Revisiting Elizabeth Brackett’s Award-Winning Profile of Barack Obama


When state Sen. Barack Obama decided to run for U.S. Senate, journalist Elizabeth Brackett produced one of the first television documentaries about his life story. 

Brackett, a longtime “Chicago Tonight” host and correspondent, died Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Stroger Hospital from injuries sustained in an apparent cycling accident. As part of our celebration of her life and work, we revisit that program, which first aired in 2004. In the video above, Brackett introduces the story in February 2007 when Obama announced his candidacy for president.

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“Her political coverage included, I think, the best profile that’s been done on Barack Obama and for which she won a regional Emmy,” said “Chicago Tonight” Executive Director Mary Field.


Related stories:

Elizabeth Brackett, Award-Winning Journalist and Triathlete, Dies at 76

Family Announces Funeral Services for Elizabeth Brackett

Friends Remember Elizabeth Brackett’s Energy, Adventurous Outlook

Family Hopes to Learn Identity of Good Samaritans Who Helped Elizabeth Brackett

Elizabeth Brackett, Longtime WTTW Journalist, Critically Injured in Bicycle Accident


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