Politics

Maryland Democrats Share Excitement Over Obama

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― All eyes on Obama.

More than 38 million people watched Barack Obama's acceptance speech Thursday night, nearly double the number who tuned in to the Democratic nomination of John Kerry four years ago.

Pat Warren reports in Maryland, where Obama voters outnumbered all other candidates in the Democratic primary, there is a feeling of pride, especially among African-Americans.

African-American voters in Baltimore have been loyal Democrats for generations, but for the first time in history, the party has chosen someone who is comfortable in their own skin.

It's not the politics supporters are celebrating, it's the politician.

Little toddler Charleston of Baltimore will never grow up thinking it's impossible for a black man to be a major party's candidate for president.

What is stirring in hearts across the state is a new sense of inclusion.

"Because we're going to have a black president, and I think he'll make good choices," said Shanijah Byrd.

"One thing that I think is a plus is the fact that he comes from two different races, African-American as well as the Caucasian race, and I think that's good because I think it will bring unity amongst the people," said Shantel Faulkner.

"It doesn't matter if you're black, white, blue or green just as long as you the job done and get it done correctly," said Keith McClain.

Now the task of the Obama campaign is to make sure all that support transfers to votes on Election Day.

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