Barack Before Obama: Life Before the Presidency

Barack Before Obama: Life Before the Presidency

by David Katz

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	517416 KB
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

Barack Obama is one of the most well-known and respected figures in American history. He was the 44th president of the United States, and his presidency was marked by a number of significant achievements, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the end of the Iraq War.

But before Obama became president, he was just a young man trying to find his way in the world. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1961, to a white American mother and a black Kenyan father. His parents divorced when he was two years old, and he was raised by his mother and her parents.

Obama attended Columbia University and Harvard Law School, and after graduating, he worked as a community organizer in Chicago. He was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996, and he served there until 2004. In 2004, he was elected to the United States Senate, and he served there until 2008.

In 2008, Obama was elected president of the United States. He was the first African American to be elected president, and his election was a historic moment for the country.

Early Life and Education

Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was a Kenyan economist, and his mother, Ann Dunham, was a white American anthropologist. Obama's parents met in Hawaii while they were both students at the University of Hawaii. They married in 1961, but divorced in 1964.

Obama spent his early childhood in Honolulu with his mother and her parents. In 1967, Obama's mother remarried to an Indonesian man named Lolo Soetoro. The family moved to Indonesia, where Obama attended local schools. In 1971, Obama returned to Hawaii to live with his grandparents.

Obama attended Punahou School, a prestigious private school in Honolulu. He was a good student and an active participant in extracurricular activities. He played basketball, sang in the choir, and served as student body president.

After graduating from high school, Obama attended Columbia University in New York City. He studied political science and international relations. While at Columbia, Obama became involved in political activism. He organized protests against apartheid in South Africa and the Vietnam War.

Community Organizing and Law School

After graduating from Columbia, Obama worked as a community organizer in Chicago. He worked with low-income families to help them improve their lives. He also helped to organize voter registration drives and get out the vote for Democratic candidates.

In 1988, Obama enrolled at Harvard Law School. He was a brilliant student and a respected member of the law review. While at Harvard, Obama became involved in the civil rights movement. He worked on voter registration drives and helped to organize protests against racial discrimination.

After graduating from law school, Obama returned to Chicago. He worked as a lawyer and community organizer. He also taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.

Political Career

In 1996, Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate. He served there until 2004. While in the state senate, Obama worked on a number of important issues, including education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.

In 2004, Obama was elected to the United States Senate. He served there until 2008. While in the Senate, Obama worked on a number of important issues, including the Iraq War, the economy, and climate change.

In 2008, Obama was elected president of the United States. He was the first African American to be elected president, and his election was a historic moment for the country.

Presidency

Obama's presidency was marked by a number of significant achievements, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the end of the Iraq War. Obama also worked to improve the economy, address climate change, and reform the criminal justice system.

Obama's presidency was not without its challenges. He faced opposition from Republicans in Congress, and he was criticized for his handling of a number of issues, including the economy and the war in Afghanistan. However, Obama remained a popular figure throughout his presidency, and he left office with a high approval rating.

Legacy

Obama's legacy is complex and will be debated for years to come. Some historians argue that he was one of the most consequential presidents in American history. Others argue that his presidency was more modest, but that he still made important progress on a number of important issues.

Regardless of how his presidency is ultimately judged, there is no doubt that Obama was a historic figure. He was the first African American to be elected president, and his election was a

Barack Before Obama: Life Before the Presidency

by David Katz

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	517416 KB
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE