Barack Obama

From SourceWatch

Barack Hussein Obama, Jr., a Democrat, is President of the United States. He was the only African-American currently serving in the U.S. Senate, the fifth in U.S. history and the third since Reconstruction. He was elected President of the United States on November 4, 2008, after winning the Democratic Party nomination. On November 4,2008 he was elected to the Presidency along with Joe Biden, becoming the first African American President of the U.S. On November 16, 2008, he resigned from his seat in the U.S. Senate. On January 20th, 2009 he became the 44th President of the United States of America.

Contents 1 Record, positions and controversies 1.1 Education policy 1.2 Elections and government policy 1.3 Economic policy 1.4 National security and foreign policy 1.5 Energy and environment issues 1.6 Labor, immigration and retirement policy 1.7 Rights, liberties and courts issues 1.8 Food and agriculture 1.9 Health policy 1.10 Tobacco control policy 1.11 Communications, science and intellectual property 1.12 Infrastructure and Transportation Policy 1.13 Social policy 1.14 Misc. controversies 2 Biography 2.1 Political career 2.1.1 2004 Senate Race 2.1.2 First moves as a senator 2.1.3 2008 presidential race 2.2 Resignation from Senate 3 Money in politics 4 Committees and Affiliations 4.1 Committee assignments in the 110th Congress (2007-2009) 4.1.1 Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006) 4.2 Coalitions and Caucuses 4.3 Boards and other Affiliations 5 More Background Data 6 Contact 6.1 Transition office contacts 6.2 Twitter 7 Articles and Resources 7.1 See also 7.2 Resources 7.3 Articles about Barack Obama 7.4 By Barack Obama 7.4.1 Articles by Barack Obama 7.4.2 Interviews and Speeches 7.4.3 Published Works by Barack Obama 7.5 Local blogs and discussion sites 7.6 Related Congresspedia/SourceWatch Resources 7.7 Sources

Record, positions and controversies

Education policy

Summary (how summaries work)
Obama received an "A" or 100% rating in 2005, 2006 and 2007 from the National Education Association. Main article: Barack Obama/Education Policy

Elections and government policy

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Obama has been very active on ethics, election and campaign finance reform since he joined Congress. Main article: Barack Obama/Elections and Government Policy

Economic policy

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Obama was a strong advocate of taxing the rich to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. He threatened to call hearings on what he called the slow reconstruction response of the Bush administration. Additional Economic Policies continue to be inserted within campaign announcements within key swing states. Obama has included policy ideas regarding the creation of 5 million green energy jobs within during his first term. CBS News indicated that the idea was initially presented by Senator Clinton. Main article: Barack Obama/Economic Policy

National security and foreign policy

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Iraq Barack Obama opposed the Iraq War even before it began in 2002, though he hedged that opposition during the 2004 election, when the Democratic ticket had voted for the war. In 2007, Obama introduced a bill to remove most troops from Iraq within 16 months, a position he continues to hold, though an advisor has referred to this as a "best case scenario." Obama has a mixed record on Democratic attempts to end the war by defunding it - he has spoken against the tactic but also voted at least once against a bill containing further funding. While publicly opposed to the war in Iraq, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari claimed that Barack Obama tried to persuade Iraqi leaders to stall a troop withdrawal. According to Zenari, Obama sought in July of 2008 to delay an agreement until after a new administration was established in Washington. Veterans and soldiers conditions In the wake of the Walter Reed scandal, Obama introduced legislation increasing standards of care and oversight of VA programs. Darfur Obama has called on the Bush administration to support a UN or NATO force in Darfur, increase pressure on Sudan to share power in Darfur, put pressure on nations supporting Sudan, and impose sanctions on Sudan. Main article: Barack Obama/National Security and Foreign Policy

Energy and environment issues

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Energy issues In 2006 Obama called for a deal with U.S. auto makers to pick up 10% of their $6.7 billion in retiree health costs in exchange for bringing more fuel-efficient vehicles to market. He also criticized the Bush administration for what he called a failure to back up with policies its call for "energy independence." In 2007, activists protesting what they called Obama's lack of a clear position on nuclear waste disposal say they were forced to leave one of his presidential rallies. Main article: Barack Obama/Energy and Environment Policy

