Obama preps for debate in Asheville

After a weekend of appearances in Asheville, Democrat Barack Obama stayed in the western North Carolina mountains to prepare for his Tuesday night debate with Republican John McCain.

Meanwhile, eastern North Carolina prepared for Tuesday visits from McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and Obama's wife. Palin was scheduled to attend a rally in Greenville, while Michelle Obama was to speak to military families in Jacksonville.

Barack Obama stopped by an Asheville barbecue restaurant Monday to grab a takeout lunch. The Democratic presidential candidate greeted diners at 12 Bones Smokehouse and returned to his motorcade after collecting an order of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, corn pudding and sweet tea.

Obama said the mountain of food was not all for him.

He told reporters outside the Grove Park Inn that Monday's falling stock values shows that last week's $700 billion rescue package isn't the end of what must be done to fix the U.S. economy.

Obama said Washington should help with high gas and food prices, support state and local governments facing layoffs, and extend unemployment insurance.