Obama Has Testy Exchange In Philadelphia
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."