People Archives

Justine Sacco: Tweet About AIDS Ends Her Career

What did Justine Sacco write in her infamous tweet? How did the public react to her comment? On December 20, 2013, Justine Sacco posted the following tweet before getting on a flight to Africa: “Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get AIDS. Just kidding. I’m white!” Justine Sacco’s tweet was meant to be a comment on white privilege: white people have an easier time feeling like they’re immune to certain issues. But people misunderstood it and shamed Sacco for being racist. Here goes the story of how Justine Sacco’s tweet became the world’s top story.

Barack Obama: College in Los Angeles Shaped Identity

Where did Barack Obama go to college? How did his time at Occidental College shape his worldview? Barack Obama attended Occidental College in Los Angeles beginning in 1979. At Occidental, Obama became more interested in literature and politics, and began forming his political beliefs. Read more about Barack Obama, Occidental College, and his experiences there.

Barack Obama: Past Political Experience & Ambitions

What was Barack Obama’s past political experience? When did he first run for office? Barack Obama’s past political experience began when he ran for the Illinois State Senate. His time in the state senate taught him valuable political lessons. Read more about Barack Obama’s past political experience in the Illinois State Senate.

The Rick Santelli Rant and the Politics of Resentment

What was the Rick Santelli rant about? How did it affect Obama’s strategy in the 2008 financial crisis? Rick Santelli’s rant happened when Santelli, a conservative commentator, went on CNBC and complained about relief programs for struggling homeowners. It proved that wealthy CEOs saw themselves as the victims of the crisis, not the creators. Read more about Rick Santelli’s rant and what happened.

Carl Karcher: The McDonald’s Entrepreneur

Who is Carl Karcher? What was his role in the early days of McDonald’s? Carl Karcher was an entrepreneur who saw the potential in the McDonald brothers’ Speedee service system. Combined with the new U.S. interstate system, Karcher saw a formula for success and grew McDonald’s locations from 250 to 3,000 in the 1960’s and 70’s. Read more about Carl Karcher and his role in expanding McDonald’s.

John Brennan: Obama Homeland Security Advisor

Who was the Obama Homeland Security Advisor? What was his role in the Obama administration? John Brennan served as Obama’s Homeland Security Advisor. His main role was to serve as a guide for all things intelligence and counterterrorism. Read more about John Brennan and his role in counterterrorism.

Barack Obama Visits Iraq & Sees a Need for Change

Did Barack Obama visit Iraq? What was the purpose of the visit? Barack Obama opposed the war in Iraq. When he and others in Congress visited the country, he became even more convinced of his views. Read more about Barack Obama’s visit to Iraq and how it motivated him.

Barack Obama, Senator: Career in Politics Continues

Was Barack Obama a Senator? How long did he serve in the Senate and what were his contributions? Barack Obama began his Senate term in 2005. As a senator, Obama became a national celebrity and was known for challenging the GOP on policies. Read more about Barack Obama and his term as a senator.

Barack Obama: A Promised Land is About Principles

What is Barack Obama’s book A Promised Land about? How does Obama tell the story of his life and political career? A Promised Land by Barack Obama is about his life, entrance into politics, and his first term as President of the United States. Barack Obama’s life and ideals shaped his politics, and he goes into depth about how and why in his book A Promised Land. Read more about Barack Obama, A Promised Land, and the book’s major themes and ideas.

Barack Obama: 2008 Presidential Campaign

How did Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign end? How did Obama secure his victory? The 2008 presidential campaign of Barack Obama was historic for many reasons. But the biggest one was that Obama won the election and became president. Read more about the Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign and how Obama became president.