Personality of the Day: Barack Obama

In history there have been many individuals whose ideas as leaders and determination have paved the path that societies move towards. These personalities represent various arenas including politics, sports, science, literature and arts but they remain inspirational to the people of all generations.

When we learn about such personalities we realize how commitment and the strength of one person can bring a long lasting change.

Today, we have a closer look at the life and the journey of a leader whose career in politics happened to make history and impact millions worldwide.

It is a glimpse into the life of Barack Obama and how his success has remained hopeful to everyone all over.

Personality of the Day: Who Is Barack Obama?

Barack Obama was born on 04 August 1961, in Honolulu. His actual name is Barack Hussein Obama II.

His father Barack Obama Sr. was born in Kenya whereas his mother, Ann Dunham, was born in the United States. Obama spent part of his childhood life in Jakarta and went back to Hawaii to study in school.

In 1959, he proceeded to do higher studies in the mainland of the United States after completing his early education. He studied at Columbia University and thereafter attended Harvard Law School. He became the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review and that gave him his national status.

Obama started his career as a community organiser in Chicago before joining national politics where he aimed to help the local communities that dealt with economic and social challenges.

Why is this Personality Famous? His Major Contributions

Barack Obama was a person who was recognized all over the world when he became the first African American President of the United States.

He was an elected president in 2008 and served two terms between 2009 and 2017. His election was taken to be a historic event in American politics.

He proposed some of the significant policies and reforms during his presidential rule. Among the most outstanding was the Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obamacare that sought to bring healthcare closer to the reach of millions of Americans.

The National Library of Medicine mentions: “On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. The law puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will roll out over 4 years and beyond.”

Another aspect that Obama addressed in his tenure in office was enhancing international relations and collaboration with other states.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 due to his contributions of encouraging international relations and cooperation among the states.

The Nobel Peace Prize website states: “Barack H. Obama, the 44th President of the United States, had been in power for less than eight months when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009. Among the reasons it gave, the Nobel Committee lauded Obama for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”. Emphasis was also given to his support - in word and deed - for the vision of a world free from nuclear weapons.”

Political Career

Prior to his assumption as president, Barack Obama was an elected Senator of Illinois in the United States of America.

His 2004 Democratic National Convention speech captured the interest of the whole nation and connected him to more people throughout the country.

The Barack Obama Presidential Library mentions: “In July 2004, Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts. He was elected as the junior Senator from Illinois in November 2004.”

The 2008 presidential campaign organized by Obama stressed on the issues of hope, unity, and change. His message resonated well with the voters, and it continues to be an important factor in his election.

Personal Life and Family

Barack Obama is married to Michelle Obama who was the first lady in his presidency. The couple has two daughters, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama

Obama has mentioned many times the importance of family values, education and public service.

Quotes by Barack Obama

Here are some interesting quotes by Barack Obama: 

• “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

• “If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress.”

• “The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on.”

• “My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too.”

• “Issues are never simple. One thing I'm proud of is that very rarely will you hear me simplify the issues.”

In conclusion, Barack Obama is probably one of the most powerful political figures of the 21st century. The story of his rise to the President of the United States when he was a community organiser and how he used his persistence, leadership and vision is a strong place of influence.

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