Video: Behind the scenes at Invesco and the “regal” stage
posted at 3:10 pm on August 27, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Earlier, I wrote about Barack Obama and the Temple of The One, but the picture we had didn’t give quite the same perspective as this taken by “See Swann”. The intrepid correspondent’s narrative gets a little tiresome, but his access to the field at Invesco/Mile High Stadium gives the best possible look at the staging for Obama’s acceptance speech on Thursday night:
Greek or Roman architecture? Based on my limited recollection, the Romans used similar construction but copied it from the Greeks. Perhaps architects can answer that question, but what hasn’t been answered is why Obama decided to go with this theme rather than use a more traditional, American theme for his staging. Should a man who is trying to push back against being defined as an elitist opt to speak from an ersatz Greek temple? What screams elitist more than a Mount Olympus reference?
“See Swann” agrees, albeit unwittingly. In his narration, he approvingly refers to the staging as “regal”. That doesn’t exactly make Obama an egalitarian Everyman. (via Power Line)
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I suppose it would be out of line to ask if Leni Riefenstahl was a consultant to this.
rbj on August 27, 2008 at 3:14 PM
The fact remains that the only thing Barack Obama has run is his mouth. No executive, no military, no business experience. Just an ego that handily outruns his thin accomplishments.
blackrepublican on August 27, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Heh, Leni would tell him to be more subtle and coming from her that is a very strong character reference regarding the big O.
sven10077 on August 27, 2008 at 3:16 PM
I guess it would have been too hard to build an ivory tower.
Maxx on August 27, 2008 at 3:17 PM
Said it elsewhere…
Senators in Rome used to choose CEASER… who was then declared a living GOD…
Here, Obama is being selected by the SuperDelegates, who are mostly Senators and Representatives… and seems to think he’s Divine…
And he will now give his speech from Dephi…
Scary… very scary… so… its time….
TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!
Romeo13 on August 27, 2008 at 3:17 PM
This is definitely a celebration of elite-ism. I am amazed that the Dems can’t see what is happening. Leaving out the traditional American setting is not a surprise given his recent trip abroad. He is not just trying to run for president, but for supreme all powerful exalted ruler of the world.
gstrickler on August 27, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Oh my oh my oh my.
This is going to be one for the ages…
God Almighty – DOH !!!
jake-the-goose on August 27, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Who found Dominican Lou to do this job?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:20 PM
“Mile High New Yorker”
I thought he said something else at first. Better be careful with the accents.
/sarc
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Okay, close up that doesn’t look much like the Lincoln Memorial.
Slublog on August 27, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Hannity: “Obama as Apollo, god of the sun, art, music, nature, and medicine, all in one!!”
I think I scared a few of my cubicle-mates with my laughing….
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Who is running Obama’s campaign, Hillary’s people?
NoDonkey on August 27, 2008 at 3:22 PM
The architecture the man uses to amplify his mouth is symptomatic he is suffering from hubris; if you need Invesco Field to contain your ego perhaps it is time to re-evaluate your health. If the superciliousness gas bag chooses Greek doric columns to offset his lies why would anyone be surprised or care?
IntheNet on August 27, 2008 at 3:22 PM
The Big Lie from Mile High.
NoDonkey on August 27, 2008 at 3:22 PM
Why did this immediately come to mind? I know, wrong era… but same high dosage of self-importance.
Pianobuff on August 27, 2008 at 3:22 PM
Vero Possumos!
Non compos mentis!
You know the Citizen of the World, THE ONE, the Lord God Messiah can only speak to us from Mt. Olympus! Do you think he will be the black version of Laurence Olivier from “Clash of the Titans”?
Is this for real? I mean surely this is not happening after all the McCain celebrity ads! Who are these brain dead Obama people that are so delusional as to think THIS was a good idea?
freeus on August 27, 2008 at 3:23 PM
while we are making fun of all things Obama, check out his “Body Man”, Reggie Love. Former Duke Basketball and Football player……also famous on the internet for getting drunk, passing out and getting wrote on and well…just follow the link:
http://www.spartantailgate.com/forums/msu-red-cedar-message-board/311629-reggie-tea-bag-love-barack-obamas-staff.html
good symbolism on what the idea of a POTUS Obama feels like…
jp on August 27, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Expect Obama to wear a laurel wreath.
evenfarer on August 27, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Is Bono going to open?
carbon_footprint on August 27, 2008 at 3:25 PM
You know, the White House has columns in a bow like that, except they go the other way. There are windows visible between the columns, too. Maybe it’s supposed to represent him being inside?
