Barack Obama, the young, black Democrat senator from Illinois will shortly announce his decision to run for President. That he is being seen as a serious contender is proof of a dramatic rise. Elected to the senate for the first time in 2004, he has become his party's star performer, wowing conventions and energising the faithful. The next step, however, is nothing short of mountainous. He must beat the power and money of Hillary Clinton for the nomination - something she has declared she's in to win.