"This was the first time there has ever been an African-American major party nominee for president - that is the story," said David Bositis, senior research associate for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. "There is only one candidate this year. And John McCain isn't that candidate."
Nevertheless, McCain praised Obama as "an impressive fellow in many ways" who has inspired many Americans.
"His success should make Americans, all Americans, proud," McCain said.
McCain noted that while past civil rights battles focused on "equal protection under law," the challenge now is to increase educational opportunities for blacks.
"After decades of hearing the same big promises from the public education establishment and seeing the same poor results, it is surely time to shake off old ways and to demand new reforms," he said. "That isn't just my opinion; it is the conviction of parents in poor neighborhoods across this nation who want better lives for their children."
The NAACP has taken a strong stance against school vouchers, arguing that they take vital resources from public schools and abandon minority students.
Nat LaCour, an NAACP member from Greenbelt, said McCain's education plan was "completely off-base."
"We all want to improve public schools, but we don't think that the way he wants to address it is the way to go," said LaCour, who retired this week as secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers.
Other NAACP members said they appreciated parts of McCain's message.
"I agree with him that there is a huge disparity when it comes to education," said Marsha Lathion, of Ypsilanti, Mich. "I'm not for school vouchers, but I agree that teachers really need more support. ... Frankly, I was surprised at the crowd in the room. I didn't expect to see as many people."
McCain said that even if he does not gain the support of most NAACP members, he will need the organization's "good will and counsel."
He also did something Obama didn't: answer questions from the audience.
He appeared relaxed and conversational during a 12-minute exchange.
McCain received huge applause for his response to a question about how he would reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is widely blamed for its response to flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina.
"The tragedy and injustice of New Orleans can never happen again," McCain said. "It will remain a national disgrace until the American people have the confidence that it will never happen again."