Actually, with the two higher end pieces, and the wonky door in the middle, it made me think of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Probably not what he was going for…
Tanya on August 27, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Toga! Toga! Toga! – that should be the mantra for the GOP.
lorien1973 on August 27, 2008 at 3:25 PM
A more appropriate architectural style would have Obama stick his head out of a MacDonald’s drive thru and ask “Do you want fries with that?”
Right_of_Attila on August 27, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Will we be able to see Chris Matthews wet himself in HD?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Very soon they will realize how silly this looks (like the presidential seal he rolled out). It sooooo makes him look not ready for the big league. I can’t wait to see him standing in front of that stupid mess and try to act professional.
The only way it could get better is if he rolled up in a tiny clown car and Flava Flav, Parliment, and Sly and the Family Stone all piled out in full 70’s pimp costumes followed by Barry.
I only hope they don’t have the time or resources to rip that pretentious crap down once they put down the crack pipe, this will be his Dukakis tank moment, his Kerry in a sperm suit moment, his Howard Dean scream.
Alden Pyle on August 27, 2008 at 3:27 PM
FAIL.
aero on August 27, 2008 at 3:27 PM
ROFL!!!
/breaks into song…
Tragendy tomorooowww… COMEDY TONIGHT!
Romeo13 on August 27, 2008 at 3:28 PM
I’m surprised there isn’t more bling bling. Maybe he’ll come out in a golf cart with spinners?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Why not go all the way.
Pianobuff on August 27, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Where’s the altar?
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 3:29 PM
“what hasn’t been answered is why Obama decided to go with this theme rather than use a more traditional, American theme for his staging. ”
Why are there columns in every single government building in Washington? How come they didn’t use a more traditional American theme for their design?
YAWN.
Dave Rywall on August 27, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Obamus Minimus
Pulchritudinous Patriot on August 27, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Crack pipe! RAAAAACIST!!!!!
Although I do agree with you. This will be the first time in electoral history that a candidate has doomed his campaign before the convention is over.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Not at all. But that’s what the Obama campaign claims it’s supposed to be. Epic fail.
aero on August 27, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Rather a chariot pulled by horses?
evenfarer on August 27, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Years from now Campaigns will look back on this as a textbook case of how to rip defeat out of the jaws of victory.
Alden Pyle on August 27, 2008 at 3:30 PM
‘Cause he’s a citizen of the world!!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Can’t think of anything. Did Icarus take off from there?
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Sadly, I think the Kool-Aid drinkers will be awed, amazed, and electrified by this.
aero on August 27, 2008 at 3:32 PM
YAWN, indeed – I’ve read on ABC that “behind the scenes” there is sniping to take the damn thing DOWN from inside the campaign.
Marcus on August 27, 2008 at 3:32 PM
No, Icarus was escaping the Labyrinth if I remember correctly.
Olympus was where the Gods hung out.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 3:32 PM
I’ll have to miss that moment when Brokus Dickus Husseinus treads the Royal Purple.
TexasJew on August 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM
*applause*
Tanya on August 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM
He died in a skiing accident years ago, but Cher is going to sing We Are the World.
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-hZhr2k2hk
LOL… had to go find it….
Romeo13 on August 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM
I thought he meant the U2 Bono, not Sonny Bono.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 3:34 PM
I thought Theseus was in the labyrinth. Icarus was the high-flyer, no?
Pianobuff on August 27, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Bono, that is. [crap!]
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Um, Dave, you do realize that traditionally nominees make their acceptance speech at the podium inside the convention hall. They don’t do it rock star style, and while shaking things up isn’t necessarily a bad idea this is an incredibly pompous put on. And if he’s trying to put down the “elitist” tag, this isn’t the way to do it. This screens arrogance.
But nice try to deflect the criticism.
rbj on August 27, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Did anyone notice that the way this is set up that half of the stadium will not be able to see him??? Usually they close off one end but this seems to be running north south. This whole thing is getting very creepy…
titleist123 on August 27, 2008 at 3:36 PM
When he enter do you think they will be making the “O” face? Or the “O” sign?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:36 PM
is this a Dukasis tank moment?
jp on August 27, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Psychiatrist and political analyst Charles Krauthammer has a column up with his professional analysis:
“Is Obama out of his mind?”
Wethal on August 27, 2008 at 3:37 PM
I think he should have built a sand castle as his backdrop. Or maybe a dog house. Would have been more appropriate.
tre on August 27, 2008 at 3:37 PM
He flew too close to the sun with wax wings – a metaphor for Hubris, which Obama has in spades.
Buy Danish on August 27, 2008 at 3:37 PM
FIFY
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Yes, and Icarus’ fell to the earth when he got too close to the sun and the wax on his wings melted. Classic myth on hubris.
