FORT MYERS -- President Barack Obama swept through this downtrodden city Tuesday selling the biggest government spending plan in American history -- and himself.

With voters awarding him higher marks than the plan itself, Obama is trying to parlay his popularity outside of Washington into pressure on Capitol Hill. As Congress prepares to work out the kinks in the massive legislation, Obama was joined Tuesday by a rare Republican ally, Gov. Charlie Crist, who also boasts enviable poll numbers.

Obama brandished the charisma that made him a star on the campaign trail at an hourlong town hall-style meeting, taking a playful dig at Miami International Airport, offering encouragement to a restless college student tired of working at McDonald's, and leaning in to hug a woman who said she was living in her car.

''I believe in hope but I also believe in action,'' said Obama, straying slightly from his prepared remarks. ``We can't afford to posture and bicker and resort to the same failed ideas that got us into this mess in the first place.

``After all, that's what this election was about.''

`HE TALKS TO MY LEVEL'

Many of the 1,500 people at the Harborside Event Center applauded Obama's quick change from freshly minted president into traveling salesman. He tailored his speech for Florida, saying the economic crisis was apparent when 1,000 people stood in line for 35 firefighting jobs in Miami last week. Next stop: Peoria, Ill.

''He talks to my level,'' said Ed Woolley, 66, who moved to Fort Myers from Massachusetts to retire but lost his home and went back to work as a security guard. ``I really think he's trying.''

Jamela Thompson, a 38-year-old grocery store owner who brought her young sons to the event, agreed that Obama's trip would reap good will that he can use to push his agenda.

''For the president to choose Fort Myers, it makes me believe that he really wants to hear what people have to say,'' said Thompson, who has moved back in with her parents to save on rent. ``We all know we have a long way to go, but this shows he's on the right track.''

Determined to show he's not wasting time while the economy sputters, Obama has been making overtures to Republicans and proclaimed Tuesday that he's open to any ideas, from ''a Democrat or a Republican or a vegetarian.'' But besides the governor, the only Republican elected officials at the event were Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey, who broke ranks during the campaign and endorsed Obama, and state Rep. Nick Thompson, who said he was invited by the White House.

''I got to see people who live and work here have the opportunity to be able to address the president directly,'' Thompson said. ``At the same time, I'm worried that my constituents get good value for their tax dollars from this stimulus plan.''

`PORK'

Other Florida Republicans have used more blunt language about their concerns. U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, who represents Fort Myers, said the plan is ''chock-full of spending for pork and special interests.'' With Sen. Mel Martinez voting no on Tuesday, every Republican representing Florida in Washington is on the record against it.

But Crist, whose keen populist instincts have helped him maintain his appeal in a dire economy, said the plan would be a boon to education, infrastructure and healthcare.

''This is not about partisan politics,'' said Crist, who had been considered a potential running mate for Republican presidential nominee John McCain. ``This is about rising above that and helping our country and helping America and reigniting our economy.''

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