• Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States. He was sworn in on January 20, 2009, and is the first US president of African-American descent. He is married to Michelle Obama and has two daughters. Chicago News.

  On April 29, 2009, hours before President Obama's scheduled White House press conference to discuss his first 100 days in office, Congress approved a five-year 3.5 trillion dollar federal budget plan. The House voted to pass the budget by 233-193 and then the Senate approved with a 53-43 vote.Politico: Congress Passes $3.5T Budget Plan (April 29, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: Barack Hussein Obama II
  2. Born: August 4, 1961
  3. Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii
  4. Political party: Democrat
  5. 1983: Graduated from Columbia University
  6. 1991: Graduated from Harvard Law School
  7. Illinois senator: 2005 to 2008
  8. June 3, 2008: Became presumptive candidate in the 2008 presidential election
  9. August 27, 2008: Officially became Democratic Party candidate for president
  10. Became the President of the United States at 12 p.m. on January 20, 2009
  11. Has written two books: Dreams from My Father (1995) and The Audacity of Hope (2006)
  12. Spouse: Michelle Obama
  13. Two children: Malia Ann and Natasha
  14. Formerly a member of Trinity United Church Of Christ
  15. Grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, died day before Election Day 2008

• Inauguration Day

  Barack Obama became the president of the United States on January 20, 2009. He took the oath of office around 12 p.m, after Vice President Joe Biden took the oath. It is estimated that about two million people are gathered to attend the inauguration celebrations. A series of events are planned for the day. Before the inauguration, Obama and his wife Michelle attended church services. They couple and current Joe Biden and his wife Jill, then had coffee with George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush, Dick Cheney and his wife.San Francisco Chronicle: Huge throng gathers in D.C. for Obama's inauguration (January 20, 2009)

  After taking the oath of office, Obama gave his inaugural address. He spoke about the difficulties of the time, including a financial crisis and war, but that hope and unity will overcome the crisis. His speech emphasized responsibility and public involvement and the need to restore the economy.Pilot Online: Prepared text of Obama's inauguration speech (January 20, 2009)

• Hugo Chavez Handshake

  President Obama reportedly shook hands with Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez at the Summit of the Americas meetings in Trinidad and Tobago on April 17, 2009. Chavez, who has in the past been critical of the United States, shook President Obama's hand and said, "I'd like to be your friend."Fox News: Obama, Chavez Shake Hands... (April 17, 2009)

• Obama On Nuclear Weapons

  On April 5, 2009, Obama called for the elimination of nuclear weapons across the globe, before a crowd of 20,000 in Prague. He said the US has a "moral responsibility" to mount such an effort, because it remains the only nation to use a nuclear bomb in warfare.FOX News: Obama Pledges to Lead World Into Nuclear-Free Future (April 5, 2009) Obama dismissed skepticism over the issue, saying we "must ignore the voices who tell us that the world cannot change. We have to insist, 'Yes, we can.'"FOX News: Obama Pledges to Lead World Into Nuclear-Free Future (April 5, 2009)

• Op-Ed

  On March 24, 2009, 31 newspapers around the world ran an op-ed piece by President Obama. In the piece, published just a week before the G20 summit in London, Obama called upon the leaders of the world to "join us with a sense of urgency and common purpose" in order to deal with the global economic crisis.CNN: Obama Calls for Global Economic Cooperation (March 24, 2009)

• Stimulus Package Passes

  On January 28, 2009, the Representatives to the House passed the 2009 Stimulus Package President Obama developed. No Republicans voted for the bill. The same night, Obama held a cocktail reception at The White House for several lawmakers. Democratic and Republican Senators and Representatives to the House attended the cocktail reception.The New York Times: Obama Holds Reception for Congressional Leaders (January 28, 2009)

  On February 13, 2009, a version of Obama's proposed economic stimulus package passed the Congress, allotting $787 billion in new spending and tax cuts. He defended his economic plan and also discussed foreign policy issues in his first joint Congressional address on February 24, 2009.

