DAVENPORT, Iowa - In two days, Barack Obama will address thousands at the Democratic National Convention and spread his message to millions watching on television.

On Monday in Davenport, the Democratic presidential nominee held a much more intimate event.

Speaking to about 200 invited guests many undecided voters or wavering Republicans targeted by area Obama volunteers the Illinois senator hammered home the theme that he, not Republican John McCain, is the Washington outsider with an understanding of real-world problems.

On issues from the economy to energy and foreign policy where he faces accusations of being inexperienced and naive Obama attempted to paint his opponent as honorable but hopelessly out of touch. He spoke for about 30 minutes, then fielded questions for another half-hour.

"The American people are worried," he said. "Not just about themselves, but about the direction of the country as a whole. And they've got good reason to be worried. The fact is, the economy is not working for ordinary Americans."

He said Republicans are ignoring symptoms of economic illness: wages flatlining while gas, food and health care go up, more foreclosures than any time since the Depression and the government having to consider major bailouts of financial institutions.

"When you say the fundamentals of the economy are sound and your top economic adviser is saying you've become a nation of whiners, then you don't get it," he said.

Sitting at rustic, unpainted picnic tables under a grove of oak trees at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, the crowd responded enthusiastically at times.

The most lighthearted moment of the decidedly casual campaign stop came when Cynthia Ross-Freidhof pitched her Restaurant while asking the senator what he would do to improve the climate for small businesses.

Obama apologized for skipping a caucus-visit stop at the Bettendorf mom-and-pop diner and said he would make sure to get there someday.

Ross-Freidhof said she's a big supporter but needed help persuading husband, Ron, to vote for Obama.

"Do you have a phone?" Obama asked. "Let's call him."

He then proceeded to take her cell phone, chatted with Ron about his restaurant and promised to get back with him on details about his ideas for capital gains tax relief for small businesses.

"He's just genuine," she said. "I think the guy is for real."

Not everyone was as excited about the campaign stop.

Former Davenport Mayor Ed Winborn was among about 30 supporters of U.S. Sen. John McCain who lined Locust Street to show their support for the Republican candidate.

"It is just to let people know there are people in town who like Sen. McCain," Winborn said.

Alice Harris, a longtime Republican, wore a red, white and blue head scarf as she held a "Cindy 4 first lady" sign in honor of McCain's wife.

"I have nothing against Obama," she said. "He is just not quite there yet. Those of us at 70 have lots to offer. He is a wise man, and he doesn't look 70."