Backgrounder: Barack Obama
Backgrounder: List of U.S. presidents
Timeline: Obama's journey to White House
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A security staff checks the bullet-proof window near the podium where President-elect Barack Obama is going to swear in as the 44th president of the United States of America in Washington D.C. Jan. 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. capital on Tuesday turned into a joyous sea of humanity as jubilant visitors swarmed into Washington from around the world to witness the historic moment when President-elect Barack Obama is inaugurated as the country's first black president.
Amid the toughest-ever security in any presidential inauguration, hundreds of thousands of people, bundled against frigid temperatures, streamed into the vast green at the National Mall and nearby viewing areas in the city center.
An estimated 2 million people were expected to bear witness to the first change of administration since the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Beginning a day full of hectic inauguration activities, Obama and wife Michelle appeared at St. John's Episcopal Church near the White House for an inaugural morning prayer service.
Then, they were greeted by outgoing President George W. Bush at the White House, who led them on a brief tour on their home for the next four years, before taking a short ride to the U.S. Capital for the historic inauguration of America's 44th president.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. president-elect Barack Obama is considering a more regional strategy for the war in Afghanistan, including possible talks with Iran, the Washington Post reported Tuesday.
He also looks favorably on dialogue between the Afghan government and elements of the Taliban, Obama's aides were quoted as saying. Full story
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama pledged on Sunday that he will tackle hot issues in the Middle East as soon as he is inaugurated on Jan. 20.
"What I am doing right now is putting together the team so that on January 20th, starting on day one, we have the best possible people who are going to be immediately engaged in the Middle East peace process as a whole," he said in an interview with ABC News. Full story
BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. president-elect Barack Obama Saturday discussed in a telephone conversation relations between China and the United States and major international issues of common concern, including the ongoing global financial crisis.
In the telephone conversation, Hu expressed appreciation to Obama for emphasizing in his election campaign speeches the great importance of China-U.S. relations, and for advocating the strengthening of China-U.S. cooperation in jointly responding to global challenges and in sharing global development opportunities. Full story
BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday sent messages to congratulate Barack Obama on his election as President of the United States.
"China and the United States share broad common interests and important responsibilities on a wide range of major issues concerning the well-being of humanity. To grow long-term healthy and stable China-U.S. relations serves the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples and is of great significance to the maintenance and promotion of peace, stability and development in the world," Hu said in his message. Full story
WASHINGTON, Nov.4 (Xinhua) -- Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama won the U.S. general elections on Tuesday after grabbing at least 297 electoral votes needed to capture the White House, U.S. media said. Full story
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama won a landslide victory in the U.S. presidential election Tuesday. His Republican rival John McCain conceded defeat minutes later. Full story
