About 30 people gathered at the Lyric Live restaurant in Rockford to watch Obama's speech. It received a standing ovation from the crowd when it was over. And there was lots of applause and head nods during the speech like folks in Denver were doing watching Obama there.
23 News caught much of the same excitement and enthusiasm over at the UAW Hall in downtown Rockford.
At least 100 folks first filled up their plates for dinner, many wearing their support with Obama T-shirts and pins. Then it was all eyes on the Democratic Convention playing out on the T-V's. Obama supporters we talked to have been watching this convention coverage all week. They echoed the ongoing themes of unity, change and history surrounding Obama's campaign. They say his agenda is good for the UAW worker and future generations across the board.
"I'm concerned about our country. It's the greatest country in the world. And I feel as though people, they've got to realize, we can't afford they eight years we've had," Obama Supporter Bill Tratnik said.
"I believe he can make a change for this country and he's going to bring us all together weather we be Black, White, Mexican, Hispanic," Obama Supporter Delisa Watkins said.
With the convention ending Thursday night, folks we talked now expect a tight race going forward between Obama and McCain. But they feel Obama and pull a win.
We also heard about another gathering of at the Firefly restaurant in Loves Park. All together there were some 4,500 Obama gatherings Thursday across the country.