Obama’s temple for the Cult of Personality; The father of American democracy?
posted at 9:45 am on August 27, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Fausta made this connection before I did, and combined with the so-called “sign of progress”, Barack Obama may be better suited to run for the presidency of the United Federation of Planets than the USA. Allahpundit reported last night on the plans for Obama to deliver his acceptance speech in front of a fake Greek temple, and John McCormack has the picture:
That this scales heights of presumptuousness can hardly be refuted. What genius thought of this motif? Probably the same one that concocted Vero Possumus and the Fleeing Eagle. It’s a paean to an ego run amuck — and if American voters wondered about the cult of personality that Obama has inspired, this settles the question and explicitly makes Obama the cult leader.
At least their taste in Star Trek episodes has improved. While their “sign of progress” was lifted from one of the dumbest entries in the original-series catalog, this set comes straight from one of their more intriguing episodes, “Who Mourns For Adonis?”
The parallels are interesting, at least. Obama wants to treat us the way Apollo treated the Enterprise crew — as children who need do nothing but gather food and worship him. He promises them peace, tranquility, and happiness, as long as they agree to become his servants and relinquish their free will. In the end, Kirk and his crew destroy his power source and send him off to his fellow demigods in bitterness rather than allow themselves to become enslaved to Apollo.
Somehow, I think that American voters will understand those parallels, even if they’ve never seen this episode before in their lives. (post photo from Political Inquirer, via Power Line)
Update: No, it’s not a reference to the Lincoln Memorial either. That has a straight line of columns, not curved as in the set in Denver:
Some have written and commented that Obama wants to reference Athens as the birthplace of democracy. That’s almost as bad as the reference to Greek temples. Is Obama styling himself as the father of American democracy?
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Perhaps to complete the archaic imagery, Obama will wear a toga, and a laurel made from arugula?
pseudonominus on August 27, 2008 at 10:28 AM
International Relations.
The only reason I remember that is because Barry told some t.v. interviewer (may have been Diane Sawyer) that he’s more qualified to be President than McCain because Barry lived in Indonesia (when he was around 4), and because he majored in International Relations (and that’s why he understands the world so much better than anyone else, you see).
AZCoyote on August 27, 2008 at 10:28 AM
How fitting for the Obamessiah…
He can descend from the heights of mount Obamus to address us mere mortals, who are in need of his transforming words…
I wonder if he’ll come out wearing a Toga???
Does the torchlight parade come after the historic address?
Or will he provide light by his own transfiguration …
This guy’s ego is waaaaaaaaaay out of control!
So after this momentus occasion, if we dare to criticize him, are we sinners as well as RAAAAAAAAAACISTS?!?!
RocketmanBob on August 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
When the election is over, I kind of get the idea Obama may start sounding a little bit like Dr. Richard Daystrom did near the end of “The Ultimate Computer”. Which still may be better than how some of the big media people will react.
jon1979 on August 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
The Oracle at Delphi says “NOBAMA!”
Tony737 on August 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Obama really blew it on this one.
He should have used the Guardian of Forever from the episode “The City on the Edge of Forever”.
You know, the time travel portal that looks like a big “O”.
I think they are using it in the new Trek movie, so they could have just borrowed the prop from the film set.
AP, please put a vid clip up!
pseudonominus on August 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Obama really blew it on this one.
He should have used the Guardian of Forever from the episode “The City on the Edge of Forever”.
pseudonominus on August 27, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Right! And with Kirk’s great ending line:
“Let’s get the hell out of here.”
max1 on August 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Let’s hope he doesn’t have a Great White disaster with those fireworks.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Getting really creepy … Obama thinks he is running for the presidency of Kenya.
McAmnesty is erecting his platform at the temple of global warming the slogan for — Pay more in taxes so government can pretend to control the weather.
tarpon on August 27, 2008 at 10:30 AM
It seems that David Axelrod has surrendered control of Obama’s campaign to the ghost of Gene Roddenberry.
What I want to know is when we get to see the writhing green women…?
Disappointed Hillary supporters do not count.
shropshirelad on August 27, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Set your phasers to stun.
Is this for real? It is almost as if my little marxist wants to lose. And lose badly.
DeweyWins on August 27, 2008 at 10:30 AM
You’re right on target Cap’n…
EVEN IF YOU ARE A HERETICAL RAAAAAAAACIST!!
RocketmanBob on August 27, 2008 at 10:30 AM
wack-y
This is laughably absurd.
Or Spinal Tap and the Stonehenge. 18″? It was supposed to be 18′! Too funny.
The whole Obama campaign has been pathetically comic, and at the same time a profound tragedy that such an astounding lightweight can be a serious contender for President of the United States of America. Maybe we get what we deserve.
mr.blacksheep on August 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM
He’s saving the big O time portal for the inauguration.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Will the oBAmA yOutH brigades make their first appearance?
faraway on August 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Osama Obama’s set designer is channeling Albert Speer.
