WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Coming off a high-profile spat in his bid for the White House, Sen. Barack Obama told supporters in Houston he wanted to put an end to "divisive politics and tit-for-tat."

Obama, speaking to a crowd of 300 Democrats at a Communication Workers of America union hall, said the country needs a leader who can work to develop 'a consensus.'

The Illinois Democrat's campaign was locked in a war of words with that of Sen. Hillary Clinton Wednesday after Hollywood mogul and Obama supporter David Geffen made disparaging comments about the New York Democrat and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Clinton's campaign immediately demanded Obama denounce the remarks. Obama's camp flatly refused the request and referred to a remark made earlier this week by South Carolina Democratic state Sen. Robert Ford, who predicted Obama would not win the presidency if nominated because he is black. Obama and Ford are both black and Ford has endorsed Clinton.

"Our country is at a crossroads right now," the Illinois Democrat said. "We know what the challenges are, because we have been dealing with them for years."

"It's not as if we don't know what the solutions are. What's missing is the inability of our leadership to develop consensus," he added.

While the event was billed as a $100-minimum contribution fundraiser, no supporters were turned away.