A crowd of nearly 250 people gathered at Hoover High School in Des Moines Saturday night to hear Michael Moore speak at a benefit for Iowa Shares.

Moore spoke for nearly two hours, covering everything from the importance of country music to Newt Gingrich and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The benefit was for Iowa Shares, a coalition for social change. Moore applauded the efforts of Iowa Shares and their member organizations.

Moore first received national recognition in 1989 for Roger & Me, the largest grossing documentary film of all time.

Moore is also the creator and host of the award-winning television series “TV Nation.”

Moore began the evening by mentioning his affection for Iowa and telling stories of previous trips to Des Moines.

“I always love coming here,” he said.

Moore’s message routinely had a serious tone when he spoke of the importance of organization in the workplace.

“It’s rare that people like us have a voice,” Moore said. “I have a responsibility to be that voice.”

Moore gave the audience a chance to ask questions. He also showed clips of “TV Nation” that had been censored. The three segments ran in 25 other countries but were not allowed to run in the United States.

The crowd gave Moore a standing ovation. Not everyone was applauding, however.

“I respect him a lot less now that I know what he stands for,” Des Moines insurance agent Pat Knueven said.

Knueven did not know Moore’s politics before the evening started. Like many members of the audience, he only knew what he had seen on “TV Nation.”

Diana Durlam also only knew Moore from his TV show. Durlam, a speech pathologist from Ankeny, left the auditorium loving everything Moore said.

“He’s like a hero because he fights for the little guy and gal,” Durlam said. “I just loved him.”

Moore encouraged the crowd to become involved.

“It’s important to realize that one person can make a difference,” Moore said before leaving the stage. “You need to be more involved.”

Moore made himself available after the benefit to sign copies of his book, “Downsize This: Random Threats From an Unarmed American.”

He had been scheduled to appear at Big Table Books at 4 p.m. on Saturday for a book signing, but he was delayed at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport and had to cancel the event.