Who became the first African American U.S. president in 2008?

Barack Obama became the first African American U.S. president in 2008, marking a significant milestone in American history. His election symbolized progress in the civil rights movement, demonstrating that a candidate from a historically marginalized community could attain the highest office in the nation. Obama's presidency reflected a shift toward greater inclusivity in the political landscape of the United States. His policies and leadership style also aimed to address various socio-economic issues, cultivating hope among many Americans for change and representation.

The other choices do not reflect this historical context: John McCain, a Republican, ran against Obama but did not win; George W. Bush was president prior to Obama, serving two terms from 2001 to 2009; and Hillary Clinton was a candidate in the 2016 election but did not hold the presidential office.