New Canaan Democrats Energized By Obama's Speech

DARIEN, Conn. – Consider Jane Himmel energized. The New Canaan resident was feeling optimistic about President Barack Obama's chances of winning a second term as she joined about 50 other Fairfield County Democrats at Upper Crust Bakery & Café in Darien to watch Obama accept the Democratic nomination at the party’s convention.

“I’m so excited and hopeful,” said Himmel, smiling broadly after Obama’s address. “I think (Obama) made the choice very clear.”

The applause in the eatery was loud during many portions of Obama’s speech. Vice President Joe Biden’s address was also well received.

Patty McCormack of Darien was happy to join in on the applause. She had high hopes for the president’s speech, especially on the heels of first lady Michelle Obama’s address on Tuesday. “I was sobbing with Michelle Obama’s speech. It was amazing,” she said.

Polly and Harry Geller of Stamford were pleased with Obama’s remarks. Harry Geller said he was happy to hear Obama talk about everyone getting opportunities to do well. Polly Geller said she was proud to be among a diverse crowd at Upper Crust and to see the cross-section of people in Charlotte, N.C., during the Democratic Convention.

“It was outstanding,” Harry Geller said. “Biden was great, and Obama was over the top.”

Erica Padmore of Norwalk said she worked hard to spread the word about Obama’s candidacy in 2008 when she lived in Atlanta. She was impressed now to hear his message that “we’re all in this together.”

Randall Klein, chairman of Darien’s Democratic Town Committee, was happy with Obama’s speech as well as the one delivered Wednesday by former President Bill Clinton. Both men explained the issues “in easy, understandable terms,” Klein said. “I think we were very lucky to have these guys as leaders of our country.”

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