Topic 7 - Obama Flashcards
What was Obama’s parents backgrounds?
Mother was a white American from Kansas
Father was member of LUO tribe from Kenya
When did Obama become a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ
1980’s
what did Obama win in 1996?
a seat in Illinois state senate
- predominately a poverty deprivation black area
What was the reputation of the Illinois state senate did Obama develop
- working with both democrats and republicans to pass legislation
What did Obama do whilst being a Illinois state senator
- passed legislation for expanding health and care and early years education programmes for the poor
- became chairperson for Illinois senate health and human services committee
What did Obama suffer from in 2000?
A electoral set back
attempted to become democrat candidate for 1st congressional districts of Illinois
Who was the previous candidate for the 1st congressional district of Illinois?
Bobby Rush
What was Bobby Rush’s victory against Obama in 2000?
Rush won by 60% against Obama with 31%
Rush then retained the seat with 88% of the vote
What was a turning point for Obamas political career
2004
what happened in 2004 with Obama and the senate
Obama won a seat in the US senate and gave the keynote speech becoming a candidate for US senate
before the national election in November of 2004, what did Obama have to win?
the primary elections on the 16th March 2004
Who was Obama’s biggest opponent?
Daniel Hynes
Why was Hynes a big opponent
Hynes father had been state senator and president of Illinois
was more widely known
Who was another opponent to Obama?
Blair Hull of Chicago
wealthy business man
What did the opinion polls show for Obama during the March elections?
Obamas popularity
Feb 2004: Obama had 15% and Hull had 24%
What happened to the polls in March
Obama began leading the polls by 10%
Obamas campaign
aided by an effective advertising company
Michael jordan donated $10,000
What happened to Hull’s campaign?
campaign collapsed
his divorce became controversial
his ex - wife placed a restraining order on him
Who won the election on 16th March 2004?
Obama won the democrat vote
with 53% of the vote
What is a midterm election
General election that occurs 2 years into the terms of a president
some members of US senate, all of House of representatives and many state and local positions are voted on
