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WINSTON-SALEM — As vice presidential candidate Joe Biden stepped to the podium in front of Reynolda Hall, he was greeted by a familiar Wake Forest University scene: earnest young students, autumn leaves brushing the brick walkways — and toilet paper dangling from the trees.

The paper presumably was leftover from Wake’s recent win over Clemson, but the students were there to see Biden.

For many, this year marked the first time they felt fully engaged in the political process.

“I’d say people are really passionate. I didn’t see that in 2004,” said Chinu Dama, a Wake junior. “I think people are really emotionally involved in the campaign.”

Before the rally began, the line of students and other attendees stretched in a long line around the edge of the quad, finally converging in a large group that spread across much of its southern end. On the front steps of Reynolda Hall, supporters held signs that said “WFU (heart) Joe” or, simply, “Hope.”

For his part, the Delaware senator paid tribute to his surroundings.

“Well, hello, Demon Deacons!” he yelled, before launching into a NASCAR analogy about “trading paint” with the Republican ticket.

In many ways, it was an unusual scene: Democratic presidential and vice presidential candidates rarely have spent time in North Carolina, which hasn’t voted for a Democrat since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

But buoyed by recent polls, supporters waxed enthusiastic about the chances for Barack Obama to win the state.

“It’s going to be a great day for me, and I know a great day for you,” when Obama wins the state, said Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines.

The election has been a huge topic on campus, said Elizabeth Johnson, a graduate student who had just gotten out of class and sat on a bench to take in the speech.

Students have been talking about the election in class, and the fact that North Carolina is in play has raised the enthusiasm, she said.

“We matter all of a sudden,” she said.

Bob Griffiths, a UNCG political science professor who lives close to Wake Forest, took a break from grading papers to take in the rally.

He said Obama’s campaign has a particular appeal to younger voters.

“He represents a transformational leader,” he said. “I think that’s why you see so many young people here, because they see it as a transformational change.”

Many students echoed those words.

Roman Irvin, a senior, said he believes Obama’s election would improve the country’s standing in the world, both because of his background and his ideas.

“This is a historic time,” he said. “I think it will send a message to the rest of the world.”

After he finished his speech, Biden stayed to greet supporters, while a small army of Obama volunteers combed through the students mingling on the quad, looking to maximize turnout in the remaining weeks of the election.

Biden finally strolled off the quad, waving to those still on the steps of Reynolda Hall, to head to the campaign’s next stop in Raleigh.

Contact Jason Hardin at 373-7021 or at jason.hardin@news-record.com