CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Twenty-five hours before the polls close in North Carolina, a day before America elects its next president, 25,000 people stood in the pouring rain, in a line winding around the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, waiting to hear Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's final campaign speech in the state.
In his eighth appearance in North Carolina, Obama reflected on a campaign that has spanned 21 months and the breadth of America, while calling on his supporters to help him make the final push to win the election.
"Tomorrow, at this defining moment in history, you can give this country the change we need," he said, standing outdoors in the middle of Hayes Recreational Field. "You can do this right here in North Carolina."
Before laying out his policy and vision, Obama began his address on an emotional note, announcing the death of his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, early Monday morning. Dunham, 86, raised her grandson in Honolulu for several years and was a major influence on his life.
"She is going home and she died peacefully in her sleep, with my sister at her side," he said. "There is great joy as well as tears."
The senator, tearing up as he spoke, linked his grandmother's struggles through the Great Depression and World War II to the daily challenges faced by "quiet heroes" throughout America.
"Each and every day, they work hard, they look after their families, they sacrifice for their children and grandchildren," he said. "That's what America is about, that's what we're fighting for."
The rally in Charlotte was part of Obama's pre-Election Day campaign tour through crucial swing states-he also addressed supporters in Florida and Virginia.
Obama also offered broad outlines of his plans for the economy, education, health care and the War in Iraq.
As the crowd greeted Obama's descriptions of President George W. Bush's "failed policies" with boos, Obama asked voters to stop jeering and instead render their verdict at the ballot box.
"Tomorrow, you can turn the page on policies that put the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street before the hard work and sacrifice of men and women all across Main Street," Obama said. "Tomorrow, you can choose policies that invest in our middle class and create new jobs and grow this economy so that everyone has a chance to succeed."
A laundry list of North Carolina Democratic candidates joined Obama at the rally, ranging from state Sen. Kay Hagan of Greensboro, who is making a bid for the Senate seat of incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., to Ronnie Ansley, a candidate for state agriculture commissioner.
Beyond policy, Obama dwelled on the historic nature of this election.
"There are many people here tonight whose parents and grandparents said, 'Maybe I can't vote, but if I march and organize, maybe my child or grandchild can run for president of the United States of America,'" he said.
Attendees said the opportunity to see Obama was well worth the rainy wait. And despite their familiarity with the senator's message, they still found his speech moving.
"I was close to tears as soon as he walked on stage" said Elizabeth Osborne of Lexington. "I mean, this is history."
Osborne said the most important issue Obama discussed was the economy, as did Molsiatu Kamara, a freshman at UNC-C. Kamara, who has already voted, said she skipped class to stand in line for the rally.
"I thought it was amazing," she said. "It's better than watching it on TV."
Charlotte resident Bikusa Kialulgila said Obama's focus on creating opportunities is important to him because he thinks every young person should have a chance to go to college. Kialulgila also mentioned the state of the economy and Obama's health care policy as reasons for his support of the senator.
"The most important thing is that we have to change this country," he said. "I think we better win tomorrow."
Obama called on his supporters to "fight by my side" in the final day of the campaign. He asked them to volunteer for his campaign and to vote for him, to help him win North Carolina and the presidency.
"We've got a righteous wind at our backs," he said. "We're going to change this country, we're going to change this world."
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