Illinois Democratic Senator Barack Obama acknowledged Sunday that he is weighing a campaign for the US presidency in 2008, reversing months of public reluctance. Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press," he confirmed the possibility was on the table, citing encouraging public responses he had received in recent months.
Obama, 45, is less than two years into his first Senate term, which began after his November 2004 election. He said his immediate priority is helping fellow Democrats win congressional and state races in November before he gives the presidential question serious thought.
The senator has attracted growing national attention through a recent book tour, a Time magazine cover appearance, and photo features in several prominent publications. Political observers have noted that his travel itinerary has repeatedly included Iowa, an early and influential state in the presidential nomination process.
If Obama enters the race, he would likely face a formidable primary opponent in New York Senator Hillary Clinton. He would also encounter sharper media scrutiny after years of largely favorable press coverage. New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd recently challenged him to move beyond magazine appearances and pursue more substantive ambitions.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.