DENVER–A group of Illinois women got a surprise visit from an old friend—Barack Obama.
DENVER–A group of Illinois women got a surprise visit from an old friend—Barack Obama. Obama dropped in Thursday at a luncheon for Illinois women attending the Democratic National Convention. The presidential nominee joked he wanted to try out his big acceptance speech on a friendly crowd. Instead, Obama hugged old friends and talked about how much he appreciated their support over the years. He told the women it’s because of them that he and his wife have the honor of helping to lead the party and trying to win back the White House. The room erupted in cheers when he arrived and people crowded around to get pictures or to hug Obama. One woman cried, saying her mother had died recently but had been proud of Obama’s accomplishments. AP ______ Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.