Manchester, N.H.
Sen. Barack Obama conducted his maiden visit to New Hampshire this week, stirring comparisons to John Kennedy and heightening anticipation over his expected presidential run. Speaking before a giddy crowd of 1,500 and a massive press contingent, the 45-year-old Illinois Democrat condemned the current political climate of ൠ-hour, slash-and-burn, negative-ad bickering." He said he was still mulling the presidential option, but left little doubt he has decided to make the plunge. "This is our time," he declared. "A new generation is prepared to lead." The huge crowds that greeted Obama in the state that hosts the first presidential primaries gave him no reason to turn back. "I do hope he runs," said physician Kathy Frieden. "I haven't been so excited by someone since JFK."
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