Biden: 'The comeback starts' in the Carolinas

"The comeback starts in South Carolina, then there is North Carolina," he said, urging Democrats to get out and support him on Super Tuesday, then the Tar Heel State is among 14 nationwide to hold primary elections.

"We raised just over $3.5 million in the last couple days online, so things are beginning to move," Biden told WRAL News before the rally.

2020 NC voter guide, candidate profiles

Biden's not worried.

“I think people are going to also start to focus on what is real, what is getting done and how can you get it done,” he said.

Mike Ayers, a Biden supporter who turned out to hear the candidate at St. Augustine's University, wants to see the candidate sharpen his focus as well.

“I think he tried to take that approach with the campaign and not sling any mud and, unfortunately, this is a mud-slinging time," Ayers said.

Mia Sherard was in the crowd to hear from Biden – “to hear more about how he is going to move us forward," she said – although she hasn't made up her mind about who she'll vote for.

Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, follows Biden in Raleigh. He has an event at Broughton High School Saturday evening.

Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, planned an afternoon rally Saturday in Wilmington. He and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar were among Saturday night's scheduled speakers at the state Democratic Party's “Blue NC Celebration” at a Charlotte hotel. Gov. Roy Cooper planned to be there, too.

Not to be outdone, President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Charlotte on March 2, the eve of the primary.

Tuesday's North Carolina primary also includes elections for governor, U.S. Senate and House, and Council of State and legislative seats.