Yelverton said he came to see Obama because his children support him.

"My kids told me that I would like him," Yelverton said. "I have to admit he has included everybody in his plans. I liked that about what I heard tonight. I like his attitude of hope. I am not convinced that other people in Washington will let him do what he wants, but he is not a bad fellow."

Wilsonian Tammy Hobbs and her mother, Ozie Hobbs, said that it was worth the hours of standing in line to get to hear Obama in person.

"He talks from the heart. He knows what we're going through because he's been through tough times also," said Tammy Hobbs. "He just paid off his student loan and knows what it's like to get a bill.

"But what touched me tonight was the health care and help for the elderly. I am taking care of my mother, and I know other older folks that don't take their medicines because they can't afford them," she said.

The rally at East Carolina University's Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum often seemed more like a rock concert than a political event. U2, Tom Petty and James Brown's "Living in America" blasted out of speakers during the warm-up and heavy bass lines shook the seats.

The arena filled quickly after the doors opened at 4 p.m.

But the atmosphere inside was like a pep rally. Around 5 p.m., a wave broke out in the arena and circled at least four times before dying. Then, a chant of "Ba-Rack" began on one side of the stands, followed by "O-Bama" on the other.

Shortly before 6 p.m., U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield of Wilson was introduced. He was quickly joined on stage by U.S. Reps. Mel Watt and David Price, uniting the three House members from the state who have endorsed Obama.

Price said Obama would "restore America's moral leadership in the world ... and end the diplomatic meltdown that's been presided over by George W. Bush."

Obama finally took the stage at 6:30, enveloped by Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising." (The Boss endorsed Obama's candidacy Wednesday).

At the speech's end, Obama was joined on stage by the three congressmen while Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed and Delivered" played.