WATERLOO - In the state that helped launch his bid for the presidency, people who gathered together in Waterloo to watch Barack Obama's acceptance of the Democratic nomination said they felt like they were part of the historic moment.

People gathered in groups across the country to watch Obama become the first African American to accept a major party nomination for the highest elected office in the U.S. Those people who gathered at the Talk Stop Cafe, 1015 E. Fourth St., said they felt more connected to the event watching the broadcast with a large group.

"It makes you feel more connected to share something like this with other people," said Luann Wortham, an Obama supporter.

"When people make history, you want to experience it together, not in your living room," said David Wayne Goodson, Talk Shop cafe owner.

More than four dozen Obama supporters at the Talk Shop hushed as he took the stage in Denver at the Democratic National Convention.

Before Obama took the stage, the cafe lights were turned off and the nearly the entire north wall was illuminated by a projection television. Some elected to turn their attention to a smaller television in a corner rather than crane their necks to the larger image.

When the crowd of an estimated 84,000 people in Denver applauded, so did the approximately 50 people at the cafe. Some rose to their feet in excitement during points of his speech.

"I knew this day was going to come," said Phyllis Gaines. "I didn't know it was going to be in my lifetime, but I knew."

Being in Iowa magnified that connection to history, supporters said. Obama began his improbable run with a Jan. 3 victory in the Iowa precinct caucuses.

"We set the stage on where this country wants to go," said State Rep. Deborah Berry, D-Waterloo. "It starts here."

Campaign staff briefly rallied supporters following the speech as people recapped their favorite moments.

"He was really strong and firm," said Michael Blackwell, a University of Northern Iowa professor and Democrat candidate for Black Hawk County supervisor. "This was probably the strongest I've seen him speak since he started running for president."

After the conclusion of Obama's speech, supporters at the cafe said his message of unity stood out the most to them.

"In his own words, he said this election isn't about him," said Karen Phillips.

"It made me feel connected," said Berry. "I think that's what he has tendency to do, is to make us feel that oneness."

Contact John Molseed at (319) 291-1418 or john.molseed@wcfcourier.com