Barack Obama

Early life -- Childhood and family background -- Education and marriage -- Entry into politics -- Return to Chicago and early political involvement -- Election to the state legislature and U.S. Senate -- Rise of a political superstar -- Nomination and election -- The primary campaign of 2008 -- Showdown with McCain -- Presidency -- Economic challenges -- Health care reform -- Foreign-policy challenges -- Campaign for reelection.;Sweeping into the office of U.S. president with his mesmerizing oratory of hope and change, Barack Obama forever transformed American politics. As the first African American to hold the title, his election represented a historic milestone, both socially and politically. The 44th president's remarkable journey from Hawaii and Indonesia to Chicago and the White House is chronicled, and the major issues, including the financial crisis, healthcare, and foreign policy that his administration has faced are examined.