GRAND RAPIDS — Barack Obama picked up a major endorsement Wednesday in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, and it came right in our backyard. It was a surprise visit that stole the show at an Obama rally in Michigan.

It was the first campaign stop by Senator Obama since the beginning of the primary race. That was overshadowed by a visit from former Senator John Edwards, who appeared on stage to endorse his one time primary rival.

It was a big surprise to the crowd, and a big boost to the Obama campaign after a big win by Hillary Clinton in West Virginia's primary Tuesday night.

Wednesday night, in front of an electric crowd at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, both Edwards and Obama called for unity.

It was the moment the frenzied crowd of more than 12,000 had been waiting for, and it came nearly 30 minutes before Obama was even scheduled to take the stage.

So, why the rush?

Obama took a moment to explain.

"I felt guilty about not campaigning [here], and so, as a consequence, decided I'd try and give you something special," said Obama, eliciting one of many rounds of cheers from the crowd.

In a campaign that's had countless "rock star" type moments, this time, that moment wasn't for Obama at all, but for his one time rival, who quickly asked a question.

"The question is, what am I doing here?" he asked the crowd, with a wide grin on his face. "Well, the Democratic voters have made their choice, and so have I."

Edwards said he decided to align himself behind the best candidate for the job. He says it's become clear during the campaign, that Obama is that candidate.

He then called for Democrats to follow his lead.

"We must all come together as Democrats," he said. "And in the fall, [we must] stand up for what matters in the future of America."

Michigan voters WSBT spoke with following the rally said the endorsement is a boost for the campaign, and for them.

"That does makes a big difference to me," said Christina Vincent, of Portage, Michigan.

"He's looking forward further down the line," agreed her son Gregory. "That's what we want."

Edwards' call for a united party this fall didn't fall on deaf ears.

"I think it will help unite the party," said Montrell Porter, of Detroit.

"This is the time for unity," agreed Roshona Christopher. "No matter who you are, or where you are, this is the time to come together."

Obama promised he's pushing forward too, as he touched briefly on all the major campaign issues.

They included a call to work with Edwards' recent campaign to reduce poverty by 50 percent across America, one to build a universal health care system, and one to increase teacher's pay and create new opportunities for anyone to attend college if they choose.

He also promised to end the war in Iraq and bring troops home, eliciting huge cheers from the crowd. Then, he launched into a topic that hit close to home in Western Michigan: the state's high unemployment rate.

He says it can be turned around, but only if voters send a clear message.

"You have an opportunity to show this fall that we are a country that is going to come together to solve problems," Obama said.

His message now is still based on the signs reading "change" that adorned the arena. But suddenly, and very clearly, it is focused on heading toward November.

"We will not just win this election," Obama said as he wrapped up his speech. "We will change the country and change the world."

After the rally, many who attended said Obama's visit signaled that Michigan matters again in the race for the White House this fall. Michigan is considered a key battleground swing state, and could play a big role in helping to decided the election.

Voters were also buzzing about the potential that Edwards could eventually be named as Obama's running mate if he gets the Democratic nomination, but like the primary so far, that appears to be yet another "wait and see."