Wethal on August 27, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Roman architecture would have arches and domes. This is clearly in the Greek style, I’d say
DoricDork Order.Nosferightu on August 27, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Later repeated by George Costanza who flew too close to the sun on wings of pastrami.
lorien1973 on August 27, 2008 at 3:39 PM
So Obama (The Oracle at Denver), now has his temple, constructed in likeness to the ancient Greek temples dedicated to past mythical gods (that is, beings of incompetence, indecisiveness and need for the establishment’s approval.) He has chosen Biden as his Vice President (Senior Priest), and, in time, if the Oracle at Denver is to have a change of address to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., he may also be called to choose new judges for the SOTUS (known as Ephors to some, tyrants to Plato, politically tainted by most Americans.)
Send_Me on August 27, 2008 at 3:39 PM
This T-shirt sums up the convention.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:39 PM
“Guys- have you seen the polls? The voters are going to nail us no matter what we do! So why not have a toga party.”
“TO-GA! TO-GA! TO-GA!”
“I think they like the idea, Hoov”
Chuck Schick on August 27, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Beyond the complete hilariousness of constructing something that resembles a Greek god’s place of worship, it appears that with the addition of the french doors behind the columns they want it to look as if Obama is exiting/entering the White House.
Let me just say that again this seems like a really poor decision on Obama’s or Obama’s caimpaign’s part. He’s already considered too egotistical by half and now he wants to reinforce the narrative (being used to successfully expose his cult-like persona) of a god-like or as the already president/emporer-so-you-better-bow-to-my-word figure?
Why do I feel like this is all happening in some kind of bizzaro world, psuedo vacuum of craziness. Doesn’t it feel more like one of those Twilight Zone episodes where you expect someone to wake up in the end and shake it all off as a bad/silly/stupid dream?
By the way, let’s not be too vocal about our criticism. I mean, don’t tell his campaign staff, as we definitely want this to continue.
In fact, let me predict now that they’re rearin for a massive backlash that makes his Euro-tour flop pale in comparison.
On a technical note, how do I create spaces between my paragraphs?
David Rasbold on August 27, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Oh, nevermind. Didn’t realize it did it for you (on the paragraphs) even though it doesn’t show it in preview… Blond moment…
David Rasbold on August 27, 2008 at 3:40 PM
rbj – “traditionally nominees make their acceptance speech at the podium inside the convention hall”
Uh, yeah, I know that. But who gives a sh*t? Now it’s outside. More people can see it live. I don’t see what the problem with that is. Elitist? Hardly. But I understand your lack the ability to objectively assess the situation.
As for the design of the stage, it looks like fu**ing Washington. Get over yourselves with the elitist Greek/Roman/Gladiator wankfest. I understand your innate need to crap on everything from the other side of the aisle, but this is really pathetic grasping at straws.
Dave Rywall on August 27, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Wasn’t there a certain megalomaniac in Europe that used Roman architecture to define is reign as king of most of Europe back in the 40’s? Didn’t the One deliver a speech in front of his monument?
flytier on August 27, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Greasy Joe will fit right in, too. It’s a match made in…..
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Will Barack Omerica fly in on a jet pack? He has become an Onion parody of himself.
This will surely backfire like the Germany speech, yes?
carbon_footprint on August 27, 2008 at 3:42 PM
It’s not Greek or Roman. It’s pure kitsch.
bitsy on August 27, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Is Teddy K well enough to attend the toga party afterwards?
morganfrost on August 27, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Errrr… it seems like they are trying to get the look of the White House. When the video moves up onto the “set” the faux windows look like something you would pick up at Home Depot or Lowes – not at all like a true Roman or Greek image. Or go ask Bob Villa.
juanito on August 27, 2008 at 3:42 PM
The design of the Brandenburg gate was based on the Propylea, the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
Hmmmm….
Pianobuff on August 27, 2008 at 3:44 PM
O! = Optimus Paleverus
Descending from mount Obamus to straigten out us plebs!
or, put better by in a comment to a post at “Protein Wisdom :
Priceless!
RocketmanBob on August 27, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Theseus went into the Labyrinth to rescue some princess or some such, and he was the one who killed the Minotaur.
Daedalus and Icarus, on the other hand, were imprisoned on Crete by King Minos… Daedalus built the Labyrinth, hence my confusion. Wiki’s good for some things apparently.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Drywall-
Thank God the Obama campaign has a whole bunch of strategist who must be thinking the same thing you are.
So Im sure you wont complain when the Greek temple is used in the next 10,000 McCain ads.
