Rolling applause gave way to rhythmic clapping Wednesday night as a crowd of thousands welcomed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., to the stage at the Des Moines Convention Center; then a campaign aide informed guests the senator would be out in two minutes.

Anticipation only added to the eventual welcome for the first-term senator and presidential hopeful. The senator played down the outcome, predicting a less overwhelming response in the months to come.

“About the 10th visit, we will have about 10 people,” Obama said. “We will all be in a diner.”

The senator delivered a short speech, reiterating his priorities of higher standards and greater cooperation in politics.

“The reason we are not initiating the kind of Apollo project that Kennedy initiated when he said we are going to the moon is because we are short on the confidence to say, ‘This is what we can do,'” Obama said.

In contrast to meetings recently convened in Iowa by other candidates, Obama used the forum to comment primarily on domestic issues.

One of the first topics on the minds of the crowd was education. Obama advocated more support and personal responsibility for teachers, noting competitive education will be crucial for the U.S. role in the world economy.

“We know our education system is leaving our children ill equipped to compete in the economy of the future,” Obama said.

Obama also fielded several questions related to different aspects of health care. He suggested savings from ending U.S. action in Iraq could be used to support a comprehensive welfare system for all citizens. He also commented that in addition to basic medical research, encouraging Americans to live healthier lifestyles and seek treatment sooner could result in further savings. One of the first places Obama suggested this should happen is in schools and food.

“The kids will complain a little bit but ultimately the companies that provide the food will find a way to make healthy food better, because that is their business,” Obama said.

He clarified his position on spending in response to a questioner who asked for a $60 billion cut in defense to fund social programs. He said savings from the military would have to be balanced with a rebuilding of the armed services. Additionally, he said federal spending may not add up to a balanced budget in his first term.

“I don’t think that we should be obsessed with having a balanced budget given all of the needs that we have right now,” Obama said.

The senator also faced a question about the continuing gender bias in hiring and salaries. Obama referred to his personal success and work as a civil rights lawyer as examples of progress, but said parity will be essential to realizing the full potential of the American workforce.

“We don’t have room for discrimination, because we can’t compete against the world with one hand tied behind our back. We can’t compete with nations like China without making sure we have everyone’s help,” Obama said.