  President Obama's omnibus spending bill reached the Senate on March 2, 2009 at a total of $410 billion, after being passed by the House of Representatives and with 9,000 earmarks added by both parties. Republicans in the Senate threatened to make changes and force the passage of another interim paying legislation.New York Times: Catch-Up Spending Bill Puts Congress Under Pressure (March 2, 2009) Politico: Angry McCain slams Obama (March 2, 2009)

• Iraq War

  On February 27, 2009, President Obama outlined the withdrawal schedule of U.S. forces in Iraq. The President intends to withdraw most combat troops by the end of August 2010, removing all U.S. forces by year end 2011. The remaining 35,000-50,000 troops, after the first wave of withdrawal, will take advisory roles in Iraq. The plan is being supported by John McCain, who stated that he's "cautiously optimistic" that the plan will succeed. Speaker Pelosi voiced concern that the number of troops in Iraq after the first withdrawal is too high.CNN.com: Obama: U.S. to withdraw most... (February 27, 2009)

  On October 2, 2002, Obama delivered a high-profile speech during a Chicago anti-war rally. He gave his remarks on the same day President George W. Bush and congress announced the resolution authorizing military intervention in Iraq.Lessig Blog: Barack Obama's 2002 Speech (January 15, 2008)

  In the speech, Obama said, "I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars."Official Site: Remarks of Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama Against Going to War with Iraq (October 02, 2002)

  President Obama laid out plans to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010, in a speech at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on February 27, 2009. He also remarked that all troops will be out of Iraq by December 31, 2011.CNN.com: Obama: U.S. to withdraw most... (February 27, 2009) Earlier in the week the President also unveiled a new budget plan.The New York Times: $1.75 Trillion Deficit Seen ... (February 26, 2009)

• First Interview as President

  On January 27, President Obama gave his first major interview as president to Al Arabiya, a Dubai based network. During the interview, Obama attempted to show a tone of reconciliation towards both sides of the fighting in the middle east.International Herald Tribune: On Arab TV, Obama makes overture to Muslims (January 27, 2009) Obama attempted to become a mediator in the search for peace in the middle east. The interview aired on a network based in Dubai. In the interview he indicated that the conflict was truly not limited to Israel and the Palestinians, but rather to the region as a whole, specifically including Syria, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. He indicated that the road to peace would not be easy and would not come quickly, but that he would advocate for peace in the region.International Herald Tribune: On Arab TV, Obama makes overture to Muslims (January 27, 2009)

• Appointment Controversy

  On February 3, 2009, in an interview with Anderson Cooper, President Obama took responsibility for the controversy regarding the failed appointment of Tom Daschle to the department of Health and Human Services. Obama said he "screwed up" by not paying more attention to Daschle's tax problems and apologized that it sent the message that politicians are held to a different standard than average Americans.CNN: Obama: 'I screwed up' on Daschle appointment (February 3, 2009)

• Oath of Office Re-do

  Obama said the oath of office around 12 p.m. on January 20, 2009, the Inauguration Day. After taking the oath of office, with the wording somewhat flubbed by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Obama gave his inaugural address. Obama retook his oath the following day out of an "abundance of caution."USA Today: Groundhog Day: Obama sworn in again (January 21, 2009)

• Early Life

  Obama was born to a Kenyan father and white American mother. He spent most of his youth growing up in Hawaii. At age six, Obama moved with his mother to Jakarta, Indonesia.Official Site: Meet Barack

  His time spent in the predominantly Muslim country has forced Obama to dispel various myths and distortions about his ties to Islam, including the rumor that he was schooled in a Madrassa.Chicago Tribune: Obama madrassa myth debunked (March 25, 2007)

  Obama received his education in Indonesia in a secular school. During his high school years in Hawaii, Obama played on the Punahou High School varsity basketball team, helping the team win the state championship.Chicago Tribune: The not-so-simple story of Barack Obama's youth (March 25, 2007)

  Obama, who attended Occidental College before transferring to Columbia University, received his law degree from Harvard University. After law school, Obama worked as a community organizer and university lecturer.CBS 2 News (Los Angeles, CA): College Claims Barack Obama As Alumnus (January 29, 2007) University of Chicago Law School: Statement Regarding Barack Obama

• Illinois Senate

  Obama served in the Illinois senate from 1997 to 2004, representing Chicago's 13th district.

