Some Illinois delegates who saw President Obama’s political rise first-hand were also there to witness his acceptance speech Thursday night.

Will Burns and Barack Obama go way back. Burns is currently a Chicago alderman representing the Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods where Mr. Obama got his start in politics.

A few years ago, Mr. Obama reportedly did not endorse Burns in his bid for state office. But Thursday night just after the president’s speech, Burns didn’t seem to hold a grudge. He said Mr. Obama had come a long way.

“I remember the days when pundits would say, ‘If you’re a supporter of Barack Obama, you are a minority of a minority,’” Burns said. “Doors slammed in your face and people handing you back literature and he never gave up hope in what his vision was for this country.”

Meantime, Emil Jones was also in the crowd. Mr. Obama once called the former state Senate President his political godfather. On the convention floor Jones returned the favor.

“Well, my godson’s done great. Now all we gotta do is get him re-elected,” Jones said.

Jones kept his comments short since he was trying to beat the massive crowd to get outside.