“Yes we can!” came the cries from a mesmerized and anticipating crowd as the eyes of the world focused in on the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20th 2009.

Much like John F. Kennedy’s memorable inauguration 49 years earlier to the day, the people of the United States of America were treated to a historic event. Senator Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, as well as the first ever black man to assume the White House.

Being perhaps the most popular man on the planet at the time, Obama left millions, if not billions feeling that his ascension into the pinnacle of U.S politics, coupled with the symbolism of change embodied in his election would mark a radical shift from eight years of George W. Bush.

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• Obama Barak Biography

  Learn about Barack Obama's family background, his education, and how he rose to become the first African-American U.S. president, on Biography.com.

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  Transcript of the May 4, 2008 broadcast of NBC's 'Meet the Press,' featuring Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL).

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