MrScribbler on August 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM
And as Obama speaks, everyone throughout the world will understand him in their own language. Time will seem to stand still as if the very fabric of the dimension is under his control. People everywhere will feel the electric pulse of Baracky’s personality, the power of his will, the energy of his limitless grace.
All the citizens of the world will rise to their feet as one, screaming “CARPATHIA! CARPATHIA”.
No wait…uhhhh….it’s “OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!”.
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Some day they will write a story about all of this.
I happen to have seen the cover.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Sparticus! Sparticus!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Maybe it’s not Greek but Carthaginian? Maybe there’s a Third Punic War thing here? Maybe it’s the end for the Democrats? Maybe?
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Has Lord Obama designed his own flag yet?
Maybe a sickle and a possum.
faraway on August 27, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Yup.
wise_man on August 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM
After the crowd leaves will the field staff be able to recover in time? I mean what with all the cigarette and joint burns in the grass not to mention any paculi (did I spell that right?) oil spills, it could get messy. Also, what happens in the spring when marijuana seedlings start to grow?
I suppose all this could be resolved if everyone in the stadium vanishes in the rapture that is the Obammasiah.
rihar on August 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Coincidence? You decide.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,410742,00.html
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM
OT,
When originally shown, after Apollo demands that the crew of the Enterprise worship them, Kirk responds something to the affect of:
We’ve outgrown the ancient Gods. Our one suits us just fine.
In syndication, the second line was cut.
MarkTheGreat on August 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I can already see the Clinton Cronies heading for the transporter room to get off the ship before it crash lands on Rigel 7.
Independent Conservative on August 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I really really hope this set includes a bunch of aging hippie vegans (painted all green) dancing around the “temple” as the music plays! Please!
sabbott on August 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Yeah we’ve been overly ruthless putting them in camps, using the fairness doctrine to shut down Err America and whatnot….
um wait a minute Chimpy hasn’t done any of that but the Donks sure do want to control media eh?
The only thing in “deomcracy” donks support is “democrat”.
Part of being a good citizen is when your team loses you remember you are an American first and party affiliated second.
Looks like one team forgot that starting in late december of 2000.
sven10077 on August 27, 2008 at 10:36 AM
The PUMA’s are having “Hillary” slkscreened on their togas
flyoverland on August 27, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Pardon me for NOT genuflecting. The Obamasiah is NOT who I am accountable to.
Intimidator on August 27, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I wish that Obama would have campaigned up to now on some clear and detailed principles. Instead, we get rock-star theatrics, glittering generalities and stage settings worthy of Leni Reifenstahl.
That will work wonders with the TV adolescents, but I suppose none of them are old enough, or historically literate enough, to remember how Leni’s patron ended up.
Insufficiently Sensitive on August 27, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Dems- your donation wound up at Mike’s Marbleopolis.
Rhinoboy on August 27, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Will there be midgets dancing around a small version of Stonehenge?
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Lord Obama considered raising this flag at the temple.
faraway on August 27, 2008 at 10:40 AM
“Your transporter device no longer functions”
Translation to Obamaspeak: turn off your minds and trust me to think for you. I am good, I am right, I am Obama. The melodious sound of my voice is proof enough you can place your lives into my hands.
So many interpretations to be made. “Cult of personality” sums it all up well.
Paul-Cincy on August 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Bishop,
Coupled with the creepy O hand sign, I think no coincidence. Heil Obama!
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Did anyone else think it was weird when Hillary passed out “Hillary” signs last night during her speech? I was thinking maybe they should have said “Unity” or the like.
faraway on August 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM
If Obama was “clear and detailed” about how he wants to lead this nation, he wouldn’t even have won the Democratic nomination.
The Dems may be idiotic, but most of them are not suicidal.
AZCoyote on August 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM
You know, the truly pathetic thing about this? How many thousands of dollars of other people’s money did he spend on this cheesey prop, yet he can’t send a few bucks to his brother or make good on his promise to help the school that’s named after him.
I think he’d be like Ceausescu or Ludwig II if he were elected: he’d bankrupt the nation building monuments to himself. A Napoleon complex gone wild.
mr.blacksheep on August 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM
You guys are really digging deep on this one.
Really… who WAS the guy with the crazy idea of using Grecian columns at a democratic convention? That’s absurd!
Therefore the design choice MUST represent Obama’s inflated ego! Of course! It all makes sense now.
By the way… how do you enter paragraph breaks?
ashain on August 27, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Oh. They happen automagically after you post. Okay.
ashain on August 27, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Magic just like the one will lighten my purse, and turn wealth into whine.
sven10077 on August 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Blacksheep,
Helping his brother and the school will not help Michelle’s kids.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM
I’m going to Europe for a week and this egomaniac is going to make it SO much easier to stroll around in a McCain tee or with a Mac button. In fact, an Obama one might inspire laughter and finger-pointing.
