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
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?
Blowback
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Narcissus-Echoo 2008… What a ticket!
rw on August 27, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I think the heifers are suposed to be white so I think that was Hillary’s speech last night.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Hermes was the god who escorted you to hell. I think Bill will be great in that role tonight.
flyoverland on August 27, 2008 at 11:34 AM
yep
I still have to think it’s a fake. I mean, it’s gotta be a fake….if not, we need to stay very, very quiet about it until after the speech. They still have time to tear it down and just leave the bare stage.
funky chicken on August 27, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Is Hillary attending?
sabbott on August 27, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Narcissus/ Pontificus 08
faraway on August 27, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Funky Chicken,
We don’t need to be quiet. They won’t tear down the temple. Hot Air and Rush begged them to pick Biden for days on end. You’d think they would have gotten a clue but didn’t.
Disturb the Universe on August 27, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I think they’re going for the colonial look that permeates the architecture in DC, where I lived for 14 years. As a stage set it’ll probably look silly, so expect most shots to be close-ups so you don’t get that Spinal Tap Stonehenge feel.
emerson7 on August 27, 2008 at 11:41 AM
funny!
funky chicken on August 27, 2008 at 11:41 AM
From the ABC News comments –
Bwaaaaa!
No, Bill. McCain’s campaign couldn’t begin to pull off … the construction of a pretend Greek temple on a stage on a football field. It’s just too big a job for them.
Obama-style liberalism is a mental disorder.
Jaibones on August 27, 2008 at 11:43 AM
All shall gather to worship the One at the Parthenon…are we sure this is real? It just sounds too good to be true.
JustTruth101 on August 27, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Obama’s Cult of Personality is built on the Democrat Party’s Cult of Victimology.
(w/apologies to Living Colour for the rip-off, and to HA for length)
Look in your eyes, what can we see?
A cult of victimology
They know your anger, your injuries
They’ll tell you what you want to hear
It’s a cult of victimology
Barack Obama or Hillary
Who’ll lead your cult of victimology?
Your cult of victimology
The cult of victimology.
Global heat, Nobel prize
Al Gore speaks carbon credit lies
You just can’t fly with him
But your money will so send it in.
They promise everything, for free
They’re the smiling face on your TV
It’s a cult of victimology
They exploit you, still you believe
They tell you one and one makes three
Raise your taxes and rebate for free
Barack Obama or Hillary
Who’ll lead your cult of victimology?
Your cult of victimology
The cult of victimology.
Your independence they deny
Emotion rules, reason dies
You can’t think logically
Only they will set you free.
You give them fortune
You give them fame
You gave them power over your pain
They’re the savior you want them to be
Oh, They’re – the – cult – of – vic– tim – ol- ogy
They’re the cult of …
They’re the cult of …
They’re the cult of …
They’re the cult of …
They’re the cult of …
They’re the cult of …
They’re the cult of …
They’re the cult of … victimology.
Greg Toombs on August 27, 2008 at 11:45 AM
<blockquoteBarry 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
it will be the US flag but with the Obama ‘O’ in the field of blue instead of the 50 (57) stars..
DaveC on August 27, 2008 at 11:48 AM
So.. did all the Greeks practice infanticide? or just the Spartans?
how fitting for Barry
DaveC on August 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM
This isn’t the first time the columns motif has been used as a backdrop at a political convention, is it? In the haze of my memory, I seem to remember columns being used before (can’t remember what year/party though).
YYZ on August 27, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Heh.
One word for that: Nice.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 11:51 AM
When do the chariot races start?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Practice run for the Antichrist (not Obama the real Antichrist), he’s just checking out how to frenzy the crowd into believing a lie, so relax – just a practice run.
Lioxani4 on August 27, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Since setting up the Greek backdrop, does that further reinforce have much Barack is going to fark us up the ace?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 11:53 AM
The arugala leaves substituting for laurel are a lovely touch for Obaminus Caesar.
