He's on the cover of TIME Magazine, the headline blaring why he could be the next president. His new book, THE AUDACITY OF HOPE, is just out and already primed to be a big bestseller. So no wonder Barack Obama is selling out large venues like Seattle's Benroya Hall, which at 2,500 seats is the largest location the independent bookstore Elliott Bay & Co. has had for a book signing and talk. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer tracked Tuesday's ticket sales, where the event sold out so quickly that hours later, some were bartering on Seattle's Craigslist for tickets that originally sold for five dollars.

"I saw him at the (Democratic National Convention) and just wept the entire time," Seattle university student Cory Josephson said. "I really think it's important for people to hear his message." Jeffery Stein wanted 10 to 15 tickets for a teen program he works with called Youth Force. "It's for recognition of a job well-done," he said. "I think (Obama) has the most in common with the students we work with; he's a good role model for young adults." And Cathy Dumas traveled from Tacoma and was waiting in line to buy tickets for herself and her boss. Although she didn't get the tickets, she planned to continue her hunt online. "He's a great speaker," she said.