John McCain in Wilmington Monday afternoon

John McCain brought his Straight Talk Express to Cape Fear Community College Monday afternoon. Several thousand people turned out for the event, more than the Schwartz Center could hold.

North Carolina has become pivotal to the McCain campaign.

“It’s great to be here in Wilmington, North Carolina. We will win North Carolina,” said McCain.

The way things are shaking out McCain must win North Carolina. Here in Wilmington he took on the role of the underdog.

McCain stressed his military and political experience, saying this is not a time in our history when a new president can take time settling in to the office. He then gave his supporters their marching orders.

“I am American and I choose to fight. Don’t give up. Have courage and fight,” said McCain.

McCain compared Barack Obama’s economic policies to those of Herbert Hoover. McCain mentioned how those policies led to the Great Depression.

That would seem to set the tone for Wednesday night’s final debate where the economy will be front and center.