Obama camp responds to criticism of “temple” stage by … attacking McCain’s wealth
posted at 6:43 pm on August 27, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Just in case you were wondering if McCain’s the only candidate willing to use the same meme over and over in increasingly ridiculous contexts to deflect criticism.
On the flight from Billings, Montana, to Denver, Colo., Obama senior strategist David Axelrod responded to the criticism.
“I know that Sen McCain and his people have been shooting barbs about the ‘opulence’ of our convention from the mountaintop at Sedona at the McCain estate. I don’t think it warrants a response.”
Well, no, it’s not that the setting is “opulent,” it’s that it’s a manifestation of the olympian mythology surrounding The One. (Replete with Greek chorus!) As I write this, the tu quoque is already being made, with Ben Smith dutifully reporting that George Bush spoke before practically the same backdrop in 2004. Judge for yourself. The columns are fewer, set far back, and (apparently) lacking the frieze in Obama’s set, suggesting to my jaded wingnut eye not so much an actual building as something “stately” an unimaginative set designer decided to toss in there to fill out the space between the flags. Regardless, though, if it’s true that Obama’s getting a harder time about this than would other politicians if they used the same set, it’s only because the scenery plays into his own image as something more grandiose and timeless than a mere presidential candidate. Seeing Joe Biden on that stage would feel absurd; with Obama, it’ll feel like psychology.
Even Democrats think it’s a mistake. But to the extent Bush’s set does glancingly resemble Obama’s, I’ll happily concede the left’s point: Yes indeed, it certainly is embarrassing to make fun of the opposing party’s nominee over something your own nominee four years ago was just as guilty of. Exit question: How many hundreds of millions of dollars will be onstage tonight? By my tally, just one.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Great point AP
JeffreyLloyd on August 27, 2008 at 6:47 PM
This guy is just plain stupid. That’s all, just stupid.
thekingtut on August 27, 2008 at 6:47 PM
OT. Hillary just suspended the vote.
Guardian on August 27, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Toga!
JAW on August 27, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Good lord this dolt is stupid. That entire campaign has a one track mind that goes nowhere. Good luck people if you elect this slug.
rplat on August 27, 2008 at 6:50 PM
I thought the RICH were the ones they planned on taxing for their health insurance/Medicare/Social Security funding? Why do they continually mock them like they were the enemy? Are Dem voters THAT clueless??
leftnomore on August 27, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Totally worth the ounce of Guinness that just shot out of my nose.
James OK on August 27, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Don’t worry. None of us will have to worry about being mocked for being rich when the democrats get their way.
SouthernGent on August 27, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Men who declare themselves gods have a tendency to fall brutally. Obamamandias shall be no different.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 6:53 PM
Nods to: Paslode
If anyone else pulled this stunt the MSM would be all over it with condemation of the exhibition.
This reeks of arrogance…..Because I Can.
Capt-Dax on August 27, 2008 at 6:54 PM
And in presenting the motion, Pelosi: “Thoseopposedsaynowithtwothirdsofthedelegatesvotingintheaffirmativethemotioncarries.”
mikeyboss on August 27, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Wow. Just wow. This is the best the dems can come up with to run for POTUS? Heaven help us all if he manages to stumble into the job.
Drunken Angry Clown on August 27, 2008 at 6:55 PM
It has to be difficult for “The Onion” to make this sound funnier than it is.
Star20 on August 27, 2008 at 6:56 PM
Did GWB have a fake Air Force One as well?
RushBaby on August 27, 2008 at 6:56 PM
It’s still better than the original idea: a big tomb that he would walk out of, after they rolled away the stone.
RBMN on August 27, 2008 at 6:56 PM
That was pretty amazing. So much for letting people voice their opposition … But it was a Jimmah Carter approved method of getting past dissent.
progressoverpeace on August 27, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Southern Gent, Truer words have never been spoken…That is the main reason why I am a republican…smaller govt, lower taxes, let me be able to start up my own company in a free market so I can be competitive and have a chance to make alot of money and create more jobs for people looking for a better life…I love it
SoCalInfidel on August 27, 2008 at 6:57 PM
There is ONE BIG Difference. George W Bush WAS the President at the time, Not pretending
Bush NEVER made a faux Presidential seal, or had the word “President” on the back of his campaign planes chair, took a European tour before he was even nominated…. I am sure there are a few other examples.
ordi on August 27, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Sorry, but the sets are completely different. And Bush didn’t run as the second coming of Jesus.
