SOUTH BEND — Wednesday night, the gym at South Bend’s Washington High School didn't belong to the Panthers, it belonged to Sen. Barack Obama.

He was in South Bend on the first stop of the campaign’s “Road for Change” bus tour. South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke introduced Obama with an endorsement that thrilled the crowd.

“I support Barack Obama for president because he connects our minds and our hearts,” Mayor Luecke said. “No longer do we have to choose.”

Obama talked about the need for change in Washington to help revive the economy, make health care more affordable and end the war in Iraq.

“If we can spend billions of dollars a month in Iraq, we can spend some of that money right here at home — putting people back to work, getting our economy in order,” Obama said.

Those who heard Obama speak said they felt an energy they haven't felt in years.

“We've been here since about 7 o'clock,” said Kathy Waters, an Obama supporter. “People were packed in, but they were kind to each other. It was charged.”

“The energy is incomparable,” said Rev. Andre McGhee, pastor of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. "I was really fascinated by it. He gave me hope. I believe if we give him an opportunity to serve the country, he will do a fine job."

From South Bend, the senator will head to Gary and Lafayette. The campaign has said it will spend a lot of time in Indiana before the May 6 primary.