Obama grabs lunch at local deli, greets patrons

CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama grabbed his lunch to go Friday and artfully dodged a question about the auto industry woes he'll inherit.

"We got the corned beef," Obama said as he made his way around the counter at Manny's deli. Asked by a reporter what he thought about the auto industry, he responded with a smile: "I got the corned beef."

(enlarge photo) President-elect Barack Obama, with money in hand, looks to pay for his order during a visit to Manny's Deli in Chicago, Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Congress has been debating whether to provide billions in financial help to the Big Three automakers, who are warning about economic disaster if they go under.

Manny's is a popular hangout and campaign stop for Chicago politicians. Mayor Richard Daley stops by on occasion.

"Rahm Emanuel sends his regards," Obama told deli workers, referring to his chief of staff. "I ordered him his corned beef."

Longtime friend Valerie Jarrett, who has been named a White House senior adviser, accompanied Obama on his lunch outing.

The two ordered three sandwiches and some cherry pie. Obama also talked to the owner and signed a picture for him.

"I've aged a little bit," the president-elect said, as he handed back the photograph.

Weaving through tables, Obama shook hands and greeted patrons. Customers got up from their tables to congratulate him, give him a hug and take pictures of him with their cell phones.

"I love you back," he told one customer.

"Good to see you," Obama told another. "I'm doing great."

Obama has mostly been out of public view since meeting with campaign rival John McCain on Monday. He's held private meetings at his Chicago transition office for much of the week.

Earlier Friday, he exercised at a gym.

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