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President Obama in Philly for House Democratic Caucus Retreat

President Barack Obama joined members of the House Democratic caucus in the City of Brotherly Love Thursday.

The U.S. leader joined the delegation, which arrived in Philadelphia Thursday evening, a day after the group began their three-day policy retreat.

Obama's visit disrupted the Thursday evening rush hour as authorities shut down portions of Interstate 95 for his motorcade.

I-95 between the Philadelphia International Airport and Society Hill was being closed from 6:30 p.m until 8 p.m. while Obama was en route.

In previous years, House Democrats held the retreat in rural settings. But this year, more than 180 Democratic representatives are in Philly for their annual winter meeting.

The lawmakers plan to discuss job creation and immigration issues.

While the politicians are in Philadelphia, local party leaders, including Mayor Michael Nutter, are showcasing the best the city has to offer as Philly remains in the running for the Democratic National Convention.

On Wednesday, Nutter greeted the team, including Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and led them on a tour of the city's convention venues and historical highlights, according to a person familiar with Philadelphia's convention bid.

Columbus, Ohio and New York City's Brooklyn borough, along with Philly, are all vying for hosting duties of the July 25, 2016 convention.

The DNC is expected to make a decision in early February.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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