Barack Obama supporters gathered at a Hamilton bar to watch coverage of the US Democratic convention last night, the day after he was chosen as the party's candidate for the White House.

Mr. Obama is the first African-American to be nominated for president by a major US party and was set to deliver his acceptance speech to the convention last night.

According to Amani Flood, co-ordinator of the Bermuda4Barack campaign, Americans in Bermuda and locals alike have taken him to their hearts.

Speaking during the party at Flanagan's bar which saw campaign stickers, flags and T-shirts in abundance, she said: "Bermuda is very much in love with Barack Obama. Bermudians are very much enamoured with this political process.

"I think he's brilliant. I'm not just captivated by a gorgeous well-spoken politician. I've read his policies, anyone can, they're up on his website. He's run an excellent campaign, above-board and morally respectable. I'm proud of him and proud of America.

"I'm proud the people have been prepared to embrace him in spite of what could have been a tremendous obstacle. The fact that people looked past his colour shows America has grown up as a nation.

"This is our third major function since March and hopefully there'll be more leading up to the victory party in November!"

Ms Flood, an American citizen who has lived in Bermuda for 25 years, reminded the Island's US expatriates that no matter how long they've been away, they are still entitled to an absentee ballot. A form is available at www.fvap.gov.

Meanwhile the United Bermuda Party also spoke out in praise of Mr. Obama.

Party leader Kim Swan said last night: "I have been impressed by Barack Obama because he has run a campaign that's inclusive, that is about bringing people together. This is the hope he represents. The best future for the world has to be about people coming together and Barack Obama, by winning the Democratic nomination on these terms, sends a powerful message of hope to the world.

"His candidacy has been an inspiration to the African-American community while his spirit of inclusiveness and his ability to reach out across the divides has endeared him to a new and broad cross-section of people.

"His leadership example is infectious, causing many around the world to take notice and, one hopes, to emulate."

Premier Ewart Brown wrote Mr. Obama a letter of congratulation after his historic caucus victory in Iowa in January, saying: "I've talked to fellow Bermudians who are cheering for your campaign because they are so encouraged by what it represents. On behalf of those people, I write to wish you continued forward momentum as you strive toward November 2008."