Though no local reporters were allowed inside, a press pool report described Romney’s comments.

Romney alluded to Tuesday’s controversial comments by Vice President Joe Biden, who told a largely African-American audience in Virginia that Romney was going to put them “back in chains.”

“I said yesterday, I think the president is diminishing the presidency and the comments yesterday by the vice president, this takes the White House another level lower,” Romney said. “… I happen to think the president will do or say anything to get elected. I don’t think it’s going to work.”

He also told anecdotes about people he’d met on the campaign trail, including a coal miner with tears in his eyes who said, “I’m counting on you to have a job.”

After speaking, the candidate posed for pictures and even held a roundtable for those who paid the higher ticket prices to meet him.

Around 3:30, he waved at a few shouting supporters across the street and ducked into the black SUV that carried him away.

By that time, protesters had gone. A group of about 50 protesters from Action NC other groups had gathered waving signs and chanted slogans opposing the ticket.

Ending ‘class warfare’

Carolyn Rogers-Stone said she drove from Durham to protest the effect that she said Republican budget and tax proposals would have on low- and middle-income families.

“My biggest complaint is that (Romney and Ryan) have no empathy, sympathy or common sense,” she said. “When you’re very affluent, you don’t have to worry about your next meal, a roof over your head or your medical bills.”

But a smaller group of Romney backers showed up with their own signs. One was Sarah Reinecke, a 42-year-old Charlotte accountant.

“I don’t feel there’s a lot I can do except show my support for the team that’s going to bring the country together and end class warfare,” she said.

The Wall Street Journal and Associated Press contributed.