How Barack Obama Works

HowStuffWorks "How Barack Obama Works": "Throughout­ the first half deca­de of the 21st century, the Republican Party controlled Congress and the White House. The voting public perceived that Congress was making little progress in addressing issues, however [source: Murray]. When the 2006 Congressional elections rolled around, the Democrats won both the House and Senate back. To the Democrats, it was a clear mandate: 'The American people have spoken clearly and decisively in favor of Democrats leading this country in a new direction,' said Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid [source: Los Angeles Times]."