Labor, immigration and retirement policy

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Minimum wage In 2006, Obama sponsored a bill that would limit congressional raises to the same rate as increases in the federal minimum wage. Main article: Barack Obama/Labor, Immigration and Retirement Policy

Rights, liberties and courts issues

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Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 80% in 2007 and 83% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 85% in 2007, 93% in 2006 and 94% in 2005. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State 100% in 2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Association of Community Organization for Reform Now (ACORN) 100% in 2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 89% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Iranian American Political Action Committee 100% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 100% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the National Council of La Raza 100% in 2005. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 80% in 2007. Main article: Barack Obama/Rights, Liberties and Courts Policy

Food and agriculture

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Senator Obama supported the interests of the National Association of Wheat Growers 47% in 2007 and 100% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the National Council of Agricultural Employers 20% in 2007 and 66% in 2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Farm Bureau Federation 35% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the National Farmers Union 100% in 2005-2006. Main article: Barack Obama/Food and Agriculture Policy

Health policy

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Senator Obama supported the interests of the Alliance For Headache Disorders Advocacy 0% in 2007. Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Academy of Family Physicians 100% in 2007. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Academy of General Dentistry 50% in 2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100% in 2006 and 80% in 2005. Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine 100% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Nurses Association 100% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the National Breast Cancer Coalition 60% in 2005-2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the St. Joseph Health System 75% of the time in 2005-2006. Main article: Barack Obama/Health Policy

Tobacco control policy

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2005: Obama voted to create the "Display of Tobacco Products Act" which makes it unlawful to sell, offer for sale, give away, or display tobacco products for sale at any location where the consumer can acquire those products through self-service. It also requires tobacco products to be displayed from behind a sales or service counter so that consumers cannot access tobacco products without assistance by an employee. 2004: Obama voted to restrict the display of tobacco advertisements. 2003: Obama co-sponsored a bill to use money from the Tobacco Settlement Recover Fund for comprehensive tobacco use prevention and reductions program to be administered by the Department of Health. 2003: Obama sponsored a bill to make illegal alcoholic cigarette wrapping paper. 2003: Obama voted to prohibit cigarette distribution/sales within 1000 feet of a school. 2003: Obama sponsored a bill to increase the minimum age to buy tobacco to 19 years. 2002: Obama supported an Increase In the Illinois cigarette tax with revenues used to boost state funding. 2002: Obama voted to allow employees of the Department of Revenue to arrest any person violating the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. 2001: Obama sponsored a bill prohibiting distribution of bidis (a type of cheap Indian cigarette made unprocessed tobacco wrapped in leaves). 2001: Obama voted for a bill that taxed snuff (powdered tobacco sniffed up the nose instead of smoked). 2001: Obama sponsored a bill to tax out-of-state tobacco distributors when they sell tobacco products to retailers and consumers in Illinois. 2000: Obama sponsored a bill to ban the sale of bidi cigarettes.[1] Main article: Barack Obama/Tobacco Control Policy

Communications, science and intellectual property

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Obama supports network neutrality legislation. Main article: Barack Obama/Communications, Science and Intellectual Property

Infrastructure and Transportation Policy

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Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association 100% in 2005-2006. Main article: Barack Obama/Infrastructure and Transportation Policy

Social policy

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Senator Obama supported the interests of the Children's Defense Fund 60% in 2007, 100% in 2006 and 100% in 2005. Senator Obama supported the interests of the Family Research Council 0% in 2007 and 0% in 2006. Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Family Association 0% in 2005-2006. Main article: Barack Obama/Social Policy

Misc. controversies

Summary (how summaries work)

2005 investments In 2007, it was reported that Obama had invested more than $50,000 in two companies whose major investors were some of his largest political donors. In 2005, Obama had pushed for more funding for avian flu, where one company had interests. The other company's principal backers included four friends and donors who had raised over $150,000 for his political committees. However, the latter company was invested in through a blind trust and a spokesman said that when Obama learned of the investments in late 2005 he sold both at a $13,000 loss. Civilian National Security Force On July 2nd, in Colorado Springs, Obama gave a speech where he called for a "civilian national security force" with as much power and funding as the U.S. military. Main article: Barack Obama/Controversies

