Obama's Accepting Outlook Forged in Diverse Hawaii

Island state's tolerant spirit helped shape candidate's worldview

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 7, 2008 12:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama spent his formative years in Hawaii and islanders say the unique and diverse nature of the 50th state helped shape the candidate's outlook on life, the AP reports. Obama's racial identity was forged in the state where everybody belongs to a minority group, and the accomodating nature of island politics helped shape his policial outlook.

"In Hawaii, because we have a confined space in terms of being an island state, we perhaps have to learn how to cooperate and compromise more," said a longtime family friend. "We learn how to listen to each other and work on things in a positive manner." Obama has written that the state's tolerance—while far from perfect—became the foundation for the beliefs he holds dearest.

This photo provided by the Punahou School shows Barak "Barry" Obama, second row right, in a 1978 senior yearbook photo at the Punahou School, the prestigious private academy in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Punahoe Schools, File)

Georgia McCauley, a longtime family friend of Barack Obama, poses for a photograph on a beach walk on Oahu's North Shore, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 in Mokuleia, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

Shoppers stand in front of a store which has signs in support of Barack Obama, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

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Obama's Accepting Outlook Forged in Diverse Hawaii

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Obama, Others Won't Return Ponzi Cash

Receiver wants the $1.8M Allen Stanford gave to politicians

Chinese VP Arrives in Washington

Xi Jinping, China's next president, to meet with Obama

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

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