Ian on August 27, 2008 at 6:58 PM
CLASS WARFARE WILL NOT WORK.
PICK MITT AND BRING IT ON!
reliapundit on August 27, 2008 at 6:58 PM
The best reaction is their own reaction:
Said one Democrat: “This is a disaster of mythical proportions.” Said another: “It’s not enough that he wants to be president — he wants to be Zeus.” Said the first: “Will he send down thunderbolts from the mountain?”
TheBigOldDog on August 27, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Nor was Bush surrounded by throngs to applaud when he blows his nose.
Context matters.
Karl on August 27, 2008 at 6:59 PM
OH MY GOD!! ZING.
leftnomore on August 27, 2008 at 7:00 PM
This guy need to come to the the Temple of The One on Sunday and bring his sign.
http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr310/damiano777/GeorgeHusseinOnyangoObama.jpg
Damiano on August 27, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Let’s see know what’s the major difference here? Oh yeah! Bush was already in the White House in 2004, running for re-election.
Real deal versus wannabe.
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 7:02 PM
But, but…Chimpy McHitlerburton walked all over the Seal just like he wipes his feet on the Constitution!!!!one!!!
Cuffy Meigs on August 27, 2008 at 7:03 PM
You know, Madonna still probably has that one up her sleeve.
BigD on August 27, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Fixed
ronsfi on August 27, 2008 at 7:04 PM
The stage might seem like a good thing to a Kenyan, or even an Indonesian, but I bet to an American it’s going to appear to be downright CREEPY.
tarpon on August 27, 2008 at 7:07 PM
With all of these props of Olympus, Air Force One, and flashing, colored lights, as well as the signs and choruses, I’ve concluded the following. If Obama were so great, he wouldn’t need any additional props: his ideas and reasoned arguments would move us all. It’s only people who either have nothing to offer or no confidence in their own ideas that have to use outside influences, such as: speaking with a louder voice; introducing race or gender into the equation; using props; accompaniment of music; swearing or using “shocking” language; threats or promises of reward; anything that distracts one from the tenets of his/her policy ideas.
As it stands, despite all of the candy coating of irrelevant influences, he’s nothing but an insecure, incompetent megalomaniac, the product of a generation who values not great ideas or excellence, but superficiality and hedonistic pursuits.
Sure, his nomination may be “historic,” but I dare say that our late Founders would shake their heads in shame at how far off the road of progress we’ve wandered.
Send_Me on August 27, 2008 at 7:08 PM
He didn’t need to since he had a real, not an imaginary Air Force One to ride in, but what the heck is that thing that Barry’s got?
Will he fill it with imaginary stewardesses and fawning members of the press who will oogle at how well-endowed he is? The video but it’s no longer available. (*Sob*)
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 7:09 PM
I think there’s a significant difference between such a backdrop for a SITTING PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and a guy who’s been in the senate for less than 200 days.
Texas Rainmaker on August 27, 2008 at 7:09 PM
will his voice boom and lightning bolts fly from his fingertips? i mean, come on… i want CGI!
DrW on August 27, 2008 at 7:12 PM
Obama should have called his book The Hope of Audacity.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 7:12 PM
If you look at the Politico- President Bush also used a fake seal like Obama did back in 2004.
Chuck Schick on August 27, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 7:14 PM
That fact there are columns in both does not mean they resemble each other. This would be like saying a bowl of oranges on a kitchen table resemble a 100 tree orange grove. I suggest maybe you look at the pictures of Sen. Obama set again and then the 2004 one, because I don’t see any similarity except there are a few columns that broke up the flags on the Present Bush one and it does not resemble a Greek or Roman temple like Sen. Obama’s does.
JeffinSac on August 27, 2008 at 7:14 PM
Again with the rich candidate non-sequitur from the Obama camp. I like what Mitt Romney said when some reporter asked him how many houses he had:
Mitt’s Answer: One less than John Kerry.
End of F’ing story.
capitano on August 27, 2008 at 7:15 PM
There is a big (both literally and figuratively) difference between a putting up a tone-setting stage prop and building an entire stage in honor of one’s grandiosity. If you cannot see that difference, you have no sense of proportion.
mbabbitt on August 27, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Heh. You are joking, right?
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 7:15 PM
The whole BO campaign has been one big mythos … from the media selling out(why this election is soooo important for them to remain even slightly relevant), to the fact(?)that a Northern far leftist can advance this far, to the temple facade(a fake front for a fake president). Sad that the leader of the free world can be reduced to a figment.
