INDIANAPOLIS -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama arrived in Indianapolis Wednesday to make his first campaign stop after his second debate with Republican John McCain.

As many as 21,000 people packed the Indiana State Fairgrounds for a rally at which Obama took the stage just after 12:30 p.m., immediately delving into the global financial crisis that appears to be deepening.

"We're facing a serious challenge, Indiana," Obama said. "The money you've been putting away for your retirement, for your child's college education is disappearing."

Obama said that strong leadership is needed in tumultuous economic times and said that he is the man to lead America into the future.

"There are better days ahead. I know these times are tough ... but this is time for resolve and steady leadership. I know we can steer ourselves out of this crisis because that's who we are," Obama said. "This is the United States of America. This is a nation that's faced down war and oppression."

Other Indiana Democrats, including Sen. Evan Bayh and gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson, spoke before Obama.

Bayh said he was depressed by all of the bad economic news until he remembered what he called one bright spot.

"In three and a half months, the Bush administration will be done, gone, finished forever," he told the roaring crowd before introducing Obama as the next president of the United States.

Obama and McCain held their second of three debates Tuesday night in Nashville, Tenn.

Recent polls have shown a tight race or McCain with a slight lead in Indiana, where a Democratic presidential candidate hasn't won since 1964.

"It's great for Hoosiers the fact that we're getting to see Barack Obama this many times over the course of the general election," said Jonathan Swain, of Obama's Indiana organization. "The race is really just where we thought it would be."

McCain hasn't visited the state since July 1.