The man

Obama first came to national attention in 2004 as a candidate for Senate in Illinois, where he impressed people with his charisma and his appeal to end partisan and racial politics.

His policies

Obama has fought his presidential campaign on three priorities: ending the Iraq War as soon as possible, increasing energy independence, and providing universal health care.

Obama opposed the Bush administration's policies on Iraq and he wants to begin an immediate withdrawal of US troops and to have all troops out within about 16 months. He also wants direct talks with Syria and Iran, although he does not rule out economic action to prevent Iran's nuclear programme.

Many of Obama's policies appeal to Americans who are suffering in the economic downturn. He proposes to increase taxes for high earners, but to abolish them for older people on low incomes and to give tax breaks to companies that create jobs. He also voted for the government's recent financial €700bn rescue package

His appeal

His youth and charisma have appealed to many young voters, as well as to middle class and working class voters from all ethnic backgrounds. His own family is racially diverse: he has six half-siblings from his Kenyan father's family, and a half-sister from his mother and her Indonesian second husband.

During his campaign, he consistently appealed for change, to create a new America which was not divided along racial lines. In his victory speech, he emphasised his message of national unity, and called on all Americans to help him. "America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do."

Obama also has great international appeal, and people in many different countries support him and his policies. In his message to people outside America, he said: "To all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand."

Obama will take up presidency in January 2009. And Obama, who once described himself as a "skinny kid with a funny name" will be the first black President in American history. A true symbol of change and hope

نوشته شده در دوشنبه چهارم آذر 1387ساعت 22:13 توسط كميل جعغری| |