He could have chosen a faux Independance Hall, a faux anything American but he chooses Greek ruins.LOL
clnurnberg on August 27, 2008 at 11:56 AM
What poor sap has to clean up the palm fronds which will be laid at Baracky’s feet as he walks through the stadium?
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 11:56 AM
It’s meant to resemble the White House or Lincoln Memorial. The curve in the columns is for photographic reasons.
Even Obama isn’t that stupid.
Amy Proctor on August 27, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Yep, Nice.
RushBaby on August 27, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Don’t be silly. Of course he is.
Jaibones on August 27, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Remember, this is representing the night Obama accepts the nomination to be the next resident of the White House. Symbolism.
Amy Proctor on August 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM
And the crowd is hushed as Baracky rises to speak:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm368875776/tt0416449
Bishop on August 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Nice of them to build the set for the next 1,000 GOP ads against him.
Chuck Schick on August 27, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Jaibones, Obama has media/image pros working for him like McCain does. I really think we’re barking up the wrong tree.
Just concentrate on his abortion record, Black Liberation Theology and lack of experience. We don’t need to make stuff up and make ourselves look foolish. He doesn’t think he’s a grecian God. He thinks he’s the Mesiah. He was Jewish, remember?
Amy Proctor on August 27, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Wow. I’m going to have to call a foul there for reaching, ED.
I feel pretty safe in saying that the answer to your question would be No.
ashain on August 27, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Love the front page photo, the arugula gives it a nice touch.
pt on August 27, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Er, yes he is. He believes his own PR.
JustTruth101 on August 27, 2008 at 12:08 PM
This all reminds me of Gregory Hines in Mel Brooks’ History of the World, Part I.
I wonder if Obama is going to do the ‘Ethiopian Shim-Sham.’
Lamontyoubigdummy on August 27, 2008 at 12:08 PM
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
Perhaps, we should start selecting the President based on Gladitorial contests. It seems a lot saner idea than what goes on now.
On a more serious note, the Obama campaign is really kinda dumb, isn’t it?? They really want to give Mac and co. ammunition to discount what is probably going to be the high point of his campaign… Really??
Illinidiva on August 27, 2008 at 12:10 PM
I wouldn’t really know about that. What I do know is that it is mind-numbingly goofy. (But still not as goofy as Obama.)
srhoades on August 27, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Will Obama follow the Spartan tradition and throw the flawed baby over the Stadium walls?
DaveC on August 27, 2008 at 12:16 PM
All Hail the Emperor Zero! (obligatory two handed Obama “O” sign)
Jim M. on August 27, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Thanks, folks.
Click and sing along if you like.
Just turn it up as loud as you can… :)
Greg Toombs on August 27, 2008 at 12:17 PM
It’s the 21st century. Babies go under the bus. Or in closets till they are dead.
lorien1973 on August 27, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Maybe the moonbats will be able to levitate ‘THE ONE’ after failing at the Mint.
But on the other hand, he can already walk on water, so flying off into the sunset should be an easy and dramamtic end to the speech.
And his presidential run. LOL
txdoc on August 27, 2008 at 12:20 PM
The Obama supporters in the ABC comments are performing perfectly to type. It’s stunning how nasty those people are. Thank goodness.
funky chicken on August 27, 2008 at 12:20 PM
“I for one do not think there was a problem with our message. I think the problem may have been that our candidate’s credibility was in danger of being crushed…by a dwarf.”
Nosferightu on August 27, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Drawing a parallel with the Star Trek episode Who Mourns For Adonis? Kirk & Co. overcome Apollo because of the natural human yearnings to be free, something Apollo wanted to take from them.
BO’s policy positions want to take away our American freedoms not unlike Apollo did.
Wildcatter1980 on August 27, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Does Obama want to lose?
DanStark on August 27, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Obama = Val
drjohn on August 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM
I don’t know about you all but hearing the words “Obama” and “temple” in the same sentence is unnerving.
