PORTSMOUTH – Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was back in New Hampshire yesterday to begin a three-day campaign swing.

He offered his views on domestic policy and world events during an afternoon waterfront patio party at One Harbor Place. More than 100 people attended; the event, hosted by the Citizens Funds investment firm, was by invitation only.

Earlier, Obama sought to quiet questions about whether he has sufficient experience as a first-term senator to win his party's nomination.

During a morning exchange on ABC, Obama, only three years out of the Illinois Legislature, cast himself as a force for change who would overcome the nation's broken political system.

At the Portsmouth gathering, he sought to make his rivals' experience a cause for concern, not credit.

"With that kind of experience,'' he told the New Hampshire voters, "I don't want it if experience leads you to stop asking questions, if experience leads you to be hesitant about telling the truth to the American people about the challenges that we face."

Obama spoke with individuals one on one in Portsmouth before addressing the crowd. He also answered questions from the audience and the media on his positions on health care, national security, infrastructure priorities, civil unions/gay marriage, and global warming.

Later, during a twilight ice cream social in Dover, Obama told voters he is the candidate who can overcome religious, racial and political divisions.

"People want to get a sense we can work together," said Obama, who was joined by his wife and daughters.

He also defended his pledge to meet with leaders of hostile nations, a position rivals have criticized as naive and irresponsible.

"A strong country and a strong President are not afraid to talk to their enemies," Obama said, drawing cheers from some 600 people.

Obama's New Hampshire visit will continue today at 2 p.m., when he will be at McGregor Park in Derry for a free meet-the-candidate event.

Tomorrow, he will attend the Nashua Pride baseball game and a pre-game picnic.