Benjamin9 on August 27, 2008 at 7:16 PM
I wonder if Rezko helped him finance the set?
marklmail on August 27, 2008 at 7:17 PM
I hope Team Obama doesn’t miss the opportunity to bring true Greek theater to the proletariat. The Hillary – DNC conflict is developed on stage with each side presenting its arguments while chorus speaks of disunity and the country’s direction. Because of the inherent weakness of humankind and the hubris of Team Clinton, an impasse is reached. Then, descending from the sky, Obama appears to bring harmony and resolution. A true deus ex machina.
deadman on August 27, 2008 at 7:17 PM
They scrapped that idea because it would have required him to speak on the third day of the convention instead of the fourth. Then they would have lost the MLK tie-in.
So much for judging by the content of character instead of the color of skin.
Damiano on August 27, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Jim Belushi is looking down with a smile.
TOH-GAH! TOH-GAH! TOH-GAH!
jbh45 on August 27, 2008 at 7:21 PM
“Breaking news video:” Journalists ogle Obama It’s still up at liveleak.
wise_man on August 27, 2008 at 7:21 PM
You look and tell me what you think. While the Bush backdrop was kitschy, Obama’s backdrop more closely resembles the Brandenburg Gate.
Look at the video from about 4:45 on.
INC on August 27, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Agreed. There’s also a difference between using a couple of columns as a backdrop in a convention hall (they’re a widely available rental item for weddings and what not) and erecting an entire greek temple on a football field. One you don’t even notice, the other makes you look a little ridiculous.
Infidoll on August 27, 2008 at 7:22 PM
Oops, I meant John Belushi…got my belushi brothers wrong!
jbh45 on August 27, 2008 at 7:23 PM
Why would the person who is President in 2004 need a ‘fake’ presidential seal?
GarandFan on August 27, 2008 at 7:23 PM
AP, why on earth would you concede this?
Are you implying that Bush is guilty of creating deity symbols for his surrounding? Ha!
An appropriate surrounding for one candidate might not be appropriate for another. Nobody has ever attempted to use symbolism to associate Bush with a god. This clearly was the objective for Bush.
I’m fairly confident that this WAS The objective for Obama.
blink on August 27, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Sorry, meant to type, “this clearly wasn’t the objective for Bush.”
blink on August 27, 2008 at 7:27 PM
I noticed the fake Air Force One on this page…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1050017/Pictured-The-miniature-Greek-temple-Barack-Obama-launch-final-push-U-S-presidency.html
What are the chances that tomorrow it will drive to the middle of the field, the lights will shine upon it in a glowing manner, the door will open, a chorus begins, Obama steps out, and glides towards his temple?
El_Terrible on August 27, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Okay sure, me too. But only to that very limited extent. The Bush backdrop had a lot of stock decorative elements including neoclassical columns, as you noted. Obama’s erecting a very special Personal Temple from which to issue forth his grand speech to the shrieking masses.
On its own, though, it might not have been such a big deal or even funny. But coming as it does after such a long line of pompous, self-important, presumptuous gaffes – well, this could be the tipping point.
Gilda on August 27, 2008 at 7:28 PM
He should go ahead and have the band play “Hail to the Chief” since he clearly thinks he is already president.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Nah, not the same. For one, President Bush’s stage had American flags, not Barry’s, at least not yet. Secondly, Bush’s stage appears to be digital. If it was real props, it looks like it was only columns. There was no entablature and roof being supported by the columns to complete the “temple.”
Barry missed a awesome opportunity to provide a visual effect to illustrate his greatest speech. He should have had the floor of the stadium flooded and used wave machines to get the water stirred up and angry. Then, at the climax of his speech the waters would calm and recede to expose the green turf; children would rush out onto the field laughing and playing; their parents would be close behind arm-in-arm, smiles on their faces, and clutching a copy of their brand new sole-provider health care coverage plan. I tell, there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the stadium.
Mallard T. Drake on August 27, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Was the 2004 set was erected for Bush alone, like Obama’s was, or was the 2004 set just the convention set for all the other speakers as well?
snickelfritz on August 27, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Hey ! Hmmmmmmm.
Where are the upside-down flags within the temple ???
Too distracting ??