Biography

Obama was born August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Obama studied for two years at Occidental College, before transferring to Columbia University. There he majored in political science, with a specialization in international relations. Upon graduation, he worked for a year at newsletter publisher Business International (now part of The Economist Group), and moved to Chicago, where he was a community organizer in the Altgeld Gardens housing project on the city's South Side. It was during his time spent here that Obama joined the Trinity United Church of Christ. ^[2]

He left Chicago to study law at Harvard University, where he was elected the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. He graduated magna cum laude. After law school, he returned to Chicago and organized an aggressive voter registration effort that registered over 100,000 voters and aided in the election of President Bill Clinton and Senator Carol Moseley Braun, the first African-American woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate. Soon after, he joined a local civil rights law firm, and he became a lecturer of constitutional law at the University of Chicago.

Political career

In 1996, Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate from the south side neighborhood of Hyde Park, in Chicago. He served as chairman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee when the Democrats regained control of the chamber. Regarded as a staunch liberal, but also "respected ... as a bipartisan dealmaker," during his tenure in the legislature, he helped to author a state Earned Income Tax Credit that provided benefits to the working poor. He also worked for legislation that would cover residents who could not afford health insurance. He successfully helped pass bills to increase funding for AIDS prevention and care programs. Obama also passed bills that put limits on racial profiling and put cameras in police interrogation rooms. ^[3]

In 2000, he ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for Illinois' 1st Congressional district against incumbent Bobby Rush. Rush had suggested during the campaign that Obama "wasn't black enough" for the position. Rush received 61% of the vote, while Obama received 30%. ^[4]

Obama was chosen to deliver a keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.

The April 18 2005 issue of TIME magazine listed the 100 most influential people in the world. Obama was included on the list under the section of 'Leaders and Revolutionaries' for his high-profile entrance to federal politics and his popularity within the Democratic Party. ^[5] British journal the New Statesman listed Obama as one of 10 people who will change the world in its October 2005 edition.

2004 Senate Race

In 2004, Obama ran for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Sen. Peter Fitzgerald. Obama squared off against Republican Jack Ryan, who ultimately had to drop out of the race due to sensationalistic scandal. Alan Keyes was chosen as the new GOP candidate. Keyes had gained much attention as a conservative firebrand in his unsuccessful presidential campaigns in 1996 and 2000. A Marylander, Keyes had established legal residency in Illinois with the nomination, the only requirement to run for office. The Chicago Tribune sarcastically greeted Keyes by editorializing: "Mr. Keyes may have noticed a large body of water as he flew into O'Hare. That is called Lake Michigan."

After a campaign in which Keyes called Obama's position on abortion, "the slave-holder's position", accused gays and lesbians of being "selfish hedonists", and claimed that Jesus would not vote for his opponent, Obama won handily in the general election, receiving 70% of the popular vote to Keyes's 27%.

First moves as a senator

Obama was sworn in on January 4, 2005. He ranked 99th out of 100 Senators in terms of official seniority (greater seniority brings greater privileges in the Senate).

Obama's first action in the Senate was to decline to be the Senate co-sponsor of a move to question Ohio's Electoral College votes following the 2004 presidential election. He then voted against the resolution. ^[6]

Obama came to the Senate with a plan that resembled the career of another high-profile Senator's first term, Hillary Clinton. Obama's "Plan" called for him to focus his energies on his home state, and in spite of overtures from more liberal activists, to stay out of the spotlight. In the first few months Obama held 39 town hall meetings. However, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the picture of class and race that it exposed caused Obama to step into the national spotlight sooner than he expected. He said of his first year, "I could have been much more quiet this year than I have been and gotten away with it ... People would have explained it as, 'He is taking the Hillary model.'"^[7]

2008 presidential race

Obama announced on January 16, 2007 that he would "create a presidential exploratory committee" as the first step towards his potential candidacy for the 2008 presidential election ^[8]

On February 10, 2007, he announced in Springfield, Illinois that he would indeed seek the presidency in 2008. [1]

Also in February 2007, Dan Shapiro announced that he would become Obama's political advisor/strategist. ^[9] Shapiro was a long-time political operative on Capitol Hill, and was previously an advisor to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). The appointment of Shapiro coincided with Obama's desire to deliver several speeches (including at the March 2007 AIPAC annual conference) to stress his devotion to Israel.

