Rep. James H. Maloney III '70 (D-Conn.) praised Lieberman but joked about the Yale-educated senator joining a ticket with Gore.

Politicians were not the only ones cheering Lieberman. Stamford residents lined the path of the motorcade that whisked Gore and Lieberman back to the airport. One Gore supporter even sported a red, white and blue Gore-Lieberman yarmulke.

Tom Hickey, whose family has lived in Stamford for four generations, said he was proud to have his hometown represented by Lieberman.

"I'm amazed...that out of all of the communities and towns in the USA, that someone this close to us could rise to this position," Hickey said.

In the latest polls, Gore and Lieberman are virtually tied with Texas Gov. George W. Bush and his running mate Richard B. Cheney, after falling to a double-digit deficit after last week's Republican convention. The Democrats will hold their convention next week.

"He's electrified the campaign," Hickey said. "He's caused people to turn their heads and notice."

One Harvard student following the campaign agreed.

"[Lieberman's] provided the balance Gore needs," said Jessica L. Richman '01, the vice president of the Harvard College Democrats, who is also from Connecticut. "They are certainly heading in the right direction."