Barack Obama

Early life and education

Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and spent parts of his childhood in the United States and abroad. He graduated from Columbia University and later earned a law degree from Harvard Law School, where he was president of the Harvard Law Review. His early career included work as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and law lecturer before entering elective politics.

Political rise and presidential campaigns

After service in the Illinois legislature and the U.S. Senate, Obama won the 2008 presidential election on a platform of change and recovery, campaigning on economic stimulus, health-care reform, and ending the U.S. combat mission in Iraq. He was re-elected in 2012 and served two full terms. His presidency generated sustained global attention and domestic debate on policy direction.

Major policies and events

Obama's administration addressed a range of domestic and international issues. Key actions and developments included:

• Health care: Passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (commonly called the ACA), a major reform of the U.S. health-insurance system.
• Economic policy: Legislation and programs aimed at stabilizing the economy after the late-2000s financial crisis, including measures to preserve jobs and support recovery.
• Foreign policy: A drawdown of combat operations in the Iraq War, increased focus on Afghanistan, and participation in multinational actions such as the intervention in Libya. In 2011 a U.S. operation that occurred under his command killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda.
• Climate and diplomacy: Re-engagement with diplomatic partners, including a restoration of formal relations with Cuba, and U.S. involvement in the Paris Agreement on climate change.
• Social policy: He publicly supported same-sex marriage while in office and advanced executive measures on immigration and civil rights. In response to mass shootings such as Sandy Hook, he proposed expanded gun-control measures that prompted national debate.

Second term, Supreme Court nomination, and transition

During his second term Obama continued to focus on domestic reforms and international cooperation. In 2016 he nominated Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court following a sitting justice's death; the nomination was not acted upon by the Senate. Obama left office in January 2017 and was succeeded by Donald Trump.

Post-presidency and legacy

Since leaving the White House Obama has remained active in public life through writing, public speaking and work on civic and philanthropic projects. He and his family reside in the Washington area, maintaining a public profile while continuing initiatives started during his presidency and supporting new civic efforts in the United States and abroad, including efforts to encourage voter participation and public service in communities in and beyond Washington, D.C..