More than 2,000 excited Democrats listened as Sen. Obama discussed plans to fix problems with the economy, energy shortages, and foreign policy issues. The senator and Missouri politicians looked to get voters in the conservative town to believe in his message of change.

"Rural Missouri is going to lead the way 96 days from today, you and I and all of us, working together will elect this man right behind me," said gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon.

And Obama supporters in the Republican stronghold of Rolla went to great lengths to see the history making candidate.

"I left work yesterday, two hours early, waited in line for two hours yesterday, in the blazing hot sun, thousand degrees, and I got ten feet from the door, they ran out of tickets," said supporter Gavin McDonald. "So I got up this morning, couple hours early, came down here a couple hours ago, big sign that said I need tickets, and two grateful souls gave me two extra tickets."

Although thousands gathered to support Obama, a handfull of protestors picketed the senator's visit.

"We're out here today just to let Barack Obama know Missouri is a pro-life state and we don't find him welcome here in Rolla," said protestor Tom Dilly.

And even a self-declared anti-war liberal wants Obama to tone down his threats against nations like Pakistan.

"Well, I felt okay. I'm going to come here and tell him as best I can that I want him to change his policy," protestor Tom Sager said.

Despite the controversy, his followers are ready to stand behind him. Obama also stopped in Springfield Wednesday morning and finished his Missouri tour in Union Wednesday evening.