2008
A new coalition reaches the White House
Barack Obama made history as the first African American elected president, defeating Senator John McCain in an election dominated by the 2008 financial crisis. The economic collapse in September 2008 destroyed McCain's lead and tied him to the unpopular Bush administration. Obama's grassroots fundraising and organizing shattered records. McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as running mate initially boosted his campaign but her interviews raised doubts about her preparedness. Obama flipped key states including North Carolina, Indiana, and Virginia.
2008 financial crisis; Iraq War; healthcare reform; historic racial barrier
First African American president; financial crisis collapsed McCain's lead in September
States · 51 reporting
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