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Among other things, Wright had said that the United States was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, because it had engaged in terrorism. He said the government had used the AIDS virus to commit genocide against minorities.

"We've had a rough couple of weeks," Obama said earlier in the day in Charlotte.

Speaking to 9,000 people at Cricket Arena, Obama sought to defuse the criticism. "As we've done well in this election, we've been successful, increasingly my opponents have spent their time talking, not about the issues, but about me."

"They've been saying, 'Well, look at those crazy things his former pastor said, or he's not wearing a flag pin, or he's got a funny name, sounds like he's a Muslim. Those are the strategies to divide us. We've seen those strategies before."

'A game-changer'

If Obama was on the defensive, there was a bounce in Clinton's step Friday. And her campaign, seeing an opening in North Carolina, was pouring it on. Throughout the day Friday, the Clinton campaign kept adding campaign stops in North Carolina for today.

"This primary election on Tuesday is a game-changer," Clinton said in Kinston with Easley at her side.

"This is going to make a huge difference in what happens going forward. The entire country, probably even a lot of the world, is looking to see what North Carolina decides."

The mood among Obama supporters at the dinner was upbeat, but with a dose of concern.

"I think he is doing well," said Phyllis Blackard, 74, a retired school administrator from Brevard.

"He has hit a rough spot recently. But I think it will blow over."

Sarah Humphrey, a 60-year-old state employee from Raleigh, said, "I think it is going very well. He has had some backslide. I think he will get over the hump."

Clinton supporters were hopeful, having seen their candidate narrow the gap with Obama.

"I think it's been a great week for Hillary," said Sande Kirby, 54, a retired flight attendant from Wilmington. "As they said on CNN, the Reverend Wright has run his own person under the bus. The tide has turned."

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