On October 2, 2002, the day President Bush and Congress agreed on the joint resolution authorizing the Iraq War, Obama addressed the first high-profile Chicago anti-Iraq War rally, and spoke out against the war.
Pada tanggal 2 Oktober 2002, saat Presiden Bush dan Kongres menyetujui resolusi bersama yang mengizinkan dilancarkannya Perang Irak, Obama mengadakan kampanye anti-Perang Irak pertama di Chicago dan berpidato di sana.