JULY 27 Obama enters the national collective consciousness with a stirring keynote speech at the Democrats' national convention in Boston
NOV. 2 Obama wins his U.S. Senate seat, resolves to keep his head down and learn the ropes
2006 OCT. 23
2007 JAN. 20 Hillary Clinton announces her candidacy via Internet video, declaring, "I'm in. And I'm in to win." (She was half right)
FEB. 10 Obama launches his presidential bid in Springfield, Ill.; 15,000 brave the cold. He likens himself to Lincoln and sells some hope
JUNE 13 A lip-synching Amber Lee Ettinger--a.k.a. Obama Girl--goes on YouTube to declare...