DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, urged nearly 4,000 Baptists today, Sept. 10 at the Duke Energy Center that the 2008 General Election "is going to change the world."

But in order for that to happen, people must get out and vote. Time is running out, she said.

"Barack can't win without you, and he can't lead without you," Michelle Obama said. "We have less than two months between now and election day. So every day every hour counts."

Shortly before Michelle Obama's appearance, officials from the 128th annual session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, led the crowd in a resounding and up-tempo rendition of "Amazing Grace."

By the time she took the stage, the floor of the Grand Ballroom at the Duke Energy Center downtown was literally bouncing. The energy continued throughout her speech.

"We are in these days witnessing the making of history," said William J. Shaw, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA. "We do not call the senator and his wife Jesus, but in his candidacy, the hopes of generations are finding expression. And in that same candidacy, the fears of many are finding fresh life. But it is our prayer always, that hope overrides fear.

"When history is made you can say, "I was there.'"

As she walked up the back of the stage, dozens of cell phones suddenly flipped to life, glowing above craning heads in the crowd trying to snap a shot of the nominee's wife.

The crowd — those who were able — stood for several minutes before she spoke and chanted, "Yes we can."

Michelle Obama directed a large portion of her comments to working class.

"For the past 19 months, Barack and I have traveled to every corner of this nation. We have been blessed with many wonderful experiences on the campaign trail. And every step along the way, we have felt your encouragement. We've felt your hope and your prayers for our safety and our success," Michelle Obama said.

"We know that we have only made it to this point because of those who have come before us... and those who are standing strong with us. And for that, we are forever grateful. We look to the future with hope and with humility. And we are more determined than ever to fulfill the faith of the millions who believe that change is possible and that a better day is coming. "

As of 2:45 p.m., the 3,700-seat ballroom on the third floor of the city's convention center was more than half full. Less than an hour later, ushers were turning people away from the ballroom to the 4,000-seat overflow area — which already held more than 1,000 people — where the event was being simulcast.

The massive screen on Fountain Square in the center of Cincinnati is also carrying Michelle Obama's speech live, according to the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Nearly 20,000 people have descended upon the Queen City for the weeklong event downtown, according to the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"It does hold special meaning because this is a history-making event," said Willie Heaggans of Little Rock, Ark., a representative of the national Baptist Women's Auxiliary. "It's really special to all of us because they're making history."

Unlike her husband's appearance nearly two months ago at the NAACP National Convention at the same venue —which drew a crowd that stood in line for several hours before hearing the then-Democratic presidential hopeful speak — attendees arrived at their own pace.

While lines were mostly absent, excitement — which made Barack Obama's visit to Cincinnati unique for attendees — is recognizable. Along with flowers, church pins and other bright garb, buttons and pins featuring the Obama campaign slogan of "change" are prevalent.

"I think there's going to be some energy here, too," Heaggans said.