As former President Bill Clinton said: “It’s arithmetic.” 

Do the math, and the standing-room-only crowd of Tenth Dems members who came to watch President Obama’s convention speech adds up to a whole lot of enthusiasm.

“It was great to see so many Democrats in one room excited about our candidates,” said Tenth Dems member Stephen Ark.

“It was a blast.  There was so much energy in the room,” said Tenth Dems intern Rian Watt.  “People this time around seemed more serious than they were four years ago—and more determined.  The stakes seem higher this time.”

Tenth Dems is a grassroots organization that supports Democratic candidates and causes at all levels of government in the 10th Congressional District.  The group hosted the Convention Watch Party on September 6 at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook. Hundreds came to watch the final convention speeches.  The crowd ran out of seats, forcing many in the audience to stand, with some even spilling into the hall. The room was continually punctuated by cheers and applause throughout both the Vice President's and the President’s speeches.

“Watching the event with a great group of people was better than watching it at home,” said Tenth Dems member Kim Rodriguez. “President Obama has a vision for America that most Democrats can agree with, so it made me feel hopeful for the future when everyone was cheering him on.”

“The President couldn’t give the same speech he did as a candidate,” said Tenth Dems member Eleonora di Liscia.  “But he still managed to give us a vision for a better America, something for us to aspire to. He spoke about the real life heroes that gave him hope, like the homeless girl who won the Harvard scholarship.  He gave us a sense of the great country we can become.  He made me proud.”

Prior to the speech, 10th District candidates from up and down the ticket addressed the fired-up crowd. Those present included county candidates Patrick Thompson, Del Parra, Nancy Waites, Andrea Schleifer and Chris Kennedy; and state candidates Daniel Biss, Scott Drury, Amanda Howland and Julie Morrison.  Brad Schneider, Democratic candidate for Congress, who Tenth Dems members hope will turn the 10th  from red to blue, also appeared.

To learn more about Tenth Dems and upcoming events, visit www.tenthdems.org.