Obama sighting at Manny's deli

by John McCormick

After remaining out of public view for most of the week, President-elect Barack Obama ventured out of his transition office this afternoon to grab lunch at a Chicago landmark.

Obama left the Kluczynski Federal Building in the Loop at 12:22 p.m. and headed straight for Manny's deli, where a couple dozen people were already waiting outside.

The president-elect spent a little over 10 minutes inside the restaurant, where he was joined by friend and adviser Valerie Jarrett.

Diners repeatedly shouted "congratulations," as Obama ordered lunch and worked the room wearing a topcoat and scarf.

Asked about a federal bailout for the auto industry, Obama responded, "I got the corned beef."

Earlier, he had asked for "Manny's mustard" on his sandwich. As part of his take-out order, Obama left with two cherry pies, three corned beef sandwiches and paid cash for his tab, $48.34.

Obama shook dozens of hands and posed for photos with the patrons and staff. He signed a photo of himself and Mayor Richard Daley that had been taken in the deli after he won the U.S. Senate primary in 2004.

Owner Ken Raskin, whose father was Manny, had asked Obama to sign the photo for him.

"Axe says hello," Obama said, mentioning top strategist David Axelrod, who frequently dines at the deli.

"I'm just glad to be out," he added at one point.

Many of the patrons got up from their tables to shake Obama's hand. Some hugged him.

"I love you," one of them called out, prompting a "I love you back" from Obama.

Greeting a group of police officers seated in the restaurant, Obama remarked, "Chicago's finest right there."

After he greeted a group of MBA students and their instructor, one of the people at the table screamed in delight.

"Yes," shouted Susan Cohen of Urbana, Ill., the instructor. "I'm so excited."

As he left the restaurant, Obama yelled out, "Thank you, guys."

Obama was back to the federal building within about 30 minutes.

The president-elect's last public appearance was Monday, when he met with Sen. John McCain in Chicago. Because of the tighter security precautions around him, the media had not seen much of the president-elect all week.

Transition aides have said Obama is holding private meetings today in Chicago and is not expected at any additional public events.