  While in the Illinois senate, Obama sponsored legislation reforming ethics and health care laws. While running for the U.S. Senate, Obama was criticized for his voting of "present" on a series of controversial abortion bills. Obama has explained that he voted "present" simply as a tactic to avoid being pigeonholed by Republican lawmakers, and Planned Parenthood has stated that the organization worked with Obama on the votes and testified to his pro-choice views.Swampland (TIME): Obama Campaign Defends "Present" Abortion Votes (January 14, 2008)

• U.S. Senate Career

  Obama began his U.S. Senate career in 2005 and has worked on several pieces of high-profile legislation.Official Site: Meet Barack

  While serving in the Senate, Obama held assignments on the Foreign Relations Committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, and the Veteran's Affairs Committee.Official Site: Meet Barack

• Budget Approval

  On April 2, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $3.45 trillion budget plan.. The budget was in-line with the original proposal announced by the Obama administration. A Republican-sponsored budget alternative had been defeated in the House earlier.Reuters: House approves budget plan in line with Obama's

• G20 Summit

  Obama attended the G20 Summit in Britain, which starts on April 2, 2009. He met with Queen Elizabeth II and British prime minister Gordon Brown on April 1, 2009. The same day, Obama called for global unity in tackling the financial crisis.The New York Times: Obama Plays Down Rift Over Economy on Eve of Summit (April 1, 2009)

• Presidential Campaign

  Obama announced his intention to run for the Democratic nomination for president in February, 2007.

  Though his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton led in most polls until 2008, Obama's campaign attracted large numbers of small donors on the Internet and remained competitive in fundraising before out-raising Clinton in 2008.CNN: Obama out-raises Clinton, McCain again (May 21, 2008)

  Obama touted his ability to bring change to Washington, espousing a brand of "post-partisan" politics.Washington Post: GOP Doubts, Fears 'Post-Partisan' Obama (January 7, 2008)

  He won the Iowa caucuses and essentially tied Clinton in pledged delegates after the Super Tuesday contests on February 5, 2008. Obama went on to win all the remaining contests in February, amassing more pledged delegates than Sen. Clinton.FOX News: A Recap of the Democratic Primary Season (June 3, 2008)

  Obama selected Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. On August 27, 2008, Obama became the official Democratic Party nominee for President at the 2008 Democratic Convention.

  At midnight on November 4th, Obama won the vote in the first town in the nation to vote—tiny Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. Obama, who won 15-6, became the first Democratic candidate to carry the town since Hubert Humphrey beat Richard Nixon in the town vote in 1968.

• Obama and the Bailout

  In September 2008, the U.S. Senate passed an economic bailout bill for $700 billion, intended to buy up troubled assets and give money to banks and financial institutions. A total of $350 billion was spent during the last months of the Bush Administration. The expenditures have come under increasing criticism because of the lack of oversight and transparency from the banks who were given funds.CNN Money: Obama: Give me the money (January 12, 2009)

  On January 13, 2009, Obama and leaders of the U.S. Senate began discussing how the second half of the $700 billion bailout will be spent.CNN Money: Obama: Give me the money (January 12, 2009)

  On January 29, 2009, President Obama said that the distribution of bonuses to Wall Street executives by companies asking for federal funds was "shameful" and demonstrated "irresponsibility." The President encouraged companies to use bailout finds responsibly and said that the current situation was not an appropriate time to reap financial rewards. He stated that a plan to change regulations on Wall Street and help stabilize ailing financial markets would be announced "in the coming weeks."Bloomberg: Obama Calls Wall Street Bonuses in Crisis 'Shameful' (January 29, 2009)

  Obama's priorities are:

  1. Get credit flowing to consumers and businesses
  2. Reform the oversight of the TARP program
  3. Reduce foreclosures
  4. Toughen conditions for bailout recipients
  5. Attract private capital resourcesCNN Money: Obama: Give me the money (January 12, 2009)

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