Through the creation of a "welfare state" or a state with social safety nets such as those that were created under the New Deal it showed that the United States had a renewed focus on providing economic opportunities for its people especially in times of recession and depression. The priority today is in tact in some ways and under attack in others given that the Republicans and Democrats have very different views about the value or purpose of implementing welfare or social safety net programs.
I am unsure about John McCain but but I know Obama was the only president born outside of the 48 consecutive states (he was born in Hawaii). I believe John was as well.