Or did I miss them ??
pambi on August 27, 2008 at 7:29 PM
You know what folks? What’s McCain’s first three years in politics starting with the House of Representives in 1982 on net worth versus Obama’s first three years in politics as a Senator starting in 2004? I bet you that Obama’s increase on net worth over the first three years as a Senator increased much more so than did McCain. So, why are people looking at McCain’s worth and the number of houses he invested in (as opposed to Kerry’s!) when it took him 36 years to get accumulate all that wealth ever since he entered politics in 1982. Can you imagine what Obama’s wealth would be like in 36 years from now? I don’t think McCain ever received book royalties in such excessive amount during his firt few years into politics compared to Obama.
Would it would be interesting if somebody could do a projected trend on Obama’s net worth 36 years down the road (assuming he doesn’t win the presidency and he continues with politics as a Senator).
Kokonut on August 27, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Looked at Bush’s photo and was left with the impression that it was a view on the White House columns.
I agree with Rush, the set Obama has looks like a Greek temple. Greek temples were built as the home of the Gods.
If Obama wanted to distance himself from messianic associations, why have a set that inspires thoughts of the homes of Gods?
On Thursday, The One will come out of his temple to speak to the masses.
He did it to himself.
P.S. Kerry and Gore are far richer than McCain. Methinks that The One’s temple may have too many glass walls.
SouthernRoots on August 27, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Precisely. Dems talk a lot about nuance, but never seem to get the hang of it.
Oh, and notice that GWB’s seal is the real McCoy.
drunyan8315 on August 27, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Really people? This is what concerns you? Come on, this is useless debate about a meaningless ‘controversy’.
http://thepajamapundit.com/
thePajamaPundit on August 27, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Oh my God. So his “Obama: president” embroidered leather chair on his plane wasn’t good enough??
From the article:
My friend the live events technical directer says:
wise_man on August 27, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Agreed.
terryannonline on August 27, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Told ya’ so. How can anyone be so smart and so stupid at the same time?
klickink.wordpress.com on August 27, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Just in case you didn’t know, your comment linked your blog twice.
wise_man on August 27, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Someone gave you a blog to write? Is it also filled with witless observations and utter banality?
Chuck Schick on August 27, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Spoken like a true democrat. Don’t hold your breath for your man to get elected. You’ll turn that lovely shade of blue you love so cleverly.
klickink.wordpress.com on August 27, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Waitwaitwait. What? WHAT?
Obama’s got a life-size replica of the fuselage of Air Force One? Are scantily-clad showgirls going to pop out of it and dance the can-can to that godawful will.i.am song?
Or maybe it’ll crash down from the cheap seats a la Phantom of the Opera.
This cannot be real. Seriously.
Gilda on August 27, 2008 at 7:38 PM
The wealthiest members of Congress are Dems. They should leave this one alone.
DerKrieger on August 27, 2008 at 7:39 PM
I can’t wait for Obama to come down off of Olympus on Thursday to share his wisdom with us. Does he throw lightning and thunder to scare the shepherds?
jnelchef on August 27, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Yes, Chuck, it is. I took the time to look at it. Don’t waste your time.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Nothing says elitist like opulence.
- The Cat
P.S. No one was accusing Bush of looking down his nose at people.
P.P.S. Bush was accused of following a god, not pretending to be one.
MirCat on August 27, 2008 at 7:39 PM
I checked Wikipedia. It seems Bush was also President in 2004. So I guess it was a real presidential seal.
Chuck Schick on August 27, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Good point, MirCat. And in the Dems’ eyes it is worse to follow a god than to pretend to be one.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Nawww, man, the Bush backdrop isn’t even close. Two columns do not Greek theater make.
petefrt on August 27, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Hey Dali Bama….HOW MANY STATES DO WE HAVE?
DfDeportation on August 27, 2008 at 7:43 PM
The word is that Obama will be wearing a look-alike Apollo robe abd Biden will be sporting a new streamlined silver hairpiece on loan from Madonna’s recent concert but still alive with infectious little creepy crawlers starving from the flight from Europe.
Travis1 on August 27, 2008 at 7:43 PM
I don’t concede a thing. Bush’s set clearly is meant to evoke the classical American revolutionary period, tied to Iraq.
nObama’s is clearly making a broader, bolder and bungling point with his set. He’s not happy being the Second Coming of you-know-who, now he wants to be Zeus as well.
