Barack Obama's Policies

By Freddie Brister
Barack Hussein Obama represented his state of Illinois as a junior senator. He was the only African American serving in the US Senate before he was elected president on November 4, 2008. Almost two weeks later, he gave up his US Senate seat.

Education Policy

The National Education Association gave Obama an A rating in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Elections and Government Policy

Obama has been an advocate of ethics as well as election and campaign finance reform.

Economy Policy

Obama wanted to federally fund rebuilding New Orleans as well as the Gulf Coast communities after Hurricane Katrina. He pushed for hearings because he felt like the Bush administration was slow in responding to the needs of the people.

He had pushed for creating 5 million new green energy jobs within his first four years. This idea was first pushed for by Senator Hillary Clinton.

National Security and Foreign Policy

Iraq
Barack was one of the loudest opponents of the Iraq War, calling it a "stupid war", even before it began in 2002. He waivered on that opposition during the elections 4 years ago. He introduced a bill to get troops out of Iraq within 16 months. He still holds this position. He has spoken against ending the war but has voted against a bill to fund the troops.

Hoshyar Zabari, an Iraqi Foreign Minister, said that Barack tried to get the Iraqi leader to halt a troop withdrawal. In July 2008 he tried to delay an agreement until after a new president was elected.

Veterans and Soldiers Conditions

Obama voted to increase standards and oversight of VA programs.

Obama has challenged the Bush administration to back a UN or NATO force in Darfur.

Energy and Environment Issues

In 2006, Obama wanted the US automakers to take 10% of their billions of dollars in health costs for retirees in exchange for making more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. He criticized the Bush administration for not pushing hard enough for energy independence.

Labor, Immigration, and Retirement Policy

In 2006, Barack pushed forth a bill that would keep congressional raises at the same rate as increases in the federal minimum wage.

Liberties, Rights, and Courts Issues

Barack supported the interests of Leadership Conference of Civil Rights, American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for the Seperation of Church and State, Human Rights Campaign, Association of Community Organization for Reform Now (ACORN), Iranian American Political Action Committee, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Council of La Raza, and the Arab American Institute.

Food and Agricultute

Barack supported the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Council of Agricultural Employers, American Farm Bureau Federation, and the National Farmers Union.

Health Policy

Barack supported the Alliance for the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, American Academy of Family Physicans, Academy of General Dentistry, American Public Health Association, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, the American Nurses Association, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the St. Joseph Health System.

Tobacco Control Policy

There were many tobacco laws Barack pushed for. In one of them, Barack voted for the "Display of Tobacco Products Act" and that makes it unlawful to offer for sale, give away, or display tobacco products where customers can get products through self-service.

Science, Communications, and Intellectual Property

Obama is in favor of network neutrality legislation.

Infrastructure and Transportation Policy

Barack was in favor of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

Social Policy

Barack was in favor of the Children's Defense Fund, Family Research Council, and American Family Association.

Writer and editor, Freddie Brister, is a former high school football coach of 25 years. His love of the game of football is reflected in his words and memories of growing up in the South and playing football in the back yard with his brother, cousins and neighborhood friends. His biggest thrill is watching former high school players he has coached play at the college level. His favorite pastime is watching college football on tv and