The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States is a defining moment in American history. After years of failed policies and a failed politics from Washington, this is our chance to reclaim the American dream. Barack Obama has proven to be a new kind of leader--one who can bring people together, be honest about the challenges we face, and move this nation forward. Change We Can Believe In outlines his vision for America.

The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States is a defining moment in American history. After years of failed policies and a failed politics from Washington, this is our chance to reclaim the American dream. Barack Obama has proven to be a new kind of leader--one who can bring people together, be honest about the challenges we face, and move this nation forward. Change We Can Believe In outlines his vision for America.

In these pages you will find bold and specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world. Change We Can Believe In asks us not just to believe in Barack Obama's ability to bring change to Washington, it asks us to believe in our ability to change the world.

FOREWORD BY BARACK OBAMA

 PART 1 THE PLAN

INTRODUCTION: HOPE FOR AMERICA

REVIVING OUR ECONOMY

STRENGTHENING THE MIDDLE CLASS

 Provide Immediate Relief with an Emergency

 Economic Plan·Economic Security and Opportunity

 for All American Families·Affordable Health Care

 for All Americans·Empower Families to Succeed

 ·Restore Trust, Return to Fiscal Responsibility

INVESTING IN OUR PROSPERITY

CREATING OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE

 Promote Our Energy Independence and Create Five

 Million Green Jobs·A World-Class Education for

 Every American·Make America the Undisputed

 Leader in Science and Technology·Build the

 Infrastructure of the Twenty-first Century·Help

 Our Small Businesses and Manufacturers Thrive

 and Create Jobs·Compete and Thrive in the

 Global Economy

REBUILDING AMERICA'S LEADERSHIP

RESTORING OUR PLACE IN THE WORLD

 End the War in !raq Responsibly·Finish the

 Fight Against A1 Qaeda and Turn the Tide Against

 Global Terrorism·Rebuild a Strong Twenty-first-

 Century Military·Stop the Spread of Nuclear

 Weapons·Renew Our Alliances to Meet New

 Global Challenges

PERFECTING OUR UNION

EMBRACING AMERICA'S VALUES

 Restore Trust in Government and Clean Up

 Washington·Make Voluntary Citizen Service

 Universal·Partner with Communities of Faith

 ·Strengthen Families·Advance Equal Opportunity

 for All Americans·Secure Our Borders and Reform

 a Broken Immigration System·Safeguard the

 Environment for Future Generations·Honor

 Sportsmen and Protect the Great Outdoors·

 Fight Crime and Promote Public Safety

CONCLUSION: YES WE CAN

 PART 2 THE CALL

DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY

 February 10, 2007 Springfield, Illinois

IOWA CAUCUS NIGHT

 January 3, 2008 Des Moines, Iowa

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY NIGHT

 January 8, 2008 Nashua, New Hampshire

A MORE PERFECT UNION

 March 18, 2008 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

FATHER'S DAY 2008

 June 15, 2008 Chicago, Illinois

RENEWING AMERICAN

COMPETITIVENESS

 June 16, 2008 Flint, Michigan

A WORLD THAT STANDS AS ONE

 July 24, 2008[ Berlin, Germany

ELECTION NIGHT

 November 4, 2008 Chicago, Illinois

Acknowledgments