Barack Obama

Political Party: Democratic
Current Position: Senator
State: Illinois
Political Experience: Illinois State Senator, 1997 – 2004; Senator from Illinois, 2004 – present

This is not original reporting. All information has been compiled from Barack Obama's official campaign web site.

Barack Obama received national attention with his 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address, in which he spoke of the lack of national unity because of the division between blue and red states. On Jan. 3, Obama won the Iowa Democratic caucus with 38 percent of the vote, according to CNN.

Obama supports increased government accountability and honesty. He has emphasized the importance of faith in politics and global policy, unlike many other Democratic candidates. Obama has opposed the war in Iraq since 2002, and supports complete withdrawal in a 16-month plan. He cited the 9/11 Commission's report as guidelines for homeland security, including increased security on chemical and drinking water plants and more cargo screening in American airports and seaports.

In addition, he stresses the importance of fiscal politics as an effort to reduce the national debt. Obama also has an agenda to improve rural American life by enhancing education and healthcare, as well as battling methamphetamine use in rural areas. To improve the Social Security problem, Obama plans to reform corporate bankruptcy laws, eliminate income taxes for middle-class seniors, prevent age discrimination and provide cheap drugs and medical care to seniors. He has planned out a national healthcare plan for all Americans, which would include guaranteed eligibility, affordability, simplification, portability, quality and benefits.

Obama supports American action in global issues, such as stopping the genocide in Darfur and preventing the international spread of weapons of mass destruction. He is currently working to reform immigration processes, including increasing border security and working with Mexico to fix the problem. If elected, Obama plans to increase American investment in renewable energy to slow the progress of global warming.

Obama and Clinton are tied in preliminary New Hampshire polls, with 33 percent of likely Democratic voters supporting each candidate, according to a Jan. 5 CNN poll. The New Hampshire primary will occur on Jan. 8, with the winner having an important edge for the rest of the race to the presidency.