Hundreds of people packed into a Montgomery restaurant on Saturday to hear Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz give a brief but impassioned speech saying America is "in a crisis."

"People are waking up all across Alabama, all across this country," Cruz said. "In my view this election is going to be about three things: jobs, freedom and security."

He denounced the current state of America's economy and its military, saying seven years of President Barack Obama's leadership have led to stagnant wages and recent graduates being buried under a mountain of student loans.

One of the most dangerous results of Obama's presidency has been the weakening of the U.S. military, Cruz said.

"America has always been reluctant to use military force," he said. "We should use overwhelming force to kill the enemy."

He likened the current state of the armed forces to the 1970s under President Jimmy Carter. But, he said, President Ronald Reagan came in and turned the country around.

"Reagan unleashed the American free enterprise system, and that revenue rebuilt the military," he said.

Cruz's promises to "repeal every word of Obamacare," establish a simple flat tax and abolish the Internal Revenue Service were met with resounding applause from the crowd.

He also addressed the political aftermath of the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, describing him as "a lion of the law" who "ferociously protected our rights." Cruz said the vacancy on the nation's highest court during an election year means two branches of government are now at stake.

He garnered immense applause when he emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and stemming the tide of illegal immigration. If elected, he said he plans to build a wall, triple border control and end sanctuary cities.

He praised U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, for blasting an immigration reform bill proposed by the "Gang of Eight," led by Florida Senator and fellow Republican presidential contender Marco Rubio.

"Want to know where someone really stands on this issue? Look no further than 2013 and the battle over the Gang of Eight," he said. "Some politicians made the decision to stand with Barack Obama and the Democrats, breaking a promise to the voters of Florida who elected them."

Cruz also had a few barbs to throw in the direction of another GOP candidate: Donald Trump.

"It's easy to talk about making America great again," he said. "You can even put that on a baseball cap. But the real question is: Do you understand the principles and values that made America great in the first place?"

He said Trump has flip-flopped on too many issues to count, including claiming to stand against illegal immigration despite employing numerous foreign workers at his Florida hotel.

Campaigns ramping up for Super Tuesday

As Super Tuesday draws near, candidates are taking the South by storm.

Saturday was a whirlwind for the Cruz campaign. He made two appearances in Georgia before moving on to Alabama, then was whisked away for a fourth and final event in Little Rock, Ark.

"We're four days away from Super Tuesday, the most important day in this entire presidential election," he said. "Don't just come out and vote on Tuesday. Pick up the phone over the next four days. Call family, friends, loved ones, coworkers, neighbors. Every one of you bring nine other people to vote on Tuesday."

More than 400 people listened to Cruz's remarks during his stop at Montgomery's BlackFinn Ameripub, despite the fact that the event was announced barely 24 hours before it began.

Rep. Isaac Whorton, who represents District 38 in the Alabama House of Representatives, introduced Cruz.

"When I think about Ted Cruz I think of five words: honor, integrity, courage, character and conservatism," Whorton said. "I know that we all stand united behind Ted... and we want to make sure the country hears us loud and clear."

Ann Eubank, one of the leaders of Cruz Alabama, got a phone call at 3 p.m. Friday about the just-announced visit.

"I think that you cannot underestimate Ted Cruz in Alabama," she said. "This is a conservative state... and we have so many people on the ground and ready to work."

Her expectation of 175 attendees was blown out of the water. The state, and especially the city of Montgomery, has embraced Cruz, she said.

"Alabama has always been one of his most important states," Eubank said. "He's been to Alabama more than any other candidate in this race."

Joe and Christina Pisciotta, both 29, woke up Saturday to news of Cruz's campaign stop later that day. The trip from their Enterprise home to Montgomery was rewarded with the chance to snap a photo with the presidential hopeful and to ask him a question after his speech.

They have been Cruz supporters from day one. Christina Pisciotta said she was overcome with excitement as she initially read through his beliefs. She found herself agreeing across the board, especially his desire to defund Planned Parenthood and plan to establish a flat tax.

While assisting Cruz's campaign efforts, the two became even more deeply familiar with his platform.

"His tax plan is better than any other candidate's," Christina said. "I agree with literally everything he stands for."

Joe Pisciotta works at Fort Rucker and cares deeply about where candidates stand on the military. He asked Cruz for his thoughts on military pay cuts and was happy to hear the candidate speak against them.

"This is the first time I get to vote for somebody and not against somebody," he said. "Ted Cruz has gone to Washington and kept his promises. He has stood up against his own party when it wasn't popular. I wouldn't have volunteered for anyone else."