Obama raises funds, spirits in Boston visit

On Tremont Street, where hundreds waited in a cold rain in hopes of a glimpse of the president at the arts center, support for Obama was unconditional.

“I just want to see him in person,’’ said Jaheim Payne, who said seeing Obama would be an unforgettable memory he would tuck away forever. “I have a folder in my head and I will never forget it.’’

Sadly, Payne and his friends were only able to see the president’s limousine as it pulled into the venue. But that was enough.

“Barack Obama,’’ they shouted as they jumped up and down. “Barack Obama!’’

A short time before that , at 4:22 p.m., Air Force One touched down at Logan International Airport, where Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino were on hand to greet their fellow Democrat.

Once he had arrived in the South End, Obama told a capacity crowd at the arts center he needed their support because his administration wanted to finish the job it started.

“Change is hard. Change takes time,’’ he said. “But it’s possible. It should inspire us to finish what we started.’’

Obama called for immigration and health care reform, investments in clean energy and education, and creating more jobs.

“I ran for this office to make sure everybody in this country gets a fair shake. I ran for this office to put the American Dream back within the reach of anybody who’s willing to fight for it. That’s why I ran. That’s why you supported me.’’

The president said he supports efforts to reduce the deficit but would not “sacrifice our future.’’ He drew sustained applause when he mentioned the passage of health care reform and nominating two women for the Supreme Court.

He talked about rolling back tax cuts for the wealthy, saying the country’s rugged individualism is tempered by a belief that “we’re all in this together.’’