(WKYT) - In the lead-up to America turning 250 years old, we are looking back every day at ‘This Day In History.’

On this day in 2008, the United States elected its first African American president.

Barack Obama, a Harvard Law graduate and former law professor, defeated Republican John McCain to become the 44th president of the U.S.

He rose to national prominence with his eloquent call for unity among “red” and “blue” states.

His campaign was notable for its unprecedented use of the internet for organizing and fundraising.

Obama secured 365 electoral votes, with nearly 53 percent of the popular vote.

His vice presidential running mate was Joe Biden.

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