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Explore the historic presidency of Barack Obama, from his groundbreaking election in 2008 to his successes, such as the Affordable Care Act, and the challenges faced, including the war in Iraq and the rise of the Tea Party Movement. Discover the social issues that defined the Obama era, including LGBTQ rights and the Black Lives Matter movement.
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The 2008 presidential election broke new ground in American politics. Democratic senator Barack Obama of Illinois was a graduate of Harvard Law School. He had been a community organizer in Chicago and a state senator in Illinois. Republican senator John McCain of Arizona served as a pilot in Vietnam, and had been a prisoner of war. He was first elected to Congress in 1982. Barack Obama won the election, becoming the first African American President of the United States.
Upon entering office, President Obama addressed domestic issues. • The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was a stimulus package designed to pump money into the economy. • In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was passed. It provided coverage for the 46 million uninsured Americans, and prevented denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions. Some opposed the healthcare plan, saying it cost too much and gave the federal government too much power.
Obama also addressed the war in Iraq. • In August 2010 the President announced that the American mission in Iraq had ended. • More than 4,000 troops had been killed in the war and over 31,000 wounded. • 50,000 American troops stayed behind in support roles. • Thanks to a troop surge, Iraq was significantly more stable, although acts of terrorism continued.
At the same time, Obama increased the American military presence in Afghanistan. American forces focused their efforts on the Taliban in Afghanistan and their allies in Pakistan. In May 2011, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. Navy SEALS who raided his compound in Pakistan. The mastermind of the 9/11 attacks was dead. However, Americans knew that bin Laden’s death did not end the threat of terrorism.
As the 2010 elections approached, the nation seemed increasingly divided. Many Americans supported Obama, while others were angered by his actions. The Tea Party Movement wanted to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. They ran as Republicans but also criticized Republicans as big spenders. Republicans won control of the House and gained 6 seats in the Senate in the 2010 congressional elections.
2012 Election • An improving economy, promises to not raise taxes, and a progressive approach to social reform helped Obama maintain strong popularity throughout his first term. • Obama easily won reelection in 2012 against republican Mitt Romney • The house of representatives remained in Republican control, while the US Senate maintained a slim Democrat majority • Republicans gain control of both the House and the Senate in 2014
Social Issues • In December 2010 Obama passed the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Act, allowing gay people to serve openly in the military • In 2015 the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was a constitutional right
Social Issues • In February 2012 Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, was shot and killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer. The man who shot Martin was found not-guilty. This ignited the Black Lives Matter movement, which continued and escalated throughout Obama’s second term. • December 2012—26 people are killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Obama pushes for tighter gun laws, but a republican congress prevents any new legislation.
