Who is Barack Obama? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

Presidential!
Barack Obama is the 44th
(and current) president of the United States. Obama’s election to the White
House was particularly
significant because it made him the first African American president of the
United States!
Before becoming president, Obama was a Senator from Illinois who gained attention from people all over the U.S. for his hopeful visions of the country and beliefs that all Americans are united in spite of any differences. In 2008, he was nominated to run for president, and he made history later that year when he won! When he was sworn-in to office in January 2009, an estimated 1.8 million people came to Washington, D.C. to witness the historical event!
Shortly after becoming president, Obama received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work improving relationships between people and governments. In addition to his political work, he is also often known for his family – his wife Michelle and their two young daughters, Malia and Sasha!
Before becoming president, Obama was a Senator from Illinois who gained attention from people all over the U.S. for his hopeful visions of the country and beliefs that all Americans are united in spite of any differences. In 2008, he was nominated to run for president, and he made history later that year when he won! When he was sworn-in to office in January 2009, an estimated 1.8 million people came to Washington, D.C. to witness the historical event!
Shortly after becoming president, Obama received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work improving relationships between people and governments. In addition to his political work, he is also often known for his family – his wife Michelle and their two young daughters, Malia and Sasha!
Presidential!
Becoming President is no easy task – it takes years of hard work and determination!
What do you think are some of the qualities that you would need to become President of the United States? Intelligence? Leadership? Fairness? Values? How do you think a person might learn these qualities, and use them in his or her life? What other qualities do you think would be important for a president or leader??

- “Barack Obama.” Presidential Inauguration ’09. DC.gov. 08 Jan. 2010
- “The Nobel Peace Prize 2009.” NobelPrize.org. 08 Jan. 2010
- “Document: Barack Obama: Inaugural Address.” Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08 Jan. 2010
- “President Barack Obama.” The Administration. WhiteHouse.gov. 08 Jan. 2010
- "Barack Obama." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08 Jan. 2010.







