President Barack Obama accepted his party's nomination for another term as president Thursday night at the DNC
President Barack Obama accepted his party's nomination for another term as president Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention.
Now candidates from both parties look to drum up more interest, support, and money in the remaining weeks before Election Day in November.
Though East Tennessee lies in a very conservative corner of both the state and nation, local Democrats say the convention has boosted party enthusiasm.
"The speakers have really brought forth not only the issues, but also the excitement," said former Knox County Commissioner and long-time Democratic voter Mark Harmon.
He and other Democrats often fall into the voting minority in East Tennessee, but remain optimistic for future success.
"When you build the bench with good local officials, you can slowly but surely reestablish your identity."
Young voters, like UT senior Josh Stoval, represent an influential part of the Democratic base. As a member of the College Democrats, and a liaison between the club and the Knox County Democratic Party, Stoval says the convention puts issues he cares about on a national stage.
"People who would never really look at the Democratic party, they get to hear us talk, and see what we stand for," he said.