Shmuel Rosner described his view of the events in his Haaretz blog: "Oh, let's just say it: Jewish voters are major donors to the Democratic Party and its nominees." ^[10] Worth noting is that Lee Rosenberg, AIPAC's treasurer, is also "a backer, and a member of Obama's finance committee."^[11] On July 11, 2007, the Obama campaign appointed Eric Lynn as its "liaison to Jewish Community" and advisor on Middle East issues.^[12] Immediately after his appointment, Lynn beamed out an email that can be seen here. It's subject was "Barack Obama: A Strong Record of Supporting Israel."

Resignation from Senate

On November 16, 2008, President-Elect Obama resigned his seat in the United States Senate. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, will appoint a replacement.^[13]

Money in politics

This section contains links to – and feeds from – money in politics databases. For specific controversies, see this article's record and controversies section. <crpcontribdata>cid=N00009638&cycle=2006</crpcontribdata>

Links to more campaign contribution information for Barack Obama from the Center for Responsive Politics' OpenSecrets.org site.
Fundraising profile:	2006 election cycle	Career totals
Top contributors by organization/corporation:	2006 election cycle	Career totals
Top contributors by industry:	2006 election cycle	Career totals

• Revolving door profile for Barack Obama from the Center for Responsive Politics' OpenSecrets.org website.
• 2006 privately funded travel profile for Barack Obama from the Center for Responsive Politics' OpenSecrets.org website.
• Personal finance profile for Barack Obama from the Center for Responsive Politics' OpenSecrets.org website.

Committees and Affiliations

Committee assignments in the 110th Congress (2007-2009)

• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
  • Subcommittee on African Affairs
  • Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
  • Subcommittee on European Affairs
  • Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
  • Subcommittee on Children and Families
  • Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
  • Subcommittee on Investigations
  • Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information and International Security
  • Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration
• Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

• Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
  • Subcommittee on Clean Air Climate Change and Nuclear Safety
  • Subcommittee on Fisheries Wildlife and Water
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
  • Subcommittee on African Affairs
  • Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
  • Subcommittee on International Economic Policy Export and Trade Promotion
  • Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs
• Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Coalitions and Caucuses

Boards and other Affiliations

• Center for Neighborhood and Technology
• Chicago Annebery Challenge
• Cook County Bar
• Cook County Bar Association Community Law Project
• Board Member, Joyce Foundation
• Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law
• Leadership for Quality Education
• Member, Trinity United Church of Christ
• Former Board Member, Woods Fund of Chicago

More Background Data

• Background information on Barack Obama from Project Vote Smart

• Interest group scorecard ratings for Barack Obama from Project Vote Smart

• Voting record for Barack Obama from the Washington Post database

• Information on Barack Obama from Congress Merge

Wikipedia also has an article on Barack Obama. This article may use content from the Wikipedia article under the terms of the GFDL.

Contact

Transition office contacts

Website: http://www.change.gov/

Twitter

Articles and Resources

See also

• Barack Obama/Economic Policy
• Barack Obama/Education Policy
• Barack Obama/Elections and Government Policy
• Barack Obama/Energy and Environment Policy
• Barack Obama/Food and Agriculture Policy
• Barack Obama/Health Policy
• Barack Obama/Infrastructure and Transportation Policy
• Barack Obama/Labor, Immigration and Retirement Policy
• Barack Obama/National Security and Foreign Policy
• Barack Obama/Rights, Liberties and Courts Policy
• Barack Obama/Communications, Science and Intellectual Property
• Barack Obama/Social Policy
• Barack Obama/Controversies
• Barack Obama/Appointments and Nominations as President

Resources

• Bioguide: Barack Obama, Congress.gov.
• Official Senate website, with podcast
• Chicago Tribune coverage of Obama
• Obamapedia A wiki devoted to Obama
• Obama '08, Obama's presidential campaign website
• Media Matters: Barack Obama media watchdog
• Hopefund for America, Obama's PAC
• Project Vote Smart: Barack Obama nonpartisan voter information
• Technorati Search: Barack Obama
• Google News Search: Barack Obama
• Yahoo! News Search: Barack Obama
• GovTrack Statistics: Barack Obama
• Compare your opinions to Barack Obama's

8New York PostObama Tried To Stall Gis' Iraq Withdrawal.