I didn’t believe it possible, but nObama-today is even more arrogant and egotistical than Slick Willie – no wonder the two hate each other. You know what they say about two jackasses in the same room….
klickink.wordpress.com on August 27, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Does the Temple face Mecca? Just asking…
eaglewingz08 on August 27, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Nice…hadn’t seen that one before. Someone should publish a list of Obama-likes.
klickink.wordpress.com on August 27, 2008 at 7:45 PM
If you are already president it is okay to use presidential props. If you are not yet president, it is presumptuous at best. Therein lies the difference.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 7:46 PM
wise_man on August 27, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Yes! The biggest and most opulent demonstration of humility ever!
Loxodonta on August 27, 2008 at 7:47 PM
The Obama campaign is mentally challenged.
Borislav on August 27, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Hey Obama,if being rich is such a bad thing,then why are you sucking up to them at fund raiser’s all the time.
As usual,liberals say one thing but practice another:
http://www.zombietime.com/obama_visits_billionaires_row/
I wonder how many houses these “small”donors of big oil and
other capitalist rich’s own.
Obama Visits Billionaires Row
San Francisco, April 6, 2008
http://www.zombietime.com/obama_visits_billionaires_row/
Big donors are the key to Obama’s record haul
By Michael M. Luo and Christopher Drew
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/05/america/bundlers.php
The fact that democrats like Obama fawn all over the Kerry’s,Kennedy’s,and Edward’s who live in un-believable excess and probably could not tell everything about their vast fortunes but think it is somehow “out of touch”for McCain to not know what his WIFE owns is liberal hypocrisy
center stage for all to see.
Baxter Greene on August 27, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Enquiring minds want to know. Quick! Someone run out there with a compass and a hand held GPS.
wise_man on August 27, 2008 at 7:49 PM
What’s that Biden joke the left is so busy co-opting these days?
Oh yeah. Noun, verb, houses.
MayBee on August 27, 2008 at 7:50 PM
We may all end up burning in a cauldron of nuclear fire when Obama is POTUS but damn its been fun trashing this little prick.
elduende on August 27, 2008 at 7:50 PM
It’s funny how this greek deity continues to make wealth and success an evil thing, yet he and his wife preach about hard work, dedication, and success(more like do as I say, not as I do and you will all bow before me mentality).
Since he attacks mccain for not knowing how many houses his wife owns, they should ask the greek deity how many states are there.
jaboba on August 27, 2008 at 7:51 PM
I think a tomb and rock would have been more appropriate.
The good news is that after Obama bombs in November, there will be hard feelings directed at the Clinton camp. She will be blamed for the loss.
When she runs in 4 years the Obamamaniacs will not support her and we have the potential of a splt party. Sort of like 2008 redux.
This is the gift that will keep on giving.
moxie_neanderthal on August 27, 2008 at 7:52 PM
That’s okay, in the movie his character said, “Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?”
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 7:54 PM
well the one seems to think we are in distress and Vero Possumus is the only answer to make the save.
sven10077 on August 27, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Oh, yeah.
That, or we’ll all be hacked to death by mexican illegals carrying machetes and assorted lawncare implements. All the while teh evil Juan McCaptain Amnesty laughs.
Good times.
wise_man on August 27, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Somebody on one of the other threads said it looks like an episode of “Pimp My Speech.”
Obama reminds me of those athletes who grew up in poor neighborhoods, then in their early 20’s they get a multi-million dollar contract with some pro sports team. They go out and spend wildly (big mansions, expensive cars, and lots of gaudy diamond jewelry, worn all at once) — and then they end up in bankruptcy court a few years down the line.
AZCoyote on August 27, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Got that right!
klickink.wordpress.com on August 27, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Liberals and Democrats have a a real knack for standing in front of their wealth and speaking poorly and looking shoddy. Conservatives have an identity issue with having developed from the inside out, and having earned what experience and riches they have developed often look and sound far superior.
An example of this is the clutch of Democratic representatives from New York tonight at their convention. All appearing very off-the-rack and rumpled, yet each one enjoying millions of dollars of taxpayer’s money. Like Michael Moore, they appear like the average lower middle-class American simply trying to make ends meet, while they point to the Conservatives who don’t understand the worker’s plight. This coming from stooges that have never really worked a day in their lives for the wealth they have collected from special interest and favors, and they have zero in common with those of us that do
Hening on August 27, 2008 at 8:00 PM
beer….truer words likely not typed this evening.
sven10077 on August 27, 2008 at 8:00 PM
The endzones run North-South so if the stage is at an endzone, no.
TheBigOldDog on August 27, 2008 at 8:03 PM
If Caroline hands him a lighted torch I am going to puke
flyoverland on August 27, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »