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epa05706742 (FILE) - A file picture dated 22 March 2016 shows US President Barack Obama arriving to address the people of Cuba at the El Gran Teatro de Havana, during a historic visit to Havana, Cuba. On 04 November 2008, then Democratic Senator Barack Obama (Illinois), at age 47, earned 365 electoral votes and nearly 53 of the popular vote in a wider-than-expected margin of victory against Republican Senator John McCain in the US Presidential elections. He became the 44th president of the United States and the first African American to be elected to office. President Obama quickly became known as a progressive politician and was named the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize laureate nine months after his inauguration. However, he faced his share of challenges during his 8-year tenure. The Republicans held control of the Senate throughout his time in the White House and he faced constant challenges passing legislation. His administration is generally known for pursuing policies such as gun control, greater inclusiveness for LGBT Americans, the promotion of the 2015 Paris Agreement on global climate change and the Obamacare health care program for Americans. It is also known for a series of historic initiatives in international relations such as a nuclear deal with Iran and normalized relations with Cuba. EPA/JEFFREY ARGUEDAS