Profile: Barack Obama, incumbent Democratic president
Barack Obama made history in 2008, when he became
the first African-American president of the United States. Shortly
after arriving at the White House, Obama signed the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act, a $787 billion stimulus package. Upon signing the
legislation, Obama said, "We have begun the essential work of keeping
the American dream alive in our time." A cornerstone of Obama's election
campaign was his pledge to revamp the nation's health care system; a
promise he delivered on in 2010 when the expansive overhaul was signed
into law. In 2012, the Supreme Court upheld that landmark legislation.
The president also oversaw the end of combat operations in Iraq and
announced that by 2014 , the Afghans will be responsible for the
security of their own country. Obama gave the order to deploy a team of
U.S. Navy SEALS to Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden in May 2011.
"Justice has been done," Obama declared after the firefight.
The president also appointed Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to serve on
the U.S. Supreme Court and signed a repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't
Tell" military policy.
| Age: |
51 |
| Education: |
B.A., Columbia University, 1983; J.D., Harvard University, 1991 |
| Elected office: |
Illinois State Senate, 1997-2004; U.S. senator for Illinois, 2005-2008 |
| Professional career: |
Community organizer, attorney |
| Religion: |
Christian |
| Marital status: |
Married to Michelle Robinson Obama |
| Children: |
Malia and Sas |
Profile: Barack Obama on the issues
-
Jobs
Obama has proposed the $447 billion "American Jobs Act," which failed in
Congress. Congress is now attempting to approve elements of the package
on a piece-by-piece basis.
- Taxes
Obama signed an extension of the expiring Bush tax cuts through 2013,
but wishes to let those tax cuts expire for top earners after that
point. He's currently seeking a short-term extension of the payroll tax
cut he signed in 2010.
-
Budget
Obama most recently proposed a budget plan in September that would
reduce the deficit by $3 trillion over the next 10 years through cuts to
discretionary spending and entitlement programs, savings from ending
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and increased taxes on the wealthiest
households.
-
Regulations
Not available
-
Entitlement programs
Obama has said he's open to reform ideas, but is fundamentally committed to preserving Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
-
Health care reform
Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a central
legislative initiative of his administration. It seeks to limit the
growth of health care costs and create an exchange for individuals to
pick a health insurance plan. It requires individuals to have insurance,
and guarantees coverage to all despite pre-existing conditions.
-
Foreign policy
Obama ended the war in Iraq, and intends to withdraw all troops from
Afghanistan eventually, as well. He's called for a two-state solution in
the Middle East, and has sought to strengthen relationships with
traditional allies.
-
Immigration
Obama pushed unsuccessfully for the DREAM Act, which provides a
conditional pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants who were
bought to the U.S. as children. He has indicated support for a plan that
would offer illegal immigrants a pathway to citizenship if they go
through a process in which they learn English, pay a penalty, and
undergo the traditional citizenship process.
-
Energy/Environment
Obama proposed a clean energy standard requiring that 80% of U.S. energy
come from clean sources by 2035. He supports the development of nuclear
power and renewable technologies. He's raised fuel efficiency standards
and provided subsidies for hybrid vehicles.
-
Abortion
Obama supports abortion rights.
-
Same-sex marriage
Obama has said he opposes same-sex marriage, but has acknowledged his opinion is "evolving."
-
Climate change
He had supported a cap-and-trade system to regulate emissions, which
failed in Congress. The Environmental Protection Agency under Obama has
taken some action unilaterally to regulate emissions, though those
regulations are locked up in litigation.
Information from nbc.com