Articles about Barack Obama

• Scott Turow, "The New Face of the Democratic Party - and America," Salon, March 30, 2004.
• William Finnegan, "The Candidate," The New Yorker, May 31, 2004.
• E.J. Dionne, "In Illinois, A Star Prepares," Washington Post, June 25, 2004.
• "Barack Obama: A Look at the 2004 DNC Keynote Speaker Who Could Become One of the Only Black Senators in U.S. History," Democracy Now!, July 15, 2004.
• Salim Muwakkil, "Barack Obama made smashing national debut," The Progressive, July 28, 2004
• Mark Leibovich, "The Senator's Humble Beginnings," Washington Post, February 24, 2005.
• Jeff Zeleny, "Judicious Obama Turns Up Volume," Chicago Tribune, September 12, 2005.
• Jeff Zeleny, "Obama's National Appeal Rallies Army of Backers," Chicago Tribune, November 20, 2005.
• Ryan Lizza, "Why Barack Obama Should Run for President in 2008," The New Republic, December 6, 2005.
• Jonathan Alter, "The Audacity of Hope," Newsweek, December 27, 2005.
• Lynn Sweet, "Great Expectations," The American Prospect, February 5, 2006.
• Amy Sullivan, "In Good Faith: The Real Meaning of Barack Obama's Speech on Religion and Politics," Slate, July 3, 2006.
• Jacob Weisberg, "The Path to Power," Men's Vogue, September-October 2006.
• Jennifer Senior, "Dreaming of Obama," New York Magazine, October 2, 2006.
• Joe Klein, "The Fresh Face," TIME Magazine, October 23, 2006.
• Yoda, "Barack Obama Has Nothing to Fear," Room Eight, November 23, 2006.
• Lynn Sweet, "Obama is going to go for it," Chicago Sun-Times, November 30, 2006.
• JP, "I'm Tired Of the Obama Overload," Room Eight, December 5, 2006.
• John Dickerson, "Barackwater. For now, Obama's scandal is too small to hurt," Slate, December 14, 2006.
• Michael Roston, "CNN apologizes for Obama gaffe in Bin Laden graphic," The Raw Story, January 2, 2007.
• Ted Glick, "Barack Obama: Progressives Beware", Znet, January 12, 2007.
• Andy Selepak, "The Media's Obama Love Affair," Accuracy in Media (Canada Free Press), January 16, 2007.
• John Nichols, "Barack Obama's Challenge. 'Star Power' Can't Secure Victory, But Grassroots Support Can," The Nation (CBS News), January 17, 2007.
• "Obama Must Be Taken Seriously. National Review: Conservatives Dismiss Candidacy At Their Own Peril," National Review Online (CBS News), January 17, 2007.
• David Mendell, "Backers' mission is political, personal. Growing number of state Democrats vow to do whatever is needed to put Obama in the Oval Office," Chicago Tribune, January 17, 2007.
• Ryan Keith, "Obama's Past Offers Ammo for Critics," Associated Press (Washington Post), January 17, 2007.
• Christopher Hayes, "Smearing Barack Obama," The Notion Blog/The Nation, January 19, 2007.
• "Obama Smeared As Former 'Madrassa' Student, Possible Covert Muslim Extremist," Think Progress, January 19, 2007.
• Lynn Sweet, "Obama's campaign staff a work in progress," Chicago Sun-Times, January 22, 2007.
• Chris Cillizza and Dan Balz, "On the Electronic Campaign Trail. Politicians Realize the Potential of Web Video," Washington Post, January 22, 2007.
• Dan Balz and Anne E. Kornblut, "Obama Formally Launches Presidential Bid," Washington Post, February 10, 2007.
• "Obama Plan Has a Critic in Australia," New York Times, February 12, 2007.
• Roxana Tiron, "Obama, McCaskill sponsor bill on care for veterans," The Hill, February 21, 2007.
• Peter Hart, "Obamamania: How loving Barack Obama helps pundits love themselves," Extra!, March/April 2007.
• Mike McIntire and Christopher Drew, "In ’05 Investing, Obama Took Same Path as Donors" New York Times, March 7, 2007.
• David Jackson and Ray Long, "Showing his bare knuckles. In first campaign, Obama revealed hard-edged, uncompromising side in eliminating party rivals," Chicago Tribune, April 4, 2007.
• Paul Street, "Sitting Out the Obama Dance in Iowa City," Z Net, April 28, 2007.
• Taylor Marsh, "Obama Loved Ohio '04 and Backed the Class Action Fairness Act," TaylorMarsh.com, January 1, 2008.
• "Some Americans are worried about Obama!" from the personal blog of Ahmed El Hadeka, June 24, 2008.

