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Joined By 'Message Of Unity, Hope And Change'

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By LYNN CARSON

News Channel 8

Published: August 29, 2008

TAMPA - Wearing a "Vote Obama" T-shirt, Joel Gennari of Lutz sat at a table at the Good Luck Cafe 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 major-party 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 campaign lately because she is upset by 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 cafe 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 crowd at the cafe: 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.

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

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