Sen. Barack Obama’s first visit to Michigan in nearly a year included a high-profile endorsement from John Edwards and a pledge to fight for a rebound in Michigan’s battered auto industry.

“We are taking steps in the right direction, and American automakers are on the move,” Obama told a friendly crowd in Warren, where he unveiled a manufacturing agenda that includes billions of dollars in potential aid for the Detroit car companies.

Later, at a packed Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Obama vowed to make up for his long absence from the state. “We didn’t have a chance to campaign here during the primary. I felt bad about it,” said Obama, who removed his name from Michigan’s ballot in the dispute over the January primary and hasn’t appeared here since July.

“I felt guilty. As a consequence, I decided to give you something special.” Edwards — a favorite of organized labor — then strolled onto the stage to thundering cheers and an embrace from the Illinois senator.

… The day’s events were Michigan’s first real experience with the wild enthusiasm and rock concert-style mass rallies that have marked Obama’s rise from underdog to likely Democratic nominee.

“Talking to him was one of the most amazing things. You have to believe everything he says,” said Michael Dear, 20, of Clinton Township, who asked Obama about health care during the economic forum.

But it was in Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena that the excitement hit fever pitch. Edwards’ endorsement had been sought by Obama and Clinton ever since he left the race in February.

“Many of us black folks have a high regard for Sen. Edwards,” said Don Williams, 71, a retired dean from Grand Valley State University.

… Dave Blakeslee, 46, a social worker from Wyoming, was “thrilled” the Edwards endorsement happened in Grand Rapids.

“We’ve been starved for political attention here the last several months, especially since our primary didn’t count,” he said.

Grand Rapids police estimated that 15,000 gathered at the hockey arena, which has an official seating capacity of just under 11,000.