GREENSBORO, N.C.–  Over 20,000 supporters of Barack Obama and Joe Biden gathered in Greensboro Saturday afternoon to listen to the presidential hopeful and his running mate during a campaign rally.

Obama and Biden stepped onto the stage, but it was Biden who took the podium first and addressed the crowd before introducing Obama.

“We need a wise leader and that leader is Barack Obama,” said Biden in front of a cheering crowd as he introduced Obama.

“I love North Carolina,” said Obama.  “It’s good to be back here…people here are some of the best people in the country.”

Obama talked about the economic crisis and the hard times everyone is facing, including North Carolinians.

“We meet here at a time of great uncertainty for America.  The era of greed and irresponsibility on Wall Street and in Washington has led us to a financial crisis as serious as any we have faced since the Great Depression,” said Obama.

Obama talked about tax cuts and how the government needs to stop giving tax cuts to corporations and CEOs and begin looking out for the families on ‘Main Street’ and stand up for the working people of America.

“Over 600,000 workers have lost their jobs since January, home values are falling, paychecks don’t go as far as they use to,” said Obama. “I will eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses and start-ups – that’s how we’ll grow our economy and create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow,” Obama said.

Obama went on to discuss that tax payers need to know their tax dollars are protected and their money is being put to good use.  He said taxpayers should be treated like ‘investors’ since they are being asked to finance solutions.  Obama also told the crowd that taxpayers should not be responsible for digging out CEO’s on Wall Street.

“George Bush has dug us into a deep hole; John Mccain was carrying the shovel,” said Obama.

McCain’s campaign also released a statement Saturday reminding voters that Obama is in favor of higher taxes for families who earn $42,000 a year. 

Obama empathized with the crowd.  He let his supporters know that difficult days are ahead, and with words of encouragement, said we will overcome the economic crisis.  Obama wanted to make it clear, the reason he is running for President of the United States is to keep the American Dream alive.

“Our nation has faced difficult times before.  And at each of those moments, we’ve risen to meet the challenge because we’ve never forgotten that fundamental truth – that here in America, our destiny is not written for us, but by us,” said Obama.

Obama ended his speech with asking North Carolina for support, to knock on doors, talk to neighbors and to vote for change.

“I promise you – we will win North Carolina, we will win this election, and we will change America together,” said Obama.