Obama At Boston Fundraiser: I Understand Your Frustration With Me

President Obama was in Boston Wednesday night, telling supporters at a fundraiser he understands their frustration with him.

Re-election campaigns begin by energizing your base. And Boston is a great base for the president. He's raised more money here than any other metropolitan area after New York, Los Angeles and Washington.

Obama told Democrats at the Cyclorama in the South End Wednesday night that he knows they've sometimes been frustrated with him.

"I know. I know all your conversations," he said. "Oh, you know, 'Why'd Obama compromise with the Republicans on that? Why'd health care take so long? Where's our public option?'"

Obama predicted a tough campaign, partly because he's no longer a fresh face. But he said his commitment is the same.

Obama mentioned Osama bin Laden, saying he will never again threaten the United States.

Some 900 people bought tickets to the event.

Afterward, 130 people attended a fundraising dinner in Brookline held by former advertising executive and philanthropist Jack Connors.

Connors said the event at his home raised $2.2 million for Obama's re-election campaign and the Democratic Party.

Tickets for the dinner and an earlier fundraiser in Boston ranged from $200 to the legal maximum of $35,800.

WBUR's Fred Thys and The Associated Press contributed to this report.