Barack Obama's Legislative Career

By emilyhashagen

  • Illinois Senate

    Illinois Senate
    In 1996, Obama ran for a seat in the Illinois State Senate as a democrat and won the election. He worked to draft legislation on expanding health care, ethics, and early childhood education programs fo rthe poor.

  • U.S. House of Representatives

    U.S. House of Representatives
    In 2000, Obama was unsuccessful in the primary run for the House of Representatives. He then began raising funds for a seat in the U.S. Senate in the 2004 election.

  • War with Iraq

    War with Iraq
    While still being a state senator, Obama spoke against Bush's decision to authorize the use of force against Iraq at the rally at Chicago's Federal Plaza. However, the Iraq War bagin in 2003 despite his efforts.

  • U.S Senate

    U.S Senate
    in 2004, Barack Obama won the election by 70 percent of the vote. He defeated Alan Keyes and it was the largest electoral victory in the history of Illinois. He became the 3rd African American elected to the U.S. senate since the reconstruction.

  • "The Auaacit of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream"

    "The Auaacit of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream"
    Obama released his second book. Which discussed his visions for the future of America and it quickly became the Number 1 best-seller on the New York Times and Amazon.com.

  • 2008 Presidential Nomination

    2008 Presidential Nomination
    Obama annouces his canidacy for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. He was in a tight battle with Hillary Clinton.

  • Obama Wins 2008 Presidential Election

    Obama Wins 2008 Presidential Election
    Barack Obama defeated Republican nominee John Mccain, 52.9 percent to 45.7 percent, winning the election as the 44th president of the United States. The first African-American to hold this office.

  • Inauguration

    Inauguration
    Obama's inauguration was held on January 20, 2009.

  • First State of the Union

    First State of the Union
    Obama delivered his first State of the Union speech which addressed the challenges of the economy and encouraging politicians to start making positive changes.

  • Don't Ask, Don't Tell

    Don't Ask, Don't Tell
    Obama helped repeal the military policy that was known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which prevented openly gay troops from service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

  • 2012 Election

    2012 Election
    Obama was announced the winner of the 2012 election. He had won almost 60% of the electoral vote and the popular vote by more than 1 million ballots.