Marcus on August 27, 2008 at 10:45 AM
The white columns are being used for “contrast”. Tell me I’m wrong.
LibTired on August 27, 2008 at 10:46 AM
If you don’t think Obama has a say in things then you don’t know a whit about politics. He agrees to appear in front of these foolhardy props, whether it be this Grecian mock-up or the goofy ‘Great Seal’.
Either he’s in agreement with the props or he is clueless as to their existence or effect, your choice.
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Gees, doesn’t he ever learn? If he is this stupid running a campaign, do we really want him running the country? Maybe he could become god of the UN, they need a little help over there.
bopbottle on August 27, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Two words…. The second one is audacity.
Star20 on August 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Before Lord Obama ascends from the temple, the words of Lady Obama will float out among the masses:
faraway on August 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I hope some day his designer identifies himself. Part Trekkie and part adoring disciple. I don’t think Oprah will have him on, even after the laughter dies.
This
religiousservicespeech will hurt him even worse than the German sojourn.I expect a negative bounce after this one.
PattyJ on August 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Hey man. I wasn’t even arguing for or against whether the constitution has been shat on or not. So be careful about starting arguments where none exist.
It is indisputable, however, that there is a strong view among many democrats that the constitution was abused. I’m not here to argue if that sentiment is correct or not. I’m simply saying it exists. And it could help explain the design choice for the podium.
ashain on August 27, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Hitler’s temple could hold 180,000 acolytes. Obama’s can only hold 75,000.
Message to Obama: Try harder.
Loxodonta on August 27, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Obama’s character flaws have been magnified exponentially on the national stage from what they were as a Senator.
Obama is a man in search of an identity. Black? Muslim? Christian? White? American? Post-racial? Ancient Greek?
Obama sees his only solution to put on the air of confidence, and always act cool, no matter how insane it gets around him.
indythinker on August 27, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Who did the photoshop for this? Funny.
someone on August 27, 2008 at 10:53 AM
This is why Star Trek was so much fun, and why this democrat campaign has been so funny.
rockhauler on August 27, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Not a smart move to remind people of your European Vacation™, especially after it resulted in a negative bounce.
Citizen of the World redux. I’m tellin’ ya, there is a Hillary mole in the Obama camp.
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Hey fellas, I found a document dump for Obama’s architectural plans regarding DC, there is a picture here.
More info here.
George Orwell on August 27, 2008 at 10:56 AM
If any Star Trek episode applies, it’s this:
BO, pleading to the heavens: “I am Keerok!”
McCain: “Behold the god who bleeds!”
Nosferightu on August 27, 2008 at 10:56 AM
It’s a cook book!
Urban Infidel on August 27, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Yeah so we have to decide to feed into their fantasy about being the Fwench Resistance?
No Barry has final say he thinks Zues’ temple is apt it is his campaign, his call….
the American people are gonna see this and in their minds know “this looks like where in time is Carmen SanDiego”….
for a guy who wants to tell me how much I should eat, how much water I can drink, and what temperature to keep my house while trying to force a tire gague in my hand his largesse on ego masturbatory work is funny.
sven10077 on August 27, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Contrast between what? Event designers of reasonable intelligence and totally clueless mental patients?
Joking aside, I get what you’re saying. The rationalizations and explanations for this pompous display will be fun to watch. They’ll blame it on broadcast requirements, junior staffers, the weather, you name it. Anything but the real cause – Obama’s overweening arrogance.
Gilda on August 27, 2008 at 10:58 AM
He should ride in on an Abrams tank wearing a flight suit with double bandeliers full of ammo while lugging around an M60…oh wait, never mind.
Wyznowski on August 27, 2008 at 10:59 AM
So, what’s all that white powdery stuff at the base of the stage? Faux cocaina?
Will the Annointed One swan dive into it at the end of his acceptance speech?
Urban Infidel on August 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM
It is going to be fascinating to watch how the pictures of the One standing in front of this monument to high-school-level sophistication will disappear from the media immediately after the convention. This is a major taste malfunction, and hardly Obama’s first.
drunyan8315 on August 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM
A foreshadowing Of “ruins” for our nation?
Capt-Dax on August 27, 2008 at 11:01 AM
M60 is obsolete
The current US machine gun is the M240
pseudonominus on August 27, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Of course we get that, but it doesn’t make it any less silly.
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Maybe it’s not really a Greek temple, but instead, the White House in ruins?
Bill Brasky on August 27, 2008 at 11:06 AM
LOL….someohe’s been reading Left Behind.
