LEWISTON – Huddled together and stamping their feet against the cold, about 30 people, both young progressives and mature Democrats, gathered Saturday in Kennedy Park.

Their aims: to stay strong despite President Bush’s re-election and to rebuff the conservative discussion of morality.

“I think we all realize that the Bush Administration does not share our values,” said Will Armstrong, a 19-year-old Bates College student who helped organize the event.

The message was echoed again and again during the 30-minute event.

People complained about moves that favor the wealthy and cuts to aid for working people and soldiers fighting in Iraq. And they complained about some Christian leaders, who have made gay marriage and abortion central issues.

There are more basic Christian values that are being left out, said Ed Desgrosseilliers, leader of the Auburn Democratic Party.

“What is more Christian than reaching down and helping your neighbor?” Desgrosseilliers asked.

Meanwhile, Bush’s efforts are dividing the nation, he said.

The afternoon event was billed as a “peaceful, progressive, pro-Maine rally.”

Led by Armstrong and Bates classmate Andrew Stowe, the gathering was meant to build on Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry’s success in Maine.

Nationally, Bush won the popular vote, 51 percent to 48 percent. But in Maine, the vote was 45 percent for Bush and 53 percent for Kerry.

This event didn’t feel like a victory rally, though.

Ten minutes before the scheduled start, only 10 people were present, bundled in hats, mittens and scarves against the wintry temperature. However, several others arrived in the last moments, swelling the gathering to 30 or so.

“I think it’s ironic that we’re meeting here in the cold,” said Alexander Maybarduk, a Lewiston man who works with the Maine Fair Trade Association.

The current administration is trying to marginalize lots of people, Maybarduk said, visibly shivering against a strong gust of wind.

He spoke of the weakening of labor against Bush’s “hawkish free-trade policies” and he thanked people for attending.

Organizers had planned to march to the Longley Bridge between Lewiston and Auburn, but that was scrapped due to the weather. Instead, they stood at the gazebo steps and made brief speeches.

After each comment, a quiet round of applause followed, muffled by mittens and gloves.

“I celebrate our unity on coming together,” said state Rep. Elaine Makas, a Lewiston Democrat in the Maine House.

“Here in Maine, I think we did get a mandate,” she said, highlighting the Democratic majority in the state Legislature.

“We showed that we can work together,” she said. She encouraged people to reach out to compassionate people from other parties, including Maine’s Republican senators, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins.

“They are moderates, and they will listen,” Makas said.