Spittler added, "He was was very warm and very easy to feel at ease with. He still carried a distinct presence that you couldn't help but respect."

Delegate Millicent Shaw Lewis also met Obama in Elko where she had been campaigning for him. "I was thrilled that Sen. Obama walked right up to me and complimented me on my work. I took that opportunity to give him one of the political novelties that I sell on my Web site," she said. "He laughed and thanked me," and took time to have photos taken with the group.

Delegate Julie Day said she met Obama when her family went to Iowa to help with the caucuses there. "He is direct, down to earth and friendly," she said.

Delegate Theodore Cowan Jr. said even though he had only a brief handshake with Obama, "I know he is genuine."

Some who have not met him personally said they feel like they know him through his writings and speeches — and hope other Utahns would do the same with an open mind.

"I have never met him but have read 'Audacity of Hope,'" Obama's book, said delegate Kurt Bestor, a jazz composer and performer.

"I wish that the average Utahn would explore beyond the vitriol they hear from hate-radio hosts. It's so easy to turn one's brain off and believe all that is propagated by Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and others. Read a little deeper and you will see a very caring, motivated and capable leader," he said.

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