Conservative_SAHM on August 27, 2008 at 12:33 PM
But ApollObama has promised us a care-free future filled with hope. He will turn America into a (workers) paradise.
BohicaTwentyTwo on August 27, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Those who have caught the Obama Rapture Syndrome (ORS) will not deny him the columns.
Those who are committed Dem voters not notice the columns.
But I have to believe that some out there, who sent in their donations from their hard-earned funds, will finally start to wonder why their money was used to build a temporary temple in adulation of Barry, instead of using the funds to convince the public about the specifics of the campaign’s platform.
Or is it a fact that the ONLY workable platform is Obama’s claims that he “is the one”?
Yoop on August 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Just goes to show that someone has a mammouth EGO. And a very thin skin to go along with it.
GarandFan on August 27, 2008 at 12:40 PM
As he gives his speech tonight, we all should be visualizing a newly born infant crying and slowly dying, alone in a utility closet, because Obama wanted it that way.
a capella on August 27, 2008 at 12:42 PM
pedestrian on August 27, 2008 at 12:45 PM
It doesn’t matter if Obama and his team INTEND for it to evoke the White House or Lincoln Memorial. What matters is the actual impact it’s having on those who see and hear about it.
Almost universally, it’s being referred to as a “Greek temple.” We, his political opposition, are not the only ones who are interpreting it that way. Look around the ‘net a bit and you’ll see. Even ABC’s reporter sees it as a Greek temple, not the White House, and ABC is by no means sympathetic to Republicans. It’s going to come across as presumptuous and a sign of Obama’s arrogance, just like the faux presidential seal, the grandiose speech in Germany, the “president” chair on “O-Force One,” etc. The more Obama pretends to already be president, the more he looks like a poser.
aero on August 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM
michellemalkin.com hijacked!
corona on August 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM
No, looks like an issue with the ISP that was fixed.
corona on August 27, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Hear, Hear…
Claypigeon on August 27, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Heh. Just got a Tweet from a politically independent friend commenting on the “Greek temple” being constructed for Obama at Invesco Field. This is not an anti-Obama person, btw.
The Greek temple interpretation is already a meme. If it’s not supposed to be a Greek temple, Obama’s people dropped the ball badly by not getting out in front of it and clarifying that it’s supposed to be evocative of the Lincoln Memorial (though that would also be presumptuous, which is perhaps why they didn’t do it).
aero on August 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Has no one on Obama’s team learned anything?
300 + advisors, you’d think someone may wake up a bit after all the blunders.
Sir Napsalot on August 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM
The only thing Greek about this geek is is sexual preference. Catcher or pitcher? hmmmmmmmmmmm.. dude !!!
redrock on August 27, 2008 at 12:54 PM
The left loves hybrids . . . this dolt Obama is a cross between Karl Marx and Julius Ceasar.
rplat on August 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM
If nobody’s mentioned it yet, this video is becoming less of a satire.
mikeyboss on August 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM
He does, but judging from some of the missteps he’s made on that front, they are too enamored with their candidate and the bubble that surrounds him to consider what people are going to think of their work. The faux presidential seal is a prime example of that – the fact that someone on the staff wasn’t willing to say ‘that’s a really bad idea that will make our candidate look stupid’ shows that he’s either a boss no one is willing to cross, or his campaign is full of sycophants.
Slublog on August 27, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Messiah? By laws he’s Zeus! Or is that Obamedusa?
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 12:56 PM
The big pile of white stuff in front of the stage is the blow they promised to Bill Clinton if he sticks around for the speech.
ErikTheRed on August 27, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Obama’s speech will be preceded by gladiatorial combat, but unbeknownst to him, one of the gladiators is actually General Maximus Decimus McCain.
pedestrian on August 27, 2008 at 12:58 PM
A question:
Wouldn’t it be easier (and much cheaper) for Obama to give his speech at the convention, with the projected Greek Columns as backdrop, if he insists on having those columns?
