Thousands of James Madison University students and local Harrisonburg residents braved frigid and windy conditions Tuesday afternoon, as they waited outside for hours to see Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on the campaign trail.
Click here for a photo gallery from the event.
An estimated 8,300, including those who had to stand, were allowed inside the Convocation Center as it was filled beyond capacity. Those still waiting outside were moved to large viewing areas with screens broadcasting a live simulcast of the event.
One student lucky enough to get in was senior political science major, William Webb.
"I've always considered myself a Republican, but I now consider myself merely a conservative." Webb said. "My feeling is the Republican Party has left me behind. As times and policies have changed, the Republican Party hasn't shifted and evolved like they probably should have. They have retreated into their own corner, fighting with fear rather than policy and maturity."
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Warner opened the proceedings by each voicing their support for Obama. Warner was also quick to remind attendees that he would also be on the ballot on Nov. 4. After being heartily introduced, Obama joined Warner and Kaine on stage and the trio raised their arms together.
Obama spoke for 40 minutes and gave a general overview of his plans for change if elected. He reiterated his plans for creating more jobs, his plans for an improved health care system, but perhaps his biggest ovation of the night came when he spoke on his tax plan.
After being asked for a show of hands to all of those making less than $250,000 per year, the atmosphere almost turned comical and the resounding show of hands cemented Obama's point.
"That seems to be the majority." Obama joked. "If you make under a quarter million dollars, which includes 98% of small businesses and 99.9% of plumbers you will not see your taxes increased by a single dime. Not your income taxes, your payroll taxes, your capital gains taxes, nothing."
In his conclusion, Obama spoke of his hope for better days ahead, and reminded everyone that in one week this hope can be chosen over fear.
Local resident Shirley Holland, a retired Spanish teacher and legal assistant, waited more than four hours in the cold but also made it inside.
"I think he's (Obama) just an amazing speaker." Holland said. "I like his energy, but I like his ideas for change even more. My big motivator is that I honestly think he can work together with the right and the left to bring the country together."
Tomorrow Obama will make a stop in Raleigh, N.C., and then travel to Florida where he will appear with running mate Joe Biden and former president Bill Clinton. The event in Kissimmee, Fla., will be the first time that Clinton and Obama have appeared together.