Even before being sworn into Congress in 2005, Barack Obama found fault with the Bush administration's handling of the Iraq war.

He opposed deployment of U.S. soldiers to Iraq, but supports keeping some troops in the country for counter-terrorism and protection of the U.S. Embassy.

In the big picture, Obama believes diplomacy is the ticket.

The democrat supported Bush-backed immigration reform, which would have improved enforcement of existing laws and border security technology.

He voted for a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.

On health care, Obama says all adult Americans would be eligible for coverage via his national insurance plan.

His proposal would require coverage for all children.

Obama promises everything would be in place by the end of his first term in office.