Of course, I am a tightwad sometimes.
Sir Napsalot on August 27, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I’ve heard some weird paranoid theories about Obama but this is the first I’ve seen you participate in it. It has a slight curve, so what? It is clearly supposed to resemble the Lincoln Memorial and here’s why:
* It’s the 40th anniversary of the “I Have A Dream” speech.
* MLK gave the speech at the Lincoln Memorial.
I mean, COME ON! This is common sense, why the hell would he just randomly throw in Greek columns?
Typhonsentra on August 27, 2008 at 1:03 PM
I get it now. Obama will offer Ayers up as a sacrifice to Che. Somebody check out the Denver zoo and see if any lions have been rented. Kind of an ancient version of being thrown under the bus. Again, where’s my popcorn?
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 1:04 PM
It’s a close copy of the Lincoln Memorial. Compare the back of a penny to the screencap above of the columns in the stadium. He’s reduxing MLK speech:
Paul-Cincy on August 27, 2008 at 1:05 PM
But I have to believe that some out there, who sent in their donations from their hard-earned funds, will finally start to wonder why their money was used to build a temporary temple in adulation of Barry, instead of using the funds to convince the public about the specifics of the campaign’s platform.
Yoop on August 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
———————————————————-
Maybe that is the platform? LOL
You are right. I know when I give to a campaign the money could be spent on anything from food to folding chairs. But this is so over-the-top I would have to wonder if some donors are having buyers’ remorse.
Deanna on August 27, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Future headline: “Obama fiddles while the US burns”
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Not the Lincoln Memorial? It seems to have around 12 columns as the LM has. Curved might be a minor alteration.
Paul-Cincy on August 27, 2008 at 1:08 PM
That’s what I think as well. It is pathetic and sad that he cannot allow the fact that he’s the nominee of a major party to speak for itself regarding MLK’s legacy. He’s just got to go that extra, ego-gratifying step and actually create a fake memorial.
Slublog on August 27, 2008 at 1:09 PM
I repeat: It doesn’t matter what Obama and his team INTENDED for it to evoke. It matters what people are actually thinking when they see it. And the overwhelming descriptor I’m seeing all over the place is “Greek temple.”
I agree that it’s probably supposed to be the Lincoln Memorial. But they clearly failed miserably if even ABC is describing it as a Greek temple. Perhaps it will look more Lincoln Memorial-ish on the TV tomorrow night. But for now, it looks like Barbie’s Greek Temple Playset!
aero on August 27, 2008 at 1:10 PM
http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l271/jakederek/?action=view¤t=MOV02900.flv
Conservative_SAHM on August 27, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Obama Parthenonos?
Dudley Smith on August 27, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Another follow up question:
So this is for the acceptance speech for one lousy party in one country.
What is it going to be when he’s POTUS (if he’s elected)?
What is it going to be when he’s self appointed Zeus or Overlord of the World?
Sir Napsalot on August 27, 2008 at 1:11 PM
small man in front of large things
still a small man, will stay a small man
will grow smaller and smaller, and once real small
we will be able to forget this bad dream time
sad, just sad is all
badtothebone on August 27, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Would be funny if he’s actually ‘beamed up’.
Sir Napsalot on August 27, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Boring old me. I’m probably taking it all too literally.
The 6-columned portico entrance portrayed is close in appearance to the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court (NOT the White House, NOT the Capitol…and, PLEASE, let’s NOT insult the ancients by mentioning the Parthenon…).
Is it possible to jump the shark BEFORE you’ve attained your stated goal?
Or do you still just call that LOSER?
Lockstein13 on August 27, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Okay, supposedly, according to the campaign, this temple is the front of the Lincoln Memorial to honor the memory of MLK on the annivesary of his speech. Yeah right…just like using a stadium was supposed to be like JFK.
