STANDING ROOM ONLY FOR KERRY ACCEPTANCE SPEECH - DISGUIST FOR BUSH UNIFIES PARTY : AZ IMC

It was standing room only at a party held by the Pima County Democratic Party for John Kerry's acceptance speech at the National Democratic Convention.

Many in attendance, including many young people, said that because of Bush's awful performance as president, now is not the time to bicker over our differences but to find unity in what we have in common in order to defeat Bush in November.

Those who attended the party for Gore last election said that this time was much different, that people were energized, optimistic, and the packed hall showed it. Some attendees felt it was time to get politically active although they have not been in the past. Applause, cheers and standing ovations were heard often during the party especially during Kerry's acceptance speech for the party's nomination.

Afterwards, many felt that Kerry had given the best speech of his campaign because he spoke with passion and conviction. Many democrats have been hoping that Kerry could be more passionate in his speaking style and he delivered.

When asked about the protest against Kerry outside many attendees said that the Democratic Party is about diversity and that the Kerry protesters had a right to voice their opinion. However, many felt that since we have a two party system that the best way to bring change is to change the party from within. Party organizers said protesters were invited inside for refreshments but the protesters refused.

Heated moments erupted on a few occasions between Kerry supporters and the protesters but but a majority of those attending felt that they had a right to be there and should be welocomed for taking part in politics when so many are full of apathy.

Some people may have felt that they may had been sent from the Republican Party, because their signs did not indicate that they were against Bush too.

When interviewed, one of the protesters told me that we should throw out our entire political system and that we should not have a president. When asked what political system we should have instead he didn't seem to know other than say that the current system should be trashed.

If indeed they are against both candidates and not Republican protesters in disguise, then they should protest against Bush at the Republican's party during the convention. To many it seemed odd that if they were against Bush too, then why didn't most of the signs say so. A few signs railed against Bush too but the most didn't and the largest banner made no mention that they were against Bush too.

Photos/Text Copyright: Dean Zgoda/Eclipse Agency