Pulchritudinous Patriot on August 27, 2008 at 11:06 AM
This is like saying “He only put the guillotine up there to symbolize the French Revolution and how it threw off the shackles of monarchy and feudalism. After all, many democrats feel like they have been running around with their heads cut off for the last 8 years.”
George Orwell on August 27, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Barry won’t create a new flag. He’ll just use the same one they’ve been using, an American flag hung upside down, soiled with muddy footprints.
Bill Brasky on August 27, 2008 at 11:09 AM
This is gonna be fun.
Seixon on August 27, 2008 at 11:09 AM
See Bill Ayers.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 11:10 AM
And it’s no secret that many democrats feel like the constitution has been abused in the last 8 years. Is it really that difficult to put two and two together?
There you go with the “feelings” again. Try reality sometime, man, its groovy.
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 11:11 AM
No. “World citizen” Barry Obama just thinks he’s running for president of Europe.
Bill Brasky on August 27, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I hope Zeus smites this pretender.
Flint Stone on August 27, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I saw Dukakis on TV last night. I certainly hope this is Obama’s snoopy moment!
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Midget bowling would be awesome to complete this spectacle!
sabbott on August 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM
The Germans wouldn’t let him speak before the real Brandenburg Gate, so Obama built one for himself.
This latter-day Adonis needs Venus Williams on stage with him…oops, she’s busy in New York right now.
Shortly before the Great Speech before the faux Greek Temple, the McCain campaign plays on Fox News and CNN a re-run of Hillary’s “celestial choirs will be singing” quote at the Dem debate…would McCain dare to do it?
Since Obama likes to quote Matthew, how about this: “Throw yourself down [from the temple]…for he will command his angels concerning you, and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” (Matthew 4:6). Go ahead, Obamessiah! We double-dog dare ya!
Steve Z on August 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Let’s see…
The event is held in a coliseum.
The liberal lions have been let loose.
The games were played at the same time.
The Emperor will rise from the middle of the coliseum to a roaring crowd of sycophants.
Is this a “Back to the Future” sequel?
faraway on August 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I have an awesome idea!
On the stage should be a burning bush, to symbolize the end of Bush hitler, and Barack Obama should come out from behind the burning bush and declare: I AM the ONE WE’VE been WAITING FOR!
jeff_from_mpls on August 27, 2008 at 11:16 AM
It occurs to me that an Obama Presidency could be pretty fun. What would we need late night comics for anymore. Everyday a parody of Obama. Only it’s the real thing. No wonder they can’t find anything to mock… The joke is just too obvious!
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 11:16 AM
PERFECT! According to the vast wealth of knowledge known as Wikipedia, I give you, Athena at the Parthenon:
In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of heroic endeavor, the virgin patron of Athens, which built the Parthenon to worship her.
JustTruth101 on August 27, 2008 at 11:16 AM
The man is Un-Henged!
Maquis on August 27, 2008 at 11:17 AM
They always THINK like their heads are cut off.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Barakus Husainus Obamitus?
AKA
“The Black Boy!”
Jiminus Carticus
Racus Maximus
Of Plains Ga. circa Augustus
TheSitRep on August 27, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Now Obama thinks he not just the messiah, but also Zeus. I starting to think that he needs to get his head examined. seriously.
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 11:21 AM
…and the lions ate the Christians. Repeat, 2000 years later.
Steve Z on August 27, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Only as far as Greek columns are used in American government-institution architecture.
Like the Great Seal of Obama, it’s a laughable attempt to surround an inexperienced empty suit with the trappings of gravitas. A perfect choice for a candidate who’s all form and no substance.
Gilda on August 27, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Barakus Husainus Obamitus?
seconded by Hillarius Senator.
Steve Z on August 27, 2008 at 11:23 AM
History repeats itself.
The first time as tragedy (Hitler’s faux classical Nuremburg rally) and the second time as farce (Obama’s Greek romp).
Wethal on August 27, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Andrea Kramer: “He’s just doing what Perdiccas III, Ptolemy XIV and Pyrrhos of Epeiros did before him.”
LibTired on August 27, 2008 at 11:25 AM
*pomp*pomp*
ninjapirate on August 27, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Oh my. Could the megalomania have advanced that far?
Obama’s going to be a verb by the time this is over.
Gilda on August 27, 2008 at 11:30 AM
He’s supposed to be showered with confetti when he comes out. This is an open-air stadium, right? So is a helicopter going to fly over and dump the stuff?
Will the confetti be the usual red, white and blue paper? Or will it be sparkly stuff, so we’ll assume it’s magical pixie dust from the [lesser] gods on high?
Wethal on August 27, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Wonder if they’ll be sacraficing heifers before the great speech?
jp on August 27, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Amazingly accurate!
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 11:31 AM
No, the PUMAS will have left Denver already.
Wethal on August 27, 2008 at 11:31 AM
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