Barack Obama received support today from one of North Carolina's living legends -- Coach Dean Smith.
In an e-mail sent to the Democratic presidential candidate's supporters, the retired UNC head basketball coach called Obama "a patriotic American, a committed Christian, a good family man, and a man who shares the bedrock values that most North Carolinians have in common".
Smith and his wife, Linnea, say the United State is in a critical juncture and that Obama is the right change in direction.
Smith retired in 1997 after leading UNC to two national championships. He previously had supported John Edwards for president.