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Local Obama Supporters Gather To Watch Speech

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By LYNN CARSON

News Channel 8

Published: August 28, 2008

TAMPA - Wearing a "Vote Obama" T-shirt, Joel Gennari of Lutz sat at a table at the Good Luck Café in Ybor City on Thursday, clapping and nodding with other supporters watching the broadcast of the Democratic National Convention.

Gennari, 27, was among about 50 people who wanted to share in the historic moment Thursday night of watching Barack Obama, the nation's first black presidential nominee, address the delegates and the nation from Denver.

"I wanted to be among people who feel the same way I do, instead of watching in my living room," Gennari said.

Seated nearby, Julie Williams, 48, of Seminole Heights said she too wanted to gather with like-minded people. Williams said she has been watching C-SPAN's coverage of the presidential campaign lately because she is upset by other networks "amplifying negative things."

"I think the campaign is trying to send a message of unity, hope and change," she said.

The crowd at the café clapped and laughed when former Vice President Al Gore remarked, "I know something about close elections," in his speech earlier in the evening. They whooped and cheered when he said, "The forces of the status quo are desperately afraid of the change Barack Obama represents."

Harriette Bryan, 68, of South Tampa, said the only obstacle she foresees for Obama is "close-minded, narrow-minded people." She was heartened by the diverse crowd at the café: black and white, young and old.

"We're just so excited about this candidate, and we're enthused about all he's offering for the future of our grandchildren and our children," Bryan said. "If you have any kind of historical background … this is the time for this man to unite not only our country but the world."

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin contributed to this report. Reporter Lynn Carson can be reached at (813) 225-2719 or lcarson@wfla.com. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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