Last night, the Washoe Democrats gathered at the Flowing Tide in South Reno to watch Barack Obama's nomination for President weren't in Denver, but they were a mile high after Obama's rousing speech.

The pub was noisy, but nothing could distract the eager Democrats, many of whom had been working for Obama's nomination since the beginning of the primaries and many who had supported Hillary Clinton or John Edwards.

There were misgivings. The empty field looked grandiose and already the Republicans were on the attack.

Then the stadium filled (a crowd of 75,000) with Democrats united in their desire for change and a hope of renewal. Al Gore warmed the crowd, eloquently contrasting the Democrats' platform with eight years of Republican mismanagement, misjudgment, and malfeasance.

I must admit at first we were a bit anxious. But there was no need. Obama laid out the specifics of his vision and then turned to confront John McCain on matters of national security. He reminded his listeners that "patriotism has no party" and that the Democratic Party is the party of FDR and JFK, a party that knows how to defend our country. We were on our feet, anxiety transformed into hope.

Then a funny thing happened as I was leaving. An older gentleman approached me, asking if we were a group of Democrats. I said sure, but he was welcome.

"Well," he said, "I just wanted to tell you I'm voting for Obama and so is the ex-marine I met at the bar."

"Great," I replied, and asked him why.

"I'm from an army family," he replied, "and I voted for Reagan, but these guys are crooks."

Welcome home, Reagan Democrats! Here comes Obama!

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