NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Former President Bill Clinton spoke to hundreds on Thursday night in Middle Tennessee. The speaking engagement was held to rally supporters of Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Mike McWherter.

The event wasn't perfect. President Clinton arrived late and the crowd wasn't nearly as large as the 3,000 people organizers expected.

By the time the event got underway, hundreds watched as the former president shook hands on his way to the podium in Walk of Fame Park. Once he reached it, he spoke about the economy needing a Democratic Party member in the governor’s office. He also addressed the nation’s tough economy.

"I know there are millions who go home every night without a job not knowing if they can pay bills," said Clinton.

The president went on to tout his eight years in the White House as positive economic growth with low unemployment. He also touched on how the budget deficit was lowered during his presidency.

“No president ever left office leaving our country in better fiscal shape than Bill Clinton did," McWherter remarked to the crowd.

As for the president, Clinton urged the audience to get out and sway community members into voting for McWherter.

“Your job is to change the subject of this election away from anger, apathy and amnesia,” he said. “Not to blame, but to what we are going to do now, and who's going to do it."

McWherter and Clinton weren’t the only big name politicians attending the event. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Governor Phil Bredesen were also in attendance.

When all was said and done, McWherter admitted to the crowd that it is going to be a tough fight, but he's committed to being Tennessee’s next governor.