Ep 3. Part Three

In Part Three of Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union, viewers are taken on a journey through the early political career of President Barack Obama. The episode begins with his election to the Illinois State Senate in 1996 and follows his rise in Chicago politics, which eventually led to his election as a United States Senator in 2004.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the challenges that Obama faced during his time in the Illinois State Senate. As a black man in a predominantly white political environment, Obama navigated heated debates over issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare, and education. In many cases, Obama found himself at odds with more established politicians, such as the legendary Illinois State Senator Emil Jones.

Despite these challenges, Obama's dedication to his principles and his knack for building coalitions allowed him to pass important pieces of legislation. He worked with Republicans to pass a law aimed at reducing police brutality and worked with Democrats to expand healthcare access for children.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to the controversial figure of Jeremiah Wright, the minister of Obama's church in Chicago. Obama's relationship with Wright became a major issue during his 2008 presidential campaign, and Part Three explores the origins of their friendship and the reasons why Obama remained a member of Wright's church.

The episode also delves into Obama's rise to national prominence. After giving the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Obama became a household name. He leveraged this newfound fame to launch his bid for U.S. Senate, running against a formidable Republican opponent in Alan Keyes. Part Three shows how Obama's message of unity and hope resonated with voters and carried him to victory.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to archival footage and interviews with key players in Obama's political career. We see Obama on the campaign trail, giving speeches that would later become iconic. We also hear from his advisers and colleagues, who offer insights into the political strategy that propelled Obama to national prominence.

Part Three of Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is a compelling portrait of a rising political star. It shows how Obama's dedication to his principles and his ability to build coalitions allowed him to achieve great things even in the face of formidable challenges. For anyone interested in the origins of Barack Obama's political career, this episode is a must-watch.