From The Road
April 2, 2008 2:17 PM

Obama Has Testy Exchange In Philadelphia

By
Maria Gavrilovic
Topics
Barack Obama
(CBS)
From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

WALLINGFORD, PA. -- Barack Obama's six-day bus tour has been chock-full of local stops through out the state, where he has had personal interactions with voters. However, during a stop at the Italian Market in Philadelphia, Obama had several testy run-ins with a man who wanted to take a picture with the senator.



According to the campaign, the man is an eBay seller and was seeking a photo, presumably to sell online. He approached Obama outside the hotel this morning in Philadelphia and was aggressively asking for a photo.

"It was apparent that these guys were seeking autographs on books and magazines to sell on ebay," said Jen Psaki, a campaign spokeswoman. "They wanted a picture to authenticate the signatures. They were first at the senator's hotel and tried to get in front of third graders who were lined up to see Senator Obama. After being disruptive, the police moved them to the sidewalk. They then followed the motorcade to the second stop at the market and continued to push for a picture to authenticate whatever they could get signed."

Transcript from the pool report:

Run In #1

Man: Senator, Can I have a quick picture with you?
(Obama refuses to take a picture)

Run In #2

Man: "Senator, Can I get a picture with you?"
Obama: "You are wearing me out Brother."
Man: "I got one with Hillary Clinton and I got one with McCain, come on Senator that's not right."

Run in #3:

Man: "Senator, can I please, a quick one?
Obama: "No, you know what no."
Man: "Can I just say something to you real fast?"
Obama: "Yeah, you can"
Man: "I had one with Hillary Clinton, had one with Senator McCain."
Obama: "I am sure you do. Because when I was trying to talk to some kids – and I know look
Man: "No, my wife is a school teacher and she was there, she had to go back and that wasn't right what wont you just take a picture with me, I'm not asking you for a autograph its for my family."
Obama: "Yeah well whatever. Just take it. I won't be smiling. Because you're wearing me out. ….No no, you've been really rude about it. Just take a shot."



Add a Comment See all 110 Comments
by bttgghty April 5, 2008 4:34 AM EDT
When have you seen anyone that annoying allowed to get that close to Senator Clinton? What type of protection does Obama have to allow this man to harass. This video is a reflection of safety concerns people have for Obama. It is ridiculous.
Reply to this comment
by madem02053 April 4, 2008 2:23 AM EDT
you commented: Senator Obama must admit his error on this issue and sincerely apologize to Senator Clinton for telling the world she always supported NAFTA

HUH? From her own papers they clearly state she spoke FOR NAFTA. I don''t consider one phone call to one person she thought she might need later to be significant proof that she didn''t approve of NAFTA.

A few examples might be: The Buffalo News reports that back in 1998, Clinton attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and thanked praised corporations for mounting "a very effective business effort in the U.S. on behalf of NAFTA." Yes, you read that right: She traveled to Davos to thank corporate interests for their campaign ramming NAFTA through Congress.

On November 1, 1996, United Press International reported that on a trip to Brownsville, Texas, Clinton "touted the president''s support for the North American Free Trade Agreement, saying it would reap widespread benefits in the region."

The Associated Press followed up the next day noting that Hillary Clinton touted the fact that "the president would continue to support economic growth in South Texas through initiatives such as the North American Free Trade Agreement."

In her memoir, Clinton wrote, "Senator Dole was genuinely interested in health care reform but wanted to run for president in 1996. He couldn''t hand incumbent Bill Clinton any more legislative victories, particularly after Bill''s successes on the budget, the Brady bill and NAFTA."
Reply to this comment
by b-easy63 April 3, 2008 8:18 PM EDT
This story was told to the press by the Obama people so its hard telling what really happened.

Posted by truth-hurts at 03:29 AM : Apr 03, 2008


Yep. Guess Obama''s people also provided the press with the video of it all --that they have put on most stations. LOL
Reply to this comment
by b-easy63 April 3, 2008 8:16 PM EDT
If Obama couldn''''t handle even that tiny problem, he certainly isn''''t someone I want as president. The press has tried too hard to make him a golden child and I trust neither him nor the press, both tell you what they think you want to hear.

Posted by jambutler at 11:15 AM : Apr 03, 2008


According to you--Obama could not handle a persistent pest...and according to the rest of us and the news reports, Clinton cannot handle the truth, her votes (Iraq war and telecom immunity) or schedules (voted for NAFTA and lied until the schedules were made public) or her campaign finances (still owes people in Iowa and won''t return calls or pay them)...which would be more detrimental to the country?

