C.R. Obama supporters gather for State of the Union

CEDAR RAPIDS - Nearly 20 locals crowded into the cozy living room of one Northwest side home Tuesday night in order to clap, nod, and fist pump their way through President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.

The group mainly consisted of members of the Northwest Neighborhood Team, a campaign team working in Cedar Rapids to get Obama reelected. According to Sharon Poplawski, 59, a leader of the neighborhood team, their small group put out roughly 13,000 campaign calls since October.

By 7:30 p.m., two television sets and a laptop were tuned in to the President's speech throughout Rebecca Lain's 9th St. home.

"It's good to get supporters together," Lain, 38, said about the watch party. "It helps generate more support and create a network."

As the members milled around before the speech began, wearing Obama 2012 stickers, Poplawski she said she hoped Obama would touch on the importance of U.S. manufacturing.

"I've got [manufacturing] in my blood," she said. "I feel manufacturing is the heartbeat of America."

When Obama's address began, the group settled into their chairs and quieted down - but not for long.

They clapped at the mention of Osama bin Laden's death, they nodded in agreement at Obama's promise to train 2 million in job-specific skills, and they murmured "Amen" when the President vowed to restore the economy.

Halfway through Obama's speech, Marti Garrison, a leader of the team, said she was pleased with the President's address so far. His call for economic equality and equal opportunity for education were two points Garrison said particularly resonated with her.

"I think that's what makes America, America," she said.