By Barack Obama

Articles by Barack Obama

• With Sam Brownback, "Policy Adrift on Darfur," Washington Post, December 27, 2005.
• "Obama: On Israel and AIPAC. 'We Must Preserve Our Total Commitment to Our Unique Defense Relationship with Israel'" (Remarks as Prepared for Delivery, AIPAC Policy Forum, Chicago, Ill., March 2, 2007), CounterPunch, March 5, 2007.

Interviews and Speeches

• Campus Progress: Five Minutes With: Sen. Barack Obama, undated.
• Oprah's Interview with Senator Barack Obama, November 2004.
• "Rising Star: Senate Candidate Barack Obama Delivers Rousing Keynote at DNC," Democracy Now!, July 28, 2004 (RealVideo, RealAudio, or MP3 format).
• Commencement Speech: Knox College, June 4, 2005 (full transcript of Barack Obama's address).
• Obama Discusses Poverty and Hurricane Katrina NPR, September 21, 2005.

• Remarks by Senator Barack Obama: "The Coming Storm: Energy Independence and the Safety of Our Planet" delivered at Chicago, IL, posted by Think Progress, April 3, 2006.

Published Works by Barack Obama

• The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream, Crown, 2006, ISBN 0307237699; Audio CD: ISBN 0739334085.
• Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, New York: Times Books, 1995; 2004 reprint: ISBN 1400082773; Audio CD: ISBN 0739321005.

Local blogs and discussion sites

• Obama Was Right.com brought to you by DraftObama.org.
• Philosophe Forum
• "Swamp blog" on Obama
• The Spirit of Barack Obama automated news aggregator, specialized search engine and multimedia collection

Related Congresspedia/SourceWatch Resources

• Barack Obama: U.S. presidential election, 2008
• Barack Obama/Appointments and nominations as President
• Walter Reed Army Medical Center scandal

Sources

Corresponding article on Wikipedia and Cause Caller. (If Cause Caller link does not work, pick from its list of senators and representatives.)

Current Office: U.S. President
111th Congress
Leadership Position:	Committees Chaired:	Committees, Ranking Member On:	Caucuses:
Committees:
110th Congress
Leadership Position: none	Committees Chaired:	Committees, Ranking Member On:	Caucuses:
Committees: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations/Subcommittee on African Affairs, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations/Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations/Subcommittee on European Affairs, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations/Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection, Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs/Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management Government Information Federal Services and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs/Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs/Subcommittee on State Local and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration, Senate Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions, Senate Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions/Subcommittee on Children and Families, Senate Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions/Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Congressional Career
First Elected to Current Office: November 4, 2008	First Took Current Office: January 20, 2009	Next Election: November 6, 2012	Term Ends:
Freshman Member? no	Previous Political Work? U.S. Senate, Illinois Senate	Other Party Membership:
District Offices:
1. Phone: / Fax:
Campaign Contact:
Website: Webform Email: / Email: Campaign Offices: 1. Phone: / Fax:
Zip Code Affiliations:
Misc:
Date of Birth: August 4, 1961