LAT: Obama goes Hollywood

[DeepModem Mom]

Casting for West Wing
Barack Obama hasn't committed to a 2008 run, but some stars are already dreaming.
By Tina Daunt, Times Staff Writer
October 25, 2006

....Director Rob Reiner compared a possible run by Obama to Abraham Lincoln's victory.

"How poetic would it be that a one-term congressman from the state of Illinois could be elected president and free the slaves," said Reiner, reached on his car phone Monday, "and now a one-term African American senator from that same state could become the next president?"...

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On Friday, (Obama) will be in Los Angeles to discuss (his book, "The Audacity of Hope") at the Urban Issues Breakfast Forum of Greater L.A. and the California African American Museum.

Later that evening, he will attend a fundraiser for the state Democratic Party with gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides....

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Obama says he appreciates the support he's been shown by Hollywood Democrats. (Obama, who was born in Hawaii to an American mother and a Kenyan father, counts George Clooney and Bono as friends.)

"There are some celebrities who have really done their homework and know what they are talking about and are terrific advocates for justice and peace and opportunity around the world," he said. "I want all citizens to get involved. Whether they are the secretary in an office building or a movie star, I think the more engaged and interested people are, the better off we all are."

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/cl-et-obama25oct25,0,4805047.story?coll=la-home-entertainment