Decisions. Decisions. LMAO
Reply to this comment
by jerico14 April 3, 2008 5:12 PM EDT
I don''t understand why the Secret Service let that man harass Senator Obama, without interveneing on his behalf, isn''t that their job? A person acting in that manner should not be able to get that close to any candidate, or public official. Regardless of his or her party, race,or religious mentor, Senator Obama was potentially in danger, and was not protected properly, someone in the MEDIA or his campaign organization, should address that, not if he should have let him take a picture. The man was obnoxious and should have been led away when first approached Senator Obama, I would like to see the footage of him trying to talk to kids, and the man harassing him for a picture to sell on eBay.
Jerico14
Reply to this comment
by leef531 April 3, 2008 5:02 PM EDT
The guy should of just took the picture...forgotten about conversation. I am not a Presidential candidate, and I do not want to talk to that dude. A Presidential candidate has to shake hands, take pictures, kiss babies, but NOT STOP and ''wait a minute" for every tom, *** and harry...after all he/she is running for President, and there is only 24 hours in a day. This jerk already tried to upstage some 3rd graders, run over the motor cade...he was trouble...then he wanted to become best friends...touch Obama. I wouldn''t want him touching me, would you? Running for President does not call or that. Smiling, stumbing, waving, hand shaking, kissing babies, and photo taking with as many voters as possible.... but of course every single request will not be delivered. Get real people.
Hillary does not stop into a joint till her SS people secure the area...Obama made a mistake...or not, but now deals with the jerk.
Reply to this comment
by eroosevelt08 April 3, 2008 3:24 PM EDT
On April 1, 2008, the President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Gerry McEntee said that he knows Hillary Clinton has been against NAFTA from the start, saying the former First Lady called him back in the ''90s to tell him %u201Cwe lost.%u201D %u201CI know that she spoke against it, she opposed it,%u201D McEntee said about NAFTA. %u201CMaybe she does not even remember this. The day that they got the votes, Hillary Clinton called me and I was in California at a union meeting. She said, and this really sums it up, she said %u2018We lost. We lost, the votes were there for NAFTA.%u2019 So anybody who tries to hang it around her neck, is hanging it around the wrong neck.%u201D

Gerry McIntee, as President of (AFSCME) is an impeccable source. To maintain his credibility, Senator Obama must admit his error on this issue and sincerely apologize to Senator Clinton for telling the world she always supported NAFTA when she opposed it before it became a law we all had to deal with. Senator Obama must correct all the misstatements he has made on this subject in a way that reaches all the people he talked to about this important subject.
Reply to this comment
by redheadmom2 April 3, 2008 3:10 PM EDT
"Maybe now some are seeing the "other" side of Barack Obama, the side that isn''''t all flashy-toothed smile. He says he wants people at his cabinet table to disagree with him. But, I will wager a bet, disagreeing with him will have it''''s price, just as with Bush. When he gives them the "sweet" talk and flashes that toothy smile it is going to mean "Okay. You have had your say. Now, you had better shut up if you want to keep that chair!" I''''ll also wager Obama will keep every one of the special king-like powers Bush put in place for himself. This is, however, what you gullible suckers are falling for, so, GOOD LUCK!"

What are you basing this huge assumption on?
Reply to this comment
by besscannon-2009 April 3, 2008 3:09 PM EDT
Byy the way, Simpson was guilty as hell. All the evidence was there. The gloves that didn''t fit....every idiot knows that when leather gloves get wet, they shrink! And...if not guilty, why was HIS blood there? The ones that choose to be blind, cannot see what is right before their eyes because they choose not to.
This is what is happening in this election. Obama had an explosive, hate-filled pastor, was befriended and funded by Resko, a crook, and Jones, the Chicago "Godfather". These facts are glossed over because they may tarnish the GOLDEN BOY. He has flip-flopped quite a few times on his programs. Has anyone noticed?. Of course not. They do not want to see, it might tarnish the GOLDEN BOY! Good luck, suckers!
Reply to this comment
by redheadmom2 April 3, 2008 3:08 PM EDT
"Can anyone tell me the name of someone who had a strong influence on Obama''''s life who was just an AVERAGE American?"


There are several mentioned in Obamas books beginning with his family and the people in the communty that he lived and worked in. Perhaps you should read them. Start with "Dreams from my Father" if you really want to know all about the guy. For a shorter version check the biography on his web site or another on his senatorial page.
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