Something is happening in America. People are speaking out. Down to earth, hardworking people, facing increasing debt, unemployment and lack of health care. The middle class has finally had enough. Groups notorious for political apathy are even getting involved. The ‘proles’ have found a voice and are no longer using such excuses as, ‘my vote doesn’t count.’

So what has caused this surge of interest?

The answer could be Barack Obama and his ability to inspire. It could be the fact that people are so fed up with President Bush they are desperate for change – any change. Or maybe it’s a combination of both. Either way Barack Obama is definitely seen as the man of the people; champion of the little guy.

Whether you like him or not, it’s hard to deny that the Illinois Senator has stirred the nation and woken people up. Even the most cynical would have to concur.

But is it all just artfully crafted rhetoric? If elected, will he actually deliver on all the promises he’s made to the American people? Or will he ignore middle class issues when he no longer needs to win votes, like so many politicians before him?

In the words of Senator John McCain, “who is the real Barack Obama?”

At a campaign rally in the small city of Asheville, North Carolina, 28,000 people seem to know the answer. Many have been standing for hours in the hot sun to hear Obama speak. Some even camped out over night to ensure a spot. It sounds like fans at a rock concert not voters at a political event. But this is how it’s been for Obama. At first some of Obama’s admirers came across as fanatical and naive, fawning over someone they knew very little about, asking no questions, just believing everything he said. But speaking to Barack Obama supporters in North Carolina has educated me a little about the candidate and his campaign. It goes much deeper than mere idolatry of one man. Let’s call it the Obama Factor, a movement that has inspired and united the downtrodden. He has managed to reach people and appeal to their deepest emotions. In some ways the leader loses dominance once the momentum is unleashed and the followers find a common cause. In this case the cause is the treatment of middle class America.

The energy and enthusiasm in the packed Asheville High School Stadium is palpable. Thousands of people are ready for something new, something better. And they truly believe Obama is the candidate who will deliver.

“He’s inspiring,” says a teenage girl, “every time he speaks it’s amazing and it’s impossible to listen to him without getting emotional.” A woman concerned about health care says she relates to Obama because he too encountered problems with insurance companies, when his mother had cancer.

“He really listens to people and he listens to the needs of the people,” someone else tells me as the camera zooms in on her smiling face.

What did you think of the speech? I ask an articulate ten year old girl. “Remarkable,” she answers, “I absolutely loved it.” A fifth grader – talking about a political rally!

Obama is the candidate tackling the real issues that effect real people, not pampered film stars, Wall Street CEO’s, rich politicians and multi millionaires, his supporters remind me. “That’s why I like Obama and Biden, they’re for everybody, not just the healthy wealthy,” says a young woman.

“Ninety percent of the people that are paying taxes are being abused - they’re being taken advantage of,” a man in the crowd tells me, “The tax dollars are going to the wealthy and we’re being forgotten about.”

I approach a man holding a ‘yes we can’ sign and ask him if he thinks Obama will deliver on his promises, “yes,” he answers immediately, “I believe he will, to the best of his abilities.” I probe further, “why do you believe this?” “I just believe it… I feel a connection with him.”

Another man tells me Obama will win by a landslide and all you have to do is look at the numbers attending his rallies for proof, “that’s what we represent,” he says, “that’s what change represents.” Others tell me Obama’s ‘for the middle class’, which constitutes most of North Carolina and the rest of the country. He’s also the only politician reaching out to young people, and according to a first time voter, “Barack Obama speaks down to earth with us – he doesn’t sugar coat it.”

Obama supporters are plentiful, they’re demanding to be heard and feeling empowered for the first time in years. They’re full of passion, inspiration and most of all hope. With this kind of following it would seem that McCain doesn’t stand a chance.

My ten year old interviewee thinks the battle’s already won. I ask her how close the race will be. “I think McCain will be in the toilet,” she says, with a serious face, “and Obama is going to be living the high life.”

Others agree that Obama will win the election by a healthy margin, while some exercise caution and anticipate a very tight race.

As for the Tar Heel State: “We’re going to win North Carolina this time,” a woman exclaims with confidence as a crowd around her cheers. “We have a record number of new voters and it’s Obama who they overwhelmingly support.”

North Carolina has voted Republican since 1976. But polls now show it’s practically neck and neck. Can this momentum hold out? Is enthusiasm enough to swing this traditionally red state to Obama?

As the saying goes, talk is cheap, and promises can be broken. Obama is a great orator and has tremendous presence. But one could argue that the message may be a little too full of rhetoric and lacking substance. Is there more belief than proof? Is the word ‘hope’ too idealistic? Can Obama, or anyone else for that matter, implement true change?

John McCain is a formidable opponent with a strong support base in North Carolina and across the country. Republicans are not as vocal and not as visible as the Democrats this time, but they’re out there, waiting patiently to cast their ballots. Republicans always turn out to vote. Will Obama supporters do likewise? Will there be enough of them to win him the election?

Either way, this is a fascinating race and has captured the attention of most Americans, who are happily involving themselves in the Democratic process – some for the first time. Politics has therefore become inclusive in some ways. Maybe that’s the change we should celebrate.

Alison Hill is a featured writer for Xomba.com. Read the rest of her work here .