Obama in the Stevens High School gym

Amid the bright red banners celebrating the Cardinals' athletic program, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama fielded questions from about 300 voters in a grand, brick building befitting a New England mill town.

The student population here is a long ways from South Florida's melting pot. Of the 702 students, none are Hispanic, two are black and three are Asian.

There's less than a handful of minorities in the audience tonight. But their questions reflect a wide range of concerns: China, care for veterans, aid to Pakistan, free trade agreements, same-sex civil unions.

There's a mom standing in the back with a baby on her shoulders; most of the people are sitting in folding chairs draped with their coats and scarves.

Claremont, with a population of roughly 14,000, has hosted two major candidates in as many weeks. Hillary Clinton stopped by Sophie and Zeke's restaurant, known for its "comfort food," one week ago.

In a pitch that seemed more suitable for a town council race, Obama urged the audience three times to fill out campaign pledge cards

He said: "I know I'm shameless but I'm running for president."

Presidential candidate Barack Obama speaks to a crowd at a high school gym in Claremont, New Hampshire. CHARLES TRAINOR JR./MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Wearing her wolf hat with tail, Brandy Clemons leaves the gym after the speech. CHARLES TRAINOR JR./MIAMI HERALD STAFF