Obama and his campaign can’t stand on their own two feet? They have to attempt to make him into the second coming of someone else? Nevermind…those were rhetorical questions. LOL
Deanna on August 27, 2008 at 1:18 PM
The Parthenon was disqualified because is lacks the seating
moxie_neanderthal on August 27, 2008 at 1:18 PM
1 question?
Who the hell is Barry to try to coopt Martin Luther King?
Unless he gets up there and delievers a VERY differetn meme than he has used on the trail it is a disgrace. MLK would not have tried to hide behind cheap racial theatrics like Barry did in “the best speech on race ever OMGZ!!!” in Philly. If he wants to try to put forth the narcissism that he is in any way shape or form the fair bargainer on race that MLK was have at thee.
The reason I hate Je$$e Jack$on is he literally used MLK’s blood to destroy Dr. King’s message.
sven10077 on August 27, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Back in the day, my first advice to new Drill Sergeants (in our company) was to never believe your own BS as it would get them in trouble. Obama’s “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for” claptrap indicated to me that he believed his own BS. Thursday night, with those columns in the background, will be his moment, his Dukakis in the tank moment.
Sergeant Tim on August 27, 2008 at 1:21 PM
And by the way, setting himself up as the inheritor of the legacy of MLK, Jr. is ALSO PRESUMPTUOUS. Everything Obama does is presumptuous and makes him look like a poser!
Obama is the worst I’ve seen at trying to take on a mantle of greatness by unjustifiably associating himself with great leaders of the past. It just begs a negative reaction along the lines of “You’re no (insert great leader here), Barack Obama. You don’t even deserve to stand where he stood.”
aero on August 27, 2008 at 1:21 PM
mean, COME ON! This is common sense, why the hell would he just randomly throw in Greek columns?
Typhonsentra on August 27, 2008 at 1:03 PM
———————————————————–
Because he thinks he’s a god? LOL
As I said in another post, not a good way to evoke the memory of Dr. King.
Deanna on August 27, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Obama promises speech with purpose, not mere rhetoric
Paul-Cincy on August 27, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Ahh, I get it! Obama sees himself as the fulfillment of MLK, Jr’s dream! Well, that’s not arrogant at all!
aero on August 27, 2008 at 1:31 PM
My God, is he really that pretentious?
pseudonominus on August 27, 2008 at 1:31 PM
They could have done a tasteful video tribute on LED screens if they wanted to “honor” any historical events. They didn’t have to build Obama his own personal temple (‘scuze me, fake national memorial) to strut around in.
All Hail Emperor Zero!
Gilda on August 27, 2008 at 1:33 PM
So is he going to copy MLK and have a “dream theme”? (Since he has a plagiarist as a running mate, that wouldn’t be a surprise.) Could we have an “I have a dream” drinking game?
Perhaps Teddy’s “the dream goes on” was meant to be part of the dream theme, too?
Obama compares himself to both MLK and JFK. Hubris.
Wethal on August 27, 2008 at 1:37 PM
I think that’s what rankles us about Obama’s performances. He doesn’t really try to “honor” great leaders of the past, he tries to present himself as the second coming of those leaders. As if just standing where they stood (or a facsimile of where they stood) and speaking to large crowds like they did makes him in any way, shape, or form their equal in stature. He hasn’t earned any greatness of his own, so he tries to piggyback on the greatness of others by presenting the sheeple an image that evokes real leadership and real greatness in hopes that they’ll forget that he’s earned none of his own. I think his team thinks that since Americans are fooled by the fakery of TV and movies, that they will fall for sets and costumes and acting in the political arena as well. God, I hope they’re wrong!
aero on August 27, 2008 at 1:39 PM
So, if (which I highly doubt) he is elected….Is he going to paint the whitehouse black?
bridgetown on August 27, 2008 at 1:42 PM
okay, sorry. I was kidding. (ducking)
bridgetown on August 27, 2008 at 1:42 PM
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