On This Day: Barack Obama Becomes the First African American to Win a Presidential Election

On November 4th, Democratic senator Barack Hussein Obama defeated Senator John McCain in the 2008 presidential election, becoming the first African American to become president. Obama was inaugurated on January 20, 2009 as the 44th president to take office, succeeding President George W. Bush.

Barack Obama Victory Speech

Upon his victory, President-Elect Barack Obama spoke to supporters and others gathered in Grant Park in Chicago. In his speech, Obama expressed that he would govern by representing all Americans, and would call on all citizens to join in an effort to renew America's position as an example to the world.