A viewing party for Senator Barack Obama’s Democratic nomination acceptance speech hosted by the Long Beach Democratic Club drew a huge crowd to Smooth’s Sports Bar & Grille, as supporters cheered for Obama’s long-awaited speech. His words drew a predictably favorable response.
“Awesome,” Long Beach City Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal said, simply, unable to divert her eyes from the TV screen. “[Obama] outdid himself, and in this environment, it made me feel like I was at the convention.”
The event – which drew so many people that the rooftop party ran out of chairs – was organized by Long Beach Democratic Club Vice President Sam Hall and Club member Kraig Kojian.
“It was exactly what [Obama] needed to do to pick up supporters that were maybe wavering, or still wanted Hillary,” said Hall, who is also a member of Senator Alan Lowenthal’s staff. “McCain is going to have a hard time countering some of the points that Obama made.”
Bonnie Lowenthal, who is currently running for the 54th District Assembly seat, took a moment to reflect on what it would mean to the 54th if Obama were to win the presidency.
“In my district, there are people in trouble, unemployed people, homeowners who’ve lost their quity and have few choices,” she said. “In this economy, everybody is hurting at all levels, and I truly believe that Barack Obama has not only the ideas but the spirit, the emotion, the charisma to motivate people in this country.”
She also noted that her campaign is going well, and that residents in the 54th are looking for change. Lowenthal is running against Gabriella Holt (R) for the 54th Assembly seat that will be decided by voters in November.
“People in the greater Long Beach area know me well,” she said. “They know I am accessible. There is a true sense of connection with me, and I am very excited to continue giving to this area for years to come.”
Hall echoed similar sentiments on behalf of Senator Lowenthal.
“Senator Lowenthal was one of the first to come out and endorse Obama,” Hall said, citing the Senator’s belief that Obama represented exactly what the country needed.
“People are engaging more and participating as citizens. What [Obama] is doing is getting more people involved in the process – that’s the best thing that he has done.”
Check the lbpost.com next week for information regarding the Republican Party Convention.
Senator Obama’s speech draws cheers
Fixated
Fixated, Pt. II
“Here, I’ll fix these for you”
“All better”
Just like being in Denver
Standing room only
The packed house
Full capacity
Organizers Kraig Kojian and Sam Hall
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor
Disclosure: Smooth’s is an advertiser of the lbpost.com