LEBANON — His Republican critics insist that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama can’t possibly connect with the voters of rural Southwest Virginia, even if he can be competitive in the rest of this emerging battleground state.

But don’t tell that to the 2,400 people who packed a warm, humid, high school gymnasium in the Russell County on Tuesday and rattled the rafters cheering for the Illinois senator.

Obama stirred his audience at Lebanon High School with a message aimed at voter concerns about the economy, job losses and energy prices. He drew sharp distinctions between himself and Republican nominee John McCain, portraying McCain as indifferent to the economic pressures confronting working families.

Obama, who has staked his campaign on a message of change, repeatedly criticized McCain for promising change after supporting much of President Bush’s legislative agenda in the U.S. Senate.

"You can put lipstick on a pig; it’s still a pig," Obama said, triggering a loud ovation. "You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change; it’s still going to stink. After eight years, we’ve had enough of the same old thing."

Obama was introduced by U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, who declared Obama to be a friend of the coal industry that is vital to the region’s economy. And if Obama lacks for mountain credibility, he got a needed boost from bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, who took the stage about an hour before Obama’s arrival and declared his support for the Democrat.

Obama focused largely on economic issues and rebutte McCain’s claims that he would increase taxes.

"My plan cuts taxes for 95 percent of the American families. You will get a tax cut under an Obama administration."

Without being asked, Obama also told his largely rural audience that he is not hostile to gun rights.

"I will not take your shotgun away," Obama said. "I will not take your rifle away. I will not take your handgun away."