Obama, Ludacris Talk About Guiding Kids

CHICAGO - The stars were aligned in Chicago Wednesday, and they were there to talk about lighting the way for the nation's youth.

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, contemplating a run for president, met privately with rapper Ludacris to talk about young people.

"We talked about empowering the youth," said the artist, whose real name is Chris Bridges.

Bridges was in town to launch the YouthAIDS "Kick Me" campaign to raise HIV/AIDS awareness during a stop at Northwestern University in the Chicago suburb of Evanston.

The gathering at Obama's downtown Chicago office was a meeting of two star powers: Obama, who enjoys rock star-like status on the political scene, and Ludacris, who has garnered acclaim for his music and acting.

Obama declined to comment after their meeting but walked with Bridges to the elevator as he left.

Bridges said meeting Obama, known for his warm personal style, was like meeting with a relative.

The spotlight has been on Obama, a first-term Democrat from Illinois, as he mulls a run for the White House in 2008. Obama has said he would make a decision in the coming months. Meanwhile, he is scheduled to visit New Hampshire Dec. 10 for a Democratic Party event.

Obama, who became famous two years ago after addressing the Democratic National Convention, is no stranger to the star set.

He has graced the cover of magazines, appeared on Oprah Winfrey's talk show and is scheduled to appear Friday on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," where he will promote his best-seller, "The Audacity of Hope." Obama already has won a Grammy Award for readings from his memoir, "Dreams From My Father."

Bridges' latest album, "Release Therapy," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album charts when it was released in September and his acting chops include appearing in the Oscar-winning "Crash" and "Hustle & Flow."