By Pamela Gentry, BET News Senior Political Producer

Posted Oct. 1, 2007 – Mobs, lines and cheers were the order last week at every event Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) attended during the 37th Annual Legislative Conference by Black lawmakers held in Washington.

One of the newest members of the caucus created the biggest stir during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s four days of workshops and receptions that ended with a black-tie awards dinner Saturday night. The weekend was a crescendo of Obama mania that peaked during the dinner at the Washington Convention Center.  

As one of 5,000 folks attending the dinner, I was two tables away from Obama, which gave me a first-hand look a the mob-like behavior of the distinguished guests.  It also delayed my dinner.  Servers were blocked from the aisles by those seeking a peek at the presidential candidate. 

Obama and his wife, Michelle, in a beautiful strapless gray gown, appeared to greet everyone with a smile.  They chatted with former Ambassador Andrew Young and other less well known folks who moved in close to grab pictures. 

When members of the Black Caucus were introduced, the audience was asked to hold applause to the end, everyone obeyed until Obama took the stage, and cheers and applause filled the room.  

Obama wasn’t the only Democratic presidential candidate in room; one table over Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) and his wife were seated with Rep. Bennie Thompson, (D-Miss.). Sen. Hillary Clinton was seated directly opposite Obama on the other side of the stage with Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.).   I didn’t see New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, but he was recognized from the podium, along with other elected officials who attended.

This was the second night in a row I witnessed the “rock star” in action.  Friday night I attended a reception hosted by the three Illinois members of the House: Congressmen Danny Davis, Jesse Jackson, Jr., and Bobby Rush, all of whom have signed on to support Obama’s run for the White House.

A line was formed outside the event 30 minutes before it began. Carolyn Mosley, a congressional staffer, had the task of managing a line of anxious attendees. “Are you on the VIP list,” Mosley asked folks as she relegated them to the proper waiting place. 

“Move back or you won’t get in,” shouted James Stewart, a private security door man whose 250-pound frame was convincing enough for me.  “This place only has space for 900; these folks are trying what’s called the bump rush, so to get control I might have to be little harsh,” he told me.   

Nicole Black, who waited outside for 45 minutes, told me inside, “It’s a fun night to be out.”  Black said she just moved to D.C. from Washington state to attend law school.

Obama’s appearance at this event brought more of the same, massive security measures, long lines, and strict crowd control.

When Jackson took to the stage to introduce his presidential pick, the crowd went crazy.  “He provides the most hope. Ladies and gentleman the next president of the United States, Barack Obama, Jackson shouted.

Barack spoke to crowd with a candor and ease I haven’t seen in his other appearances.  After thanking the crowd and laying out his plans to take the early primary states, Obama led the crowd in a responsive cheer, “Fired up and ready to go.”

He ended by saying, “Let’s go change the world.”  

Have you decided on your presidential pick, if so who will it be?