In New Hampshire, Obama Heightens 2008 Prospects

[Imagevision]

Obama drew large crowds curious about his presidential prospects during his first trip to the pivotal campaign state of New Hampshire.

Several hundred New Hampshire voters turned out to hear Obama speak at a signing for his best-selling book, ``Audacity of Hope,''

The senator was headed to speak at a $25-per-person fundraiser for the state Democratic Party in Manchester. All 1,500 tickets quickly sold out and 150 members of the media signed up to cover the event.

Obama said the government should be able to help make sure all Americans have basic health insurance, alternative sources of energy to reduce dependence on foreign oil and a diplomatic power that matches its military might.

He said American slaves, immigrants, women and workers have been able to change the country, and the current generation needs to recover that spirit.

``Certainly our politics is not expressing it,'' Obama said. ``What we've come to be consumed by is 24-hour, slash-and-burn, negative ad, bickering, small-minded politics.''

He said he saw an awaking of American voters in last month's midterm election, and played to the seriousness that New Hampshire voters take with their responsibility as the nation's first presidential primary state.

``I know that doesn't apply in New Hampshire, where voters are always paying attention,'' he said, drawing a laugh from the standing room only crowd.

[AndreaCG]

1. I think he's too green to run

But he's sure making an impression.