Murrieta Democrats gather to watch President’s speech, pledge support

The Democratic Club of Southwest Riverside County gathered in Murrieta to watch President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech delivered Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Democratic Club of Southwest Riverside County gathered together in Murrieta to watch President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech delivered Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Ashley Ludwig/SWRNN)

“We will have our doors open the night of every debate and speech,” said Howard Katz, past president of the club, and now serving as the manager of the temporary facility along with his wife, Kathy. “We want everyone to feel at home here, to sit with like-minded citizens who understand what’s at stake during this election.”

Volunteer coordinator Suji Fox greeted folks at the door, helping voters register and scheduling helpers to answer phones, stuff envelopes and knock on doors in advance of the election.

“Our club meets the first Monday of the month, and this has been a busy week with Monday’s grand opening,” Fox said. “It’s an exciting time to watch our president speak and accept his candidacy.”

As the evening began, the majority of focus of conversation remained on President Bill Clinton’s speech from the night before.

“(Clinton) was inspiring. He said what needed to be said so that President Obama didn’t have to,” Murrieta resident Susan Dye said. “I have watched both of the conventions and the speeches at the Democratic Convention mean so much more.”

A diverse group of men and women, young and old, filtered in and gathered around a pizza and chicken feast as the evening filled with anticipation. Throughout Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and Vice President Joe Biden’s remarks, there was praise and a smattering of applause for ready sound bites.

Favored comments included what will surely be on bumper stickers across America: “Osama Bin Laden’s Dead / GM’s Alive”, “We’re on our way!” and “From Main Street to Wall Street, everyone must play by the same rules.”

Still, the issues won the acknowledgement of the day –  from Medicare and Social Security to health care reform and education.

New member Connie Marsh joined the club saying she was, “looking to share this time with people of common interests. We can enjoy each others company and share the enthusiasm.”

Excitement grew as the president spoke to the national convention and the rapt Murrieta audience.

Hearty laughter accompanied Obama’s few, well-placed Romney jabs, including Romney’s blunder of insulting the hosts of the summer Olympics in London.

According to Katz, the road to change is long and the Democratic Club of Southwest Riverside County plans to march behind President Obama with the goal to do everything they can to secure his re-election.

The office is located at 40250 Murrieta Hot Springs Road at Jackson Ave., Suite 103, in Murrieta.

Additional information is available by calling Howard Katz at  909-227-0202.

Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.