On an icy, February day in Springfield, IL, Barack Obama launched his bid for President with these words:
"Each and every time, a new generation has risen up and done what's needed to be done. Today we are called once more - and it is time for our generation to answer that call. For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it."
A little less than two years later, Barack Obama would be sworn in as the nation's 44th President. Follow his campaign and rise to power with this photo gallery.
Related: Obama's Inauguration - Photo Gallery
"Each and every time, a new generation has risen up and done what's needed to be done. Today we are called once more - and it is time for our generation to answer that call. For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it."
A little less than two years later, Barack Obama would be sworn in as the nation's 44th President. Follow his campaign and rise to power with this photo gallery.
Related: Obama's Inauguration - Photo Gallery
1. Barack Obama Announces He'll Run for President of the United States
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See photos from the day Barack Obama charted his course into the history books by launching his run for President of the United States. Full Text of His Speech Announcing his Bid for President
2. Barack Obama Chooses Joe Biden as his VP
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Barack Obama announced his choice of Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) as his VP and running mate in Springfield, IL. See how lovely our state capitol looked on that sunshiny, historic day.
3. Barack Obama Photo Timeline - Announcement to Nomination
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See a photo timeline of Senator Barack Obama's bid for the President of the United States. This timeline begins at his announcement in Springfield, IL and ends with his acceptance of the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.
4. Barack Obama Photo Timeline - Nomination to Election Day
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Obama soared out of the Democratic National Convention into a rollercoaster of a campaign against Senator John McCain (R-AZ). See a photo timeline of how these amazing events unfolded from Obama's nomination to Election Day.
5. Barack Obama Wins his Bid for President of the United States
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U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Chicagoan clinched his bid to become President of the United States on November 4, 2008. See photos from that historic night held in Chicago's Grant Park.
6. Grant Park Celebrates Obama's Win
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See photos of the exuberant crowds in Chicago's Grant Park on the evening of Barack Obama's election as the next President of the United States.
7. Oprah Celebrates Obama's Win in Grant Park
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Chicago-based megastar Oprah Winfrey celebrated among the crowds in Chicago's Grant Park on the night of Barack Obama's election as the next President of the United States.