Senator Barack Obama blended themes of optimism and change yesterday with a sharp attack on opponent Hillary ClintonÕs vote for the Iraq war, at a presidential campaign rally before an overflow crowd of 10,000 at Rhode Island College.

Obama tailored his stump speech for a Rhode Island audience and drew a deafening swell of cheers for his criticism of ClintonÕs 2002 Senate vote authorizing President Bush to invade Iraq.

ÒReal change isnÕt voting for George BushÕs war in Iraq,Ó Obama said. ÒAnd then telling the American people it was actually [a vote] for more diplomacy. The title of the bill was Ôa resolution authorizing the use of the United States armed forces against Iraq.Õ

ÒI knew what it was,Ó he shouted. ÒLincoln Chafee knew what it was. It was a vote for war!Ó

Chafee, the former Rhode Island senator, was the only Republican in the Senate to oppose the resolution. Now an independent, he has endorsed Obama. In ChafeeÕs upcoming book, he excoriates members of Congress who supported the war, arguing that a vote for the resolution should be Òa career-ending lapse in judgment.Ó