Obama becomes rising star among Democrats

'The Candidates: Barack Obama' premiered on MSNBC Wednesday Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

He commands attention with dynamic style and moving speeches.

SEN. BARACK OBAMA, D-ILL.: This country will reclaim its promise, and out of this long political darkness a brighter day will come!

TERRY LINK, ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR: Tears were rolling down my eyes.

EMIL JONES, JR.: We were all crying.  We felt so good.

But can the soaring poetry of Barack Obama's campaigning translate into enough votes to propel him to the presidency?

JERRY KELLMAN, CHICAGO COMMUNITY ORGANIZER: No one could have envisioned an African-American being a serious candidate for President of the United States in the way that Barack has become.

Obama has spent his life straddling different worlds. Now he's trying to transcend them.

SANTITA JACKSON, DAUGHTER OF REV. JESSE JACKSON: He's someone who really has taken the leap that I think that all Americans, and that all people, really need to take.

In an MSNBC documentary, learn about the personal and political journey that turned a longshot hopeful into a presidential contender.

OBAMA: On this January night at this defining moment in history, you have done what the cynics said we couldn't do.

It was more than just the cynics saying he couldn't do it. But with his surprise victory in the first presidential caucus of 2008 in Iowa, and the many other primary wins across the country, Barack Obama secures his place as a serious contender for president of the United States. 

Political royalty rolled out the red carpet of endorsements. Caroline Kennedy even sees similarities between Obama and her father, President John F. Kennedy.

CAROLINE KENNEDY, AUTHOR: Fortunately there is one candidate who offers that same sense of hope.

Obama has also garnered support from entertainment heavy hitters like Stevie Wonder, Robert DeNiro and Oprah Winfrey.

But even with his growing popularity, there is an ever-present question: Is America ready for its first African-American president?

JACKSON: Let's get through this primary season first.  But he has a great shot.  I think that his emergence in this season shows us just how far we've come as a nation.

And for all the charm and excitement, Barack Obama is still somewhat unknown, an enigma who has America wondering who he is and where he came from. 

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