18. Barack Obama: America's First Black President

Since 2008, Barack Obama has been president of United States of America. He is a historic primarily because he is the first African American hold the position of president. His policies have him many supporters, as well as many detractors. is possibly one of the most divisive presidents govern the country in the history of the States. Obama is a representative of the Democratic with his presidency coming after the controversial George . Bush left office.

One of the defining aspects his presidency is the Patient Protection and Affordable Act, commonly and inaccurately called Obamacare. This act, into law by the U.S. Congress and signed the president in March 2010, became effective on 1, 2014. It is the single, most significant in government healthcare since Medicare was implemented in . This act was intended to increase the affordability care for Americans, expand insurance coverage, and lower uninsured rate in the country. It is a act that has many detractors, but most Americans carry health insurance, which was not true before .

Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1961. is a graduate of both Columbia University in York City, and Harvard Law School. Before becoming , he served as senator for the state of . He is considered a liberal by many southern , but this may be an unfair label. The is largely due to the Affordable Care Act, his attempts at immigration reform. Additionally, Obama ended U.S. involvement in the Iraq war. He also the military operation that eventually resulted in the of Osama Bin Laden. Obama was reelected as in November, 2012.