CLAREMONT – About 450 people came to the Stevens High School gymnasium in Claremont yesterday to hear Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama's pitch for hope and fundamental change in the nation's political system.

If elected, Obama vowed to end the war in Iraq within 16 months, refocus the military on the fight with al-Qaeda and engage in diplomacy with enemies of the United States.

"Not only do I want to end the war in Iraq, I want to end the mindset that got us there," he said.

Obama said his emphasis on talks with leaders of enemy nations sets him apart from Sen. Hillary Clinton, the national frontrunner in the Democratic race. "When we talk to our enemies, that will empower us," he said.

In response to an audience member's question about how he plans to shrink Clinton's lead in the polls, Obama said he's focusing on the early primary states and gaining momentum.

"We are going exactly according to plan," he said. "We are in a dead heat with Sen. Clinton in Iowa, dead heat."

Obama said that at this phase of the campaign, he's trying to differentiate himself from Clinton and former North Carolina senator John Edwards. However, he said, "Despite the egging on of the national press, I'm not interested in kneecapping Hillary Clinton."

Obama said his administration would take on health insurance companies to make health care more accessible and affordable for Americans. He said he would increase the salaries of the nation's educators while providing the necessary funding for education initiatives such as No Child Left Behind. He also said he would fight for same-sex couples to receive the same rights and benefits at the federal level as other couples and to see that veterans receive mandatory mental health screenings prior to discharge.

►Slideshow: Obama holds a rally on the State House lawn

"You need a president who's a little bit impatient," he said, "a little bit impatient about talking about the problems instead of solving them."

After the event, voters were eager to shake the Illinois senator's hand. Jim Wimberg of Ascutney, Vt., said he's been impressed with Obama's willingness to answer questions rather than avoid them.

"He didn't give the patent non-answer, so it's refreshing to see," Wimberg said.

David Belluscio of Acworth said attending the event helped him decide to vote for Obama. "I was undecided but I probably am a big supporter now," he said. "He seems like a real person."

Dave Rashaw of Claremont, however, said he isn't sure Obama has what it takes to be president.

"He's charming, but he's sort of lightweight," he said. ""¦ I don't know if he's got enough fortitude to make a change, but like he said, there's always hope."

Earlier yesterday, Obama stopped in Walpole for a roundtable discussion with eight women about issues surrounding women in the workplace.

After his appearance in Claremont, Obama held a similar event at Lebanon High School last night.