Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

Wed 01 Jan 2007Obama takes the first step in 2008 bid for White HouseRising Democratic star Barack Obama has taken the first step towards a White House bid in 2008 that could make him the first black president in American history. In a video message to supporters yesterday, the senator from Illinois said he was forming an exploratory committee that will allow him to raise funds and hire staff for a presidential campaign."I've been struck by how hungry we all are for a different kind of politics," Mr Obama said, "so I've spent some time thinking about how I could best advance the cause of change and progress that we so desperately need."