Delegates Cry, Praise Obama’s Acceptance Speech

Thu, August 28, 2008 - 11:07 PM

Alabama

- Bobby Singleton a state senator from Greensboro, Ala., teared up several times during the speech. Obama’s nomination showed how much African-Americans have overcome, he said.

“It shows that we have arrived,” Singleton said.

- “I thought the speech was great and he touched on all the important issues that people are concerned about,” said Joyce Rice, of West Blocton, Ala.

- “I thought it was awesome,” said Quinton Ross, a state senator from Montgomery, Ala. “He has energized the Democratic Party to go out and send his message to the people for change in America and it’s going to happen.”

Colorado

- “It was a proud feeling, a feeling of hope for the future, a feeling we’re going to see change in the country,” said Malee Craft, of Denver, Colo.

Georgia

- Robert Washington, of Atlanta, Ga., was hugging anyone near him after Obama’s speech ended. “Yes. Thank you, Jesus, thank you,” he shouted.

“It’s saying the world is starting anew,” Washington said. “No doubt, we’ll do it in November. It’s not done yet.”

- Don Wilson, of Marietta, Ga., was crying throughout the end of Obama’s remarks.
“God bless America, God bless America,” he yelled, standing on his chair.

“I’m just so overwhelmed,” Wilson said. “This is the greatest thing second to my child being born.”

- “I came away with the feeling this is not optional. We have to do this, not just for the country, but for the world,” said Beth Perera, of Centerville, Ga.

Missouri

- “This is remarkable. I kept thinking of my dad and mom who always said this would never happen in their lifetime, and I’m blessed to say it’s happened in mine,” said Rev. Earl Nance, Jr., of St. Louis, Mo.

- “It’s wonderful. It’s really history in the making. It’s just beautiful,” said Bill Richardson, of Leeton, Mo., with tears in his eyes and wearing a union jacket

North Carolina

- “It was history, something we’ve been waiting years for,” said Ed Booth, of Washington, N.C. “We’ve got to go home and continue to work to make change we so need.”

- “This changes everything for all of us,” said Mike Nelson, 45, of Hillsborough, N. C., mentioning his five and six-year-old nephew and niece. “This means they live in a very different world than I do. After tonight it’s a very, very different world than they had last week.”

- “They really brought the party together” said Erica Smith, a Clinton supporter from Mount Airy, N.C.

South Carolina

- “We’re going to win in November,” said Marilyn Hemingway, of Georgetown, S.C.
“We’re going to take this country back.”

- Susan Smith, of Pawley’s Island, S.C., on her love of conventions: “It’s better than Christmas.”

Virginia:

- “I’m just so happy to see our participation. I hope everyone stays energizes,” said Lisa Jones, of Arlington, Va. “The opportunity is here; I know he’s prepared.”

--Compiled by Amy Dominello and Neil Simon