Pool Report of Obama's Stop At Illinois Women's Delegation Lunch

POOL REPORT PART TWO: Obama Makes Surprise Appearance at Illinois Women's Delegation Lunch

12:53 pm

Sen. Obama arrived at the Marriott in downtown Denver for a quick, surprise
visit with women from the Illinois delegation. He visited briefly,
exchamging hugs, posing for photos, and generally basking in adulation.

He stepped to a podium on a riser and spoke for 2 minutes. He wore a great
suit and light blue tie.

"I have a speech tonight. I wanted to practice it out on you guys," Obama
joked as the women cheered. "See if it works."

Received with hugs and kisses, one woman interrupted his brief remarks with
a scream: "I love you!"

Obama told the gathering he wanted to drop in to thank them for getting his
political career started. He pointed out friends whom he said worked on his
state senate campaign, his failed congressional bid, and his run for U.S.
Senate.

"This is like going back on memory lane," he smiled from the podium of the
Marriott hotel ballroom.

"I have not forgotten where I came from," he said. "I haven't forgotten who
got me here. It's because of all of you."

"It's because of all of you that Michelle and I have this great honor of
helping to lead this party and take back this White House," he said.
"Everything I do I do because of what I've learned from you, because of the
support you've given me."

Delores Register, of Oak Park, Ill., took in the scene from the back of the
hall, as Obama was encircled by adoring supporters.

"It's very emotional," she said. "Very meaningful. Here we were eating
lunch, and it was like the clouds parted and the sun was shining in."