More than 100 people crowded into the dining area at the Marietta Brewing Company Thursday night to watch Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., accept the Democratic nomination for president of the United States.
The local audience erupted into applause several times during Obama's hour-long acceptance speech.
"I thought it was excellent. I think the party has an excellent candidate," local businessman Mike Brown said after the senator's address.
Marietta College student Philip Lemaster of Chillicothe identified himself as an avid supporter of Hillary Clinton, who lost a long primary battle to Obama.
"I'm a Hillary supporter first, but will support Obama," he said. "I think he has the potential to be a great leader."
Fellow student and Clinton supporter Saira Khan of Atlantic City, N.J., agreed.
"Hillary has asked us to vote for him, so we will," she said. "I think he lacks her experience, but I'm going to vote for him either way."
Claire Berlin of Weston, W.Va., said she, Khan and Lemaster are members of Marietta College Students for Hillary Clinton.
Berlin felt that Obama's choice of Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., as his running mate was a good one.
"I like that Joe Biden has experience, and I think Biden complements Obama," she said.
"If he can't bring this country together, we're in big trouble," Belpre resident Larry Block said of Obama. "That was the most inspiring speech I've seen since Kennedy in 1960."
Kelly and Wess Apshaga-Meaux of Marietta were also impressed with Obama's address.
"Everything he talked about is important to me," Kelly said. "I have a 3-year-old daughter who's starting preschool this year, and I'm concerned about her future in general. She can't get anywhere if our economy and environment are in the toilet."
Wess said his main concern is the environmental issue.
"My biggest issue is alternative energy. At least he's not in the pockets of the big oil companies," he said.
Satana Holliday of Marietta plans to host an Obama house party to help garner support for the candidate.
"It's important to talk to undecided voters about why they should vote for Obama," she said.
At least one local Republican had some praise for Obama Tuesday - even if she isn't ready to break ranks with the GOP.
"This campaign has been a good show, but we've never had an African-American president, and I think it's a good thing for this country, no matter what your politics are," said Sharon Adams, president of the Washington County Republican Women's Club.
Adams said she planned to watch Obama's speech on Thursday night.
"I think it's very interesting, and we should be proud that we have such equality in this country," she said.
Ohio rep: Speech touched on many key issues
From staff reports
Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison, D-Marietta, is in Denver this week for the Democratic National Convention.
She thought Obama's speech touched on many key issues.
"Barack Obama laid out concrete plans on how to undo what has been done over the past eight years, which is a decline in individual and family income, skyrocketing debt, an expansion in poverty and distrust on the world stage," she said.
"This has been an incredible week of unity and momentum and Senator Obama capped it with a personal and exceptional address that shows who he is and why he will be a great president of the United States."
