Who Am I?

This politician has been mentioned an AWFUL lot recently. Can you guess who he is?

• One former president said of him: "There could not a be a finer candidate for President."
• New York Times named him amongst the "Ten Most Important Living Americans."
• To his critics, he is "Wonder Boy."
• His political career has seen him spearhead a campaign to promote home ownership amongst lower income families and he has promised unprecedented influence of African-Americans upon being elected president.
• He came up with plans to end popular tax cuts by the previous administration.
• He's been accused of "reckless and extravagant" spending plans and "leading the country down the path of socialism."

Who could I possibly be talking about? Answers in the comments section, please, and all commentor's will be entered into my Christmas Competition (since only five people entered the original one!)