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Barack Obama's '10-year challenge': 10-year anniversary of Barack's first inauguration

Odette Odendaal
By Odette Odendaal
Jan 22, 2019
09:49 A.M.

Sunday marked the tenth anniversary since history got made when Barack Obama became the first African-American president of the United States of America.

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On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama took over the reins to lead the American nation after he defeated Hillary Clinton and John McCain in the election.

The Youth Inaugural Ball at the Hilton Washington on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. after President Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. | Photo: Getty Images.

The Youth Inaugural Ball at the Hilton Washington on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. after President Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. | Photo: Getty Images.

Thirty-eight million people watched as Barack Obama got inaugurated and became the 44th president to serve the United States, while later one getting re-elected as president in 2012.

During his acceptance speech, Barack Obama spoke of the nation’s skepticism and hope that citizens have in his ability to move the country into a new era as he said in part:

“The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.”

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After Barack got sworn in as president, the poet Elizabeth Alexander paid tribute to what built the nation as she said:

“Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of.”

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But the tenth anniversary marking when Barack Obama first got elected as president was not the only special date they celebrated recently.

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Michelle Obama celebrated her 55th birthday on January 17, and Barack posted a sweet message to the love of his life on social media with a fitting picture of the couple taken years ago. He captioned the beautiful photo:

“I knew it way back then and I’m absolutely convinced of it today — you’re one of a kind.”

Thousands of fans shared Barack’s sentiment and shared their good wishes for the former first lady on her birthday.

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The couple got married in 1992 after they dated for three years. Michelle and Barack met at the Chicago law firm where they both worked and admitted to resisting the advances of Barack until she could not deny her feelings for him any longer as she said:

“As soon as I allowed myself to feel anything for Barack, the feelings came rushing — a toppling blast of lust, gratitude, fulfillment, wonder.”

Happy birthday to “one of a kind’ Michelle Obama!

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One could argue that history was made once more when Donald Trump became president on January 20, 2017. With a background and dealings in the real estate sector, Donald Trump had no history in politics and won the nation over with enough votes to become the next president of the United States of America.

Melania Trump took to social media on Sunday to reminisce about hitting the two-year mark of her husband’s presidency.

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Posting a throwback picture from the inaugural day on January 20, 2017, the couple can be seen standing together on a large version of the presidential seal with the caption:

“It has been an unforgettable two years in the @WhiteHouse. I am honored to serve this great nation! ??."

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