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By SUSAN M. COVER
Staff Writer 08/29/2008

By SUSAN M. COVER
Blethen Maine Newspapers

AUGUSTA — They drank beer and wine, and ate mini-pizzas.
They cheered when a Teamster addressed the Democratic National Convention.


And they gathered Super Bowl-style around a large screen television in a
home on Brooklawn Avenue to hear Sen. Barack Obama accept the Democratic
Party’s nomination for president.


“For us, politics is sort of like the Super Bowl,” said Lucy Van Hook,
24, of Augusta.
“This is one of the biggest speeches of our time. This is
one of those moments in history where you’re always going to remember
where you were.”


 The “watch party,” one of many organized by the Obama campaign taking
 place throughout the state, gave like-minded people the chance to
celebrate a common bond.

 The older generation of local Democrats filtered out by 9:15, and more
 younger people arrived. They wore sweatshirts and Obama stickers, handed
out by the party host, Michael Johnson, chairman of Augusta Democrats.

They filled the leather couch and love seat, and occupied the dining room
 chairs moved into the room for the occasion.


Hillary Roberts, 27, of Bangor, said she hasn’t traditionally been active
 in politics.
 But this year is different.


“I’m inspired to see so many young people active,” she said. “I’m talking
 about politics with my parents.”


 As the pre-speech video played, the group oohed and ahhed as the video flashed photos of Obama as a baby.

They poked fun at his teen-age attire.
But as the video grew more serious, the group grew quiet.

When Obama finally took the stage, after months of a primary campaign and
 a week worth of hype, those gathered in Augusta remarked at the huge
 crowd in the 75,000-person capacity stadium.


“Look at that,” someone said as the camera showed the flashbulbs popping.
 Then they listened.


And they laughed in agreement when Obama delivered this line, referring
 to the eight-year presidency of George Bush: “On November 4th, we must
stand up and say ‘eight is enough.’”
 For Democrats who sat in an Augusta living room Thursday, it was a chance
to be part of history.


“I’ve been following Obama since he first declared,” said Thomas
Kittredge, 32, of Dover. “I’m really excited to hear his plans. He’s
going to get us inspired.”



Susan Cover — 621-5642
scover@centralmaine.com

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