Chuck Schick on August 27, 2008 at 3:45 PM
The Messiah enters Invesco.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 27, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Paleverus = Palaverous
sorry, I guess I was laughing too hard
RocketmanBob on August 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM
LOL!! I can envision that easier than this baloney.
tru2tx on August 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Genius.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Reuters is apparently grasping at straws as well: “Obama Speech Stage Resembles Ancient Greek Temple”
As are ABC, Yahoo!News, and many others. They’re all characterizing the stage as looking like a “Greek temple.” It’s not just us wingnuts, Dave. The stage is a pompous and ridiculous bit of puffery, and everyone knows it but the Obama worshippers, who are blinded by the glory of the O.
aero on August 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM
I think this is the effect they were going for.
Alden Pyle on August 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM
It reminds me not so much of a Greek temple as of the backdrop for a Greek theater. And it fits: The chorus sings along unquestioningly, the stuggles go back and forth all while awaiting the trite wrap-up from the Deus es Machina — god from the machine — an actor lowered from a crane portraying a Greek god come to tie up all the loose ends that don’t make sense.
A friend said that the Dems are simply replicating Clinton, although at least Obama might be able to keep his trousers zipped. I commented that Obama might not be satisfied with one person: He wants us all on our knees.
I really really hope he’s lowered from a crane. Preferably lowered thirty feet from a thirty-five foot height.
raybury on August 27, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Like I said in the other thread:
Price tag, please. Someone needs to find out how much this sh*t costs.
Are the 90% of his donors who donated less than $100 happy that their money was spent on this?
Brat on August 27, 2008 at 3:48 PM
I heard it being discribed as a “greek theatre.”
Which is entirely appropriate for Narcissus Obama. His entire campaign is a stage play, a greek tragedy as it were.
http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/14200/14221/theatre_14221_lg.gif
Enoxo on August 27, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Actually I don’t find the stage elitist.
Just hilarious overcompensation.
Slublog on August 27, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Perhaps The One can come out on stage in flag pants a la Apollo Creed. Then no one can challenge his patriotism as he stops the rising sea and heals the sick from Mount Olympus.
I have to ask in all seriousness though, if the actual Anti-Christ were to put on a show to delight and enthrall the unwashed masses what would it look like? What would the imagery be? Would it pretty much be a Superbowl halftime show projected to the world from a fake Mount Olympus? I’m thinking, yeah, probably.
JonPrichard on August 27, 2008 at 3:48 PM
I just heard that he’s going to parachute into the stadium.
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Chuck Schick on August 27, 2008 at 3:45 PM
and
aero on August 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Ahh, so I understand now – both of you are also crapping on all the “elitist” architecture in Washington DC. Thanks. Glad we cleared that up. You guys sure are on the ball.
Dave Rywall on August 27, 2008 at 3:49 PM
He’s going to leave by jetpack.
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 3:49 PM
So this is why the Dems couldn’t come up with 35 billion for children’s healthcare?
Wow. I hope The Chosen One feels good about himself.
madmonkphotog on August 27, 2008 at 3:49 PM
it’s all Greek to me….
SDarchitect on August 27, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Heh. How many phallic symbols on that stage?
aero on August 27, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Ah, yes, as Uncle Sam, pointing and saying “I want you” and dancing to James Brown’s “Living in America.”
Brat on August 27, 2008 at 3:50 PM
What might be appropriately evocative of the roots of civilization for the seat of government is probably a little over the top for one dude.
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 3:51 PM
Does the RNC have any way to seed the clouds???
txdoc on August 27, 2008 at 3:51 PM
Uh oh. Just wait til people hear about the Temple Mount inauguration plans. It’s going to be great to see the US Capitol building lit with computer controlled lighting to appear as the Dome of the Rock.
econavenger on August 27, 2008 at 3:51 PM
So I guess the rest of the field is being used for the chariot race?
Pianobuff on August 27, 2008 at 3:51 PM
This will surely backfire like the Germany speech, yes?
As someone once said, like a ‘72 Ford.
Can only hope.
tru2tx on August 27, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Looks like a very odd set-up..
I think Obama’s ego could have been left inside like everyone else and given his speech indoors like everyone else what makes him so special and the money could have been donated to his brother that mankes $1 a month.
Chakra Hammer on August 27, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Ahh, Americans – if it ain’t a gaudy Vegas American Idol stage, it’s crap.
Dave Rywall on August 27, 2008 at 3:54 PM
What does Hussein’s brother do to make that $1 amonth, I wonder? I mean, what could be worth three cents a day?
Akzed on August 27, 2008 at 3:54 PM
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