"I'm thinking maybe some Lincoln will rub off on them while
they're here," Obama told a lunchtime fundraiser in Chicago. Obama
also noted the barrage of attack ads the primary season has
unleashed and said they're not exactly appealing to -- in Lincoln's
famous words -- "the better angels of our nature."
The nation's first Republican president is an oft-mentioned Obama
role model, and he began a day of fundraising in Illinois and
Georgia by holding Lincoln up as an example to today's conservative
GOP field.
"We've got some guests in Illinois this week," Obama noted at a
donor event organized by Democratic lawyers. "Apparently they have
not wrapped up on the other side."
Obama said Lincoln understood Americans are one nation, and they
rise and fall together. He contrasted that with "on-your-own
economics" that he says his GOP foes embrace.
While stumping in the state, Obama said he hopes those foes "take
a little time to reflect on this great man."
Recalling Lincoln's devotion to education and public
transportation, Obama said: "That vision of Lincoln's -- a vision of
a big, bold, generous, dynamic, active, inclusive America -- that's
the vision that has driven this country for more than 200 years."
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Seats at the Chicago fundraiser ranged from $2,500 to $10,000.
Campaign officials expected about 600 to attend.
In Atlanta, the Obama campaign's African American Leadership
Council was hosting a gala at film producer Tyler Perry's studio.
Singer Cee Lo Green was expected to perform. General admission
tickets were $500. VIP tickets ranged from $2,500 to $10,000. A
dinner later at Perry's home was expected to raise $35,800 per
guest.
The money is split between the campaign and the Democratic
National Committee.
[Associated Press;
By JIM KUHNHENN]
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
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