Nine years ago today, a little-known senator named Barack Obama announced his presidential candidacy in front of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL. Today, that senator goes by President Obama, also known as the leader of the free world.
Earlier this afternoon President Obama returned to Springfield for the first time since he kicked off his campaign nine years ago. In a speech focusing on bipartisan solutions, Obama called for a “higher form of political discourse.”
He also alluded to the media’s tendency to chase soundbites while ignoring the true challenges faced by the American people.
He wrapped up the hour-long speech with a call to action regarding voting rights. Stressing the importance of voter participation, President Obama challenged state legislatures to work to increase constituent participation in the political process.