Republican candidate Sen. John McCain returned to North Carolina Monday for the first time since the May primaries, imploring his supporters in Wilmington to "fight for what's right for America."

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 2,500 at Cape Fear Community College, McCain acknowledged the recent negative media attention his campaign has attracted and portrayed himself as the underdog in the contest, according to news reports.

"We have 22 days to go. We're six points down. The national media has written us off. Sen. [Barack] Obama is measuring the drapes," McCain said. "But they forgot to let you decide. My friends, we got them right just where we want them. What America needs in this hour is a fighter-someone who puts all his cards on the table and trusts the judgment of the American people."

In policy terms, the struggling economy was the centerpiece of McCain's address, as it has been for both candidates on the trail through the financial crisis.

Obama has visited North Carolina five times and sent surrogates to speak on his behalf on numerous other occasions. Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin spoke in Greenville Oct. 7 and will return for another rally at Elon University Thursday.