Slothman,
It was indeed pride that I too had felt. Watching Jennifer Hudson give such an exceptional performance after such a horrible personal tragedy was more than just uplifting, it was quite moving as well.
Moving to Freehold NJ in 1967 from the Bronx introduced me to the music of Springsteen at a very early age and to see him come so far and do it with such Class and humor was nothing short of incredible. The fireworks, the laughter, the hometown hero. It was inspirational for me.
Not to mention that interception where the guy ran for 100 yards. It was a fun night of TV.