Obama launches presidential bid

Two years after becoming a senator, Barack Obama launches his campaign for the US presidency.

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Two years ago he had never held national office.

But today Barack Obama launched his campaign for the US presidency in the hometown of Abraham Lincoln as by the far the most credible black candidate ever to run for the White House.

Hillary Clinton is still the favourite to win the democratic nomination.

But could his charismatic speech, allied to firm pledges to change American policy on global warming and Iraq, appeal strongly to voters looking for an entirely new approach after the Bush years?

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