First+black+President+in+2009+-+Group+3

=First Black President=

==Overview== Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th president of the United States. Not only was he the 44th president, but he was also the first black president. During his inauguration, Obama took the oath of office on the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln. He used strong language in pledging to confront terrorism, nuclear proliferation and other threats from abroad. He also emphasized a commitment to reduce partisanship.

Main Point
In his inaugural address, Obama acknowledged the change his presidency represented, describing himself as a "man whose father less then sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant." Obama also acknowledged that some are skeptical of his ability to fulfill the hope that many have in his ability to move the nation in a new direction. Those at the inaugural had one expression in common with everyone, no matter if you were black or white, young or old. This common expression was the bitter, distasteful booing of President Bush when Obama thanked him for his service. That was not the only thing that people heard. Most of the African-Americans prayed the Lord's Prayer fervently and it was interrupted with exclamations like "praise Jesus! He has answered our prayers."

Conclusion
Historians will remember that the two-term Republican president had 20% approved ratings, that the economy was in meltdown, and the Americans didn't want another Republican President. They'll remember that Obama was a change candidate in a change election. And they'll remember that America elected a biracial leader less than a half-century after Jim Crow.

References (2009-10.1.2.C)
Hulse, Carl. "Obama Is Sworn In as the 44th President." //New York Times//. 20 Jan. 2009. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. []. Grunwald, Michael. "Barack Obama Elected President with Mandate for Change." //TIME//. 4 Nov. 2008. Web. 18 Nov. 2009. . //Does Temperament Matter?// 2008. Photograph. TIME Magazine. //TIME Magazine//. Web. 19 Nov. 2009.