"Social security is the most successful social program in the history of the world," he said. "Roosevelt tackled the greatest economic crisis we ever had with the three Rs: relief, recovery and reform. And let's not forget, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the commander-in-chief of the greatest military ever assembled at a time of great crisis in the world."

Reid credited unions with creating the 40-hour work week, decent wages for workers and safe working conditions. He called global warming an environmental emergency.

At the end of his speech, Reid earned a standing ovation from a small percentage of the crowd and grateful applause from the rest.

"I was impressed with him," said Stacie Borneman, a 22-year-old political science major from Farmington who said she is a Republican. "I thought he did a good job expressing his feelings and our responsibility to serve in our communities."

There were no organized protests of Reid's visit and no protest signs. One person did walk out between the end of Reid's speech and the traditional closing prayer and called out that students should not be deceived by Reid.

"It's good to hear differing opinions and to be respectful even if you don't agree politically," Borneman said, "and he gave both sides of the issues he raised."

Reid encouraged students to give public service and told them the American dream is alive.

His father was a hard-rock miner. To make ends meet, his mother took in laundry from the town's 13 brothels.

"I learned in America, it doesn't matter the education of your parents, what their religion is or isn't, their social status — we had none — the color of their skin or their economic status.

"I am an example of this. If I made it, anyone can."

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com