Nov 30, 2007 8:32 am US/Pacific
Obama Puts On Show At The Apollo
Harlem Event Seen As Clinton-Territory Challenge
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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The Apollo Theater event marked Obama's first campaign stop in Harlem.
Hiroko Masuike/Getty Images
It was show time at the Apollo Thursday night.
Barack Obama held a huge fundraiser at the historic Harlem theater, a bold move since the city is typically considered Hillary Clinton territory.
The fundraiser was actually on the same street as former President Bill Clinton's office, just two blocks away.
So was it a tough crowd at the Apollo?
Obama drew a large crowd at his Harlem fundraiser. But before the festivities got underway, the Illinois senator had a little ring kissing on the agenda.
It was Obama's first trip to Harlem as a presidential candidate and he knew what he had to do -- chew the fat and pay his respects to one of Harlem's top powerbrokers -- the Reverend Al Sharpton.
Sharpton said he hasn't decided who he is endorsing but Thursday's meeting sent a warning to Clinton that Harlem could be up for grabs.
"I trust him. I think he is talking about a new kind of politics," said Angels Daws of Harlem. "It's courageous. Hillary is slick. Democrats are taking us for granted."
Obama filled the 1,500-seat Apollo to the rafters with guests paying $50 a pop.
Obama also got off some pointed shots at Clinton and her campaign.
"I'm not running because I'm trying to fulfill some long-held plan. I'm not running because this is somehow owed to me," he said.
Obama was introduced by comedian Chris Rock. Renowned scholar Cornel West also spoke.
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