We have arrived at Invesco Field at Mile High. And quite a sight it is.
The set, presumably, was meant to look like a monumental, Washington-style federal government building. And it does in the middle, where all the American flags are. But on either end, there are these two larger structures, each with two grand columns. Which gives the thing a feel of a Greek temple, as some Republicans and others have said.
What matters, of course, is not how it looks now, in the middle of the afternoon, but how it looks at 8 p.m. local time, when Obama will take the stage and we'll be under the lights. And if the speech is a success, the set presumably won't make much of a difference.
A story on politico.com quotes an unnamed Democratic official as saying he thinks the Obama never would have done this mass, outdoor event -- or commissioned such a backdrop -- if they'd known how the Republicans would use his mass event in Berlin against him. This does have something of the same look.
The structure sits on the field, up against the east stands. It juts out into the middle of the field where the 50-yard-line ought to be. So Obama will look like he's out there on an island, just he and his teleprompter, with the delegates arrayed around him on the stadium floor.
We're in the football press box, down near the north goal line, with a good viewing angle for the spectacle. People have been lining up outside for several hours already, and they're just starting to trickle into the stands. It's a hot, sunny afternoon, and they're all going to be quite roasted by tonight. Rain is not in the forecast.
Have you never been to DC?! Everything looks like a Greek temple temple because it is built in Greek revival style. These Republican talking points are sad and pathetic. The Democrats built an impressive set designed to fit the the scale of the venue and they whine about it. Are the Republicans planning on having a podium on an empty stage next week?— Ed G- By the way, did any of the geniuses bother to think about the fact that today is August 28th, the anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech which was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, which looks an awful lot like.... wait for it... wait for it... A GREEK TEMPLE!— Ed G
- T’was a man named Barack who did seek To make himself look like a Greek So he got a designer To make him look finer But he only wound up speaking geek— Elspeth Longhorn
Comment removed.- Can you four talk more about your beards?— neak3434
- "..an unnamed Democratic official as saying he thinks Obama never would have done this mass, outdoor event -- or commissioned such a backdrop..." Didn't Sadaam Hussein say similar things about all the murals and billboards with his face on them? "I didn't want them, it's what the people wanted!" Baraq is a dangerous man who will put himself and his ego above any of us who truly want to see change or have a sincere hope for a better and more prosperous life. He will set this country back decades,— dmbsaxon
- Comment removed.
- Yeah, I have to admit I'm kinda worried. The Democrats have elevated Obama to near-messiah status. His ideas for reform don't particularly impress me, though I'm not thrilled at all with McCain. I'll go with Bob Barr, for what it's worth. I just don't think anything positive will happen in the next four years no matter who the next president will be. Bush will leave behind a mess that is so bad nobody will be able to fix it. Good luck.— heatherc
- heatherc...you are so right about Bush and the left behind mess.— phillysha
The Inauguration: Jan. 20 blog brings you coverage of President-elect Barack Obama's transition into office.
It's written by political journalists from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Send us your comments -- and news tips -- at this address.
Thomas Fitzgerald joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2000, and has covered Harrisburg as well as city, state and national politics for the newspaper. He was a “boy on the bus” in the 2004 presidential campaign and during primary contests in 2000 and 1996.
Nathan Gorenstein has covered politics and government in the city, state and nation for the Inquirer. He's worked in the city hall bureau, had a stint on the business desk, and once covered the suburbs. After serving as assistant regional editor, he was named editor of the "Politics" web site.
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