide. Also, Obama and the five world powers (China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom) reach a historic nuclear deal with Iran. And Obama launches his Clean Power Plan to reduce greenhouse gases and emissions. In 2016, his final year in office, Obama tackles gun control. He also broke another barrier by becoming the first sitting African American U.S. president to visit Cuba since 1928.

Finally in 2017, Obama delivers his farewell address in January in Chicago. During his last day in office on January 19 he announces that he will commute the sentences of 330 nonviolent drug offenders. Barack Obama became an inspiring figure in American history even before his inauguration. His achievements in office have led him to break many barriers in history and has made him one of the most transformative presidents of the past hundred years. After serving two terms , he has impacted America even till this day. We are living in a more flourishing country because of him .

Works Cited

• “Barack Obama: How an 'Unknown' Senator Became President of the USA.” E, www.e-ir.info/2014/12/12/barack-obama-how-an-unknown-senator-became-president-of-the-usa/.
• Gill, Kathy. “The Political Career of Former Senator and US President Barack Obama.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 23 Oct. 2019, www.thoughtco.com/barack-obamas-political-career-3368167.
• Moberg, David. “Obama's Community Roots.” The Nation, 29 June 2015, www.thenation.com/article/obamas-community-roots/.
• “OBAMA, Barack.” US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives, history.house.gov/People/Detail/19276.