Local reaction to Barack Obama’s acceptance speech drew loud cheers from supporters and skeptism from naysayers. In Gary, Indiana, a city where Obama visited just a few months ago on a campaign stop, some 500 people turned out to hear the Illinois senator’s speech on two large television screens. Meanwhile, a suburban family, supportive of Republican John McCain, took in the speech in at home.

Gary is over a thousand miles away from Denver, Colorado, where Obama made his speech last night.

Those who came out to the Genesis Convention Center in Gary wanted to cheer loud enough so Obama could hear them.

One of those cheering was Vivian Carter, a retired school administrator.

Carter says if she couldn’t be in Denver, she wanted to witness history with friends and family in Gary.

CARTER: I’m 82 years old and I really didn’t expect this to ever happen in my lifetime. But I am very proud to be able to live to see it happen.

The cheers in the room fell silent as a video of Obama played on television screens just prior to the speech.

Those in attendance, from steelworkers to stay-at-home moms, young and old, and black and white, sighed, laughed and clapped as the video played. Once over, and Obama came out, the cheers returned.

Supporters took in every word from Obama with anticipation, enjoyment and approval once it was over.

Queen Toppin, a fashion designer from Gary, says Obama’s words are what America needs to heal.

TOPPIN: I was just so inspired by his speech. And we as a people, we really need this positive impact that he’s going to put on our country.

East Chicago, Indiana, resident Drake Morris says the youth will be the key to an Obama victory in two months.

MORRIS: This is what America needs and I hope everyone will get behind him. And, all the young people, I hoped they watched because this is the future.

Today, many of those in attendance plan to hit the area to sign up people to vote.