NJ delegates on Obama: ‘I had tears in my eyes’

PHILADELPHIA - For some members of the New Jersey delegation at the Democratic National Convention, saying good-bye to President Barack Obama isn’t easy.

During the president’s sweeping address on Day III of the convention, many delegation members were on their feet. They hoisted vertical “Obama” signs in the air and chanted his name.

Some whipped out their phones trying to capture a picture of Obama amid the sea of blue signs; amid the elation, many delegates openly wept.

State Democratic Chairman John Currie extended his hand in the air, reaching for the president he’d never thought he’d see elected to the White House.

“I had tears in my eyes, I really had tears in my eyes. As I sat in the stadium, August of ‘08, as an African American, I didn’t think I would see an African American nominated for president much less win four months later,” said Currie.

Obama spoke of the highlights of his presidency and the difficult decisions that accompany such power. “Until you’ve sat at that desk, you don’t know what it’s like to manage a global crisis, or send young people to war,” said Obama.

He added that Hillary Clinton, his secretary of state, had been in the room with him making those tough calls.

“This year, in this election, I’m asking you to join me – to reject cynicism, reject fear, to summon what’s best in us; to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States, and show the world we still believe in the promise of this great nation,” said Obama.

Here’s what New Jersey thought of Obama’s speech:

1. End of an era

“I’m feeling emotional because it’s the end of one era with Obama and he’s done so much in the last eight years,” said West Windsor delegate Grace Power. “But it’s also the start of another with the first female president and it’s just really an exciting night.”

Power, who grew up in Freehold, wiped tears from her eyes as Clinton made a surprise appearance on stage and embraced Obama in a long hug. Power said hearing Obama talk about the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. overwhelmed her with emotion.

Obama said the American people have picked him up over the last eight years, and mentioned a painting he keeps in his office as inspiration: “A big-eyed, green owl, made by a 7-year-old girl who was taken from us in Newtown, given to me by her parents so I wouldn’t forget – a reminder of all the parents who have turned their grief into action,” he said.

“Even the mention of it does get me emotional because I’m hoping things will change; I’m hoping in the next eight years we’re going to see sensible gun control,” said Power. “It was just absolutely amazing, it was full of hope and just in stark contrast to the Republicans last week, it’s unbelievable.”

2. Fired up

Chairman Currie said Obama gave Clinton a shining endorsement, setting the stage for her to make history.

“I am so fired up, I will get my New Jersey people fired up as well ... I believe we’re going to make history in November,” said Currie. “I’m honored to be alive in these times and for my children and grandchildren, I think the best is yet to come.”

For Currie, highlights of the speech included Obama’s talking about the tough calls a president must make and how Clinton contributed to the decision-making process.

He said Obama showed “the American people how she understands and what a difficult job it is to be President of the United States. You need someone there with the experience and Madame Secretary has the experience, not Donald Trump.”

3. Gloves off

Kim Hurdman, a Clinton delegate from Morristown, said Obama hit all the notes during his address, including knocking Trump.

“That’s why anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end,” Obama said. “We don’t fear the future; we shape it. We embrace it, as one people, stronger together than we are on our own.”

“I’m glad he took the gloves off on that but still had the soaring language,” said Hurdman, 47. Clinton is “a great candidate, she’s very experienced. She isn’t going to bring crowds to inspirational heights, that’s his unique gift, but this is not a hard choice.”

Karen Yi: 732-643-4277; kyi@gannettnj.com