CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama addressed a crowd of thousands in Uptown Charlotte Sunday afternoon.

"I love the Carolinas, people always treat me right when I come here," he started.

Senator Obama focused much of his 30 minute speech on the recent economic crisis.

"Charlotte, the news of the day isn't good."

Obama criticized Republicans for their handling of the crisis on Wall Street. He blamed them for letting banks "run wild." He said he would stop giving tax breaks to companies that send jobs overseas. And in an apparent jab to his opponent, Senator John McCain, he promised not to allow lobbyists to have a say over an Obama tax code.

"John McCain's philosphy is the same as George W. Bush's philosphy...We're now seing the disasterous consquences all around us."

And battling the perception that, as a Democrat, he would increase taxes, he worked to assure the crowd otherwise.

"I will cut taxes for 95 percent of all working families."

The entire plaza in front of the Mecklenburg County Government Center was packed with people, including 4th Street which was shut down. Officials had to open an overflow area in front of the old city hall building.

At one point, a person fainted in the audience. That person was taken to the hospital, but was considered to be okay.

Wall Street aside, the Senator from Illinois also focused on "Main Street" issues. He promised his administration would focus on the auto industry and manufacturing fuel efficient cars. He said the plan would also create 5 million "green collar" jobs in North Carolina and other states.

The nominee said infrastructure would be an important tenant of his policy in The White House. He said investment in new roads, more broadband in rural areas, and an new electricity grid would be vital to the country's economic future.

"If we can rebuild Baghdad, we can rebuild Charlotte, we can rebuild North Carolina," he told the crowd.

He briefly mentioned making teacher salaries more competitive and making college more affordable.

Early in the speech, Obama saluted his "body man", Reggie Love. Love is a Charlotte native, and Providence Day School graduate, who has been the candidate's right-hand man during the campaign.

"This young man loves Charlotte, all he talks about is Charlotte," Obama said.

By the end, Obama encouraged the crowd to become active in the campaign and encourage their friends and neighbors to do the same.

"Charlotte at this defining moment we finally have the chance to say enough is enough," he said.