Sweeping into the office of U.S. president with his mesmerizing oratory of hope and change, Barack Obama forever transformed American politics. As the first African American to hold the title, his election represented a historic milestone, both socially and politically. The 44th presidentÂs remarkable journey from Hawaii and Indonesia to Chicago and the White House is chronicled, and the major issuesÂincluding the financial crisis, healthcare, and foreign policyÂthat his administration has faced are examined.