All eyes were on Battleground Virginia Wednesday as a presidential candidate came through our area. Lots of excitement as Barack Obama (web|news|bio) made his way from Martinsville in the morning, to Danville in the afternoon and ending the evening in Lynchburg.

Hundreds packed E.C. Glass High School for a town hall meeting and Obama was very critical of his opponent. Lack of health coverage, high gas prices, struggling economy. Barack Obama says Americans are in trouble and he blames President Bush (web|news|bio) for much of the problems.

Barack Obama, (D) Presidential Candidate - "That's the reason why we have to bring about a fundamental change in Washington and in America to restore the American dream and Lynchburg that's why I am running for president of the United States."

Not only did Obama talk about his plans, he also spent a lot of time criticizing John McCain (web|news|bio) .

Obama - "John McCain I don't know what his education plan is, because for years he has not spent very much time thinking about education."

Plus, he told the crowd a McCain presidency would just be an extension of the President Bush's eight years.

Obama - "Are you better off that you were four years ago, are you better off than 8 years? So why the heck would you want to do the same things we have been doing?"

The crowd chanted yes we can and Obama says he's the one who can and will end the war in Iraq (web|news) . He said so after taking a question from a veteran.

Iraq War Veteran - "I am familiar with your policy in Iraq and after spending a year there, I agree we need to get out."

Virginia has long voted Republican for President. Obama wants to turn Old Dominion blue and this crowd didn't need much convincing.

Obama - "If you will fight for me, I will fight for you. Thank you, God Bless you!"

Obama reiterated his Christian faith and defended himself against rumors that he's a Muslim. Virginia Senator Jim Webb and democratic Congressional candidate Tom Perriello also spoke at Wednesday night's event.