Making the most of this pivotal primary

North Carolina is rarely in this much of the national spotlight. I mean, sure Wake County is one of the nation's fastest growing counties and Ocracoke was named 2007's best beach in America. They even say we have good basketball. But over the next two weeks all eyes are on the Tar Heel state for a completely unexpected reason. North Carolina's presidential primary is May 6 and we should all make the most of it.

It is unusual for North Carolina to even have an effect this late in the primaries. As seen with this year's Republican race and both party races in years past, the presidential candidates are often decided in the first few primaries. Back in January, Damon Circosta, the acting executive director of the North Carolina Center for Voter Education told WRAL that "when it comes to presidential politics, there's no reason to show up to the polls. We are just completely cast out of that process."

North Carolinians have every reason to vote May 6 because we could very well be the deciding factor for the Democratic nominee. So far, we have stepped up to the plate. Over 110, 000 new voters have registered in North Carolina this year due in large part to the campaign efforts of both parties.

When Barack Obama came to a Greensboro rally earlier this month, the 2,400 free tickets were gone within three hours. The next day, Hillary Clinton drew over 1,000 supporters to a small school gym in Fayetteville.

The presidential hopefuls aren't the only ones making appearances for this important primary. Barack's wife, Michelle Obama, spoke in Raleigh and Winston Salem at the beginning of this month. At the request of the Obama campaign, actress and singer Tatyana Ali spoke at North Carolina colleges urging students to register.

While the events encourage supports of either Barack or Clinton, they are not limited to their fans. In fact, if just their supporters came out, nothing would be acheived. Undecided voters or supporters of the opposition can benefit the most from these events. Hell, even if you aren't interested in politics you can take advantage of the importance of this primary.

For example, former President Bill Clinton came to speak at a Hillary rally in my hometown last Wednesday. I of course went, but not because I'm oozing with Hillary pride (nor am I a huge Bill fan). I went because the town of Hillsborough hasn't had an event this big since Clinton came through in '92. This is a town that holds an annual "Hog Day." I had to see how we would treat a real-life celebrity.

The rally was held on a baseball field outside the recreation department. The "stage" was the bed of a Ford pick-up. Behind the truck an American flag was draped over the backstop and in the background, a family gathered on their porch to watch the festivities. One confused guy, perhaps a former George Wallace fan, held up a sign that read "If you sign a picture of you as president with my son, you/Hillary can have my vote today." I felt very, very American.

This mood continued as Clinton's state field director threw t-shirts into the crowd and led in chants that taught us how to spell "Hillary." Clinton arrived over an hour late and although he slipped stepping onto the bed of the truck, his speech was hardly shaky. He was charismatic and charming and told the people what they wanted to hear (namely Hillary's plan to lower gas prices).

The crowd was dominated by Clinton supporters but conservatives and Obama fans came out as well. Like everyone else there, I knew basically what he would say. Sure there was plenty of "when I was President" talk, but his tired, red face was physical evidence of the effort he's contributing for his wife.

Not to be outdone, Barack Obama is also sending all-star representatives to North Carolina. His "Change Rocks" concerts this Thursday and Friday bring together two acts with a lot of history in this area. Superchunk was formed in Chapel Hill in 1988 and soon after its frontman, Mac McCaughan created Merge records. This year Merge went to the top of the billboard charts thanks to its biggest band, Arcade Fire. These two bands will take perform in the Greensboro Coliseum parking lot May 1 and in Carrboro May 2. There's no doubt that there will be plenty of folks at these shows with little to no interest in Obama.

No matter the reasoning for attending these rare events, on May 6 you should vote. Arcade Fire in our backyard is pretty rare, but the power we have to determine the Democratic presidential nominee is even more extraordinary.