by Mark Silva
DENVER - Barack Obama will take the field today.
Not since John F. Kennedy accepted his party's presidential nomination in 1960 has a candidate moved from his traditional convention hall to a field for the final acceptance speech. In Kennedy's case, that venue was the Los Angeles Coliseum.
In Obama's case, that venue is Invesco Field at Mile High.
The place holds more than 75,000, with 5,900 seats seat up on the field for this event: Obama on a stage near the sideline of the 50-yard line.
Like anyone preparing to take a stage such as this, Obama took a "walk-through'' of the stadium stage last night.
Of course, the Democratic Party hopes to generate a lot of excitement for their presidential nominee with this appearance. Spike Lee, the film producer, has suggested that this really is a sporting event - and all good players rise to their highest level in the big game. Tonight will be a "Jordan moment'' for Obama, Lee has told CNN.
The Republicans are spinning it this way: Further proof that Obama is a celebrity - "a mile-high and an inch deep,'' as the party has framed the message in Denver this week.
"It feeds into what Americans are beginning to realize, that this is celebrity without substance,'' Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, considered one of Republican John McCain's possible running mates, said in an interview with ABC News' Good Morning America this morning. "It feeds into the big hoopla, the big production -- it's about entertainment.''
• 
• 
• 
Comments
It's not enough for you people that OhBummer is the Messiah, so now you have to make him Michael Jordan too? No wonder that poor boy has such a God-complex. He's become so delusional that if he doesn't win the White House he'll only be suited for the nuthouse.
Posted by: Vast Right Wing Conspirator | August 28, 2008 10:01 AM
Republicans have the worst rating in the nation. Probably couldn't beat Hitler in a runoff! They are hating big time. Reblicans are like the Grinch frowning down on Who-ville!!!!
Grow a heart people.
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Chicagoan and Southsider | August 28, 2008 10:27 AM
Yeah...Kennedy...everybody knows what a crappy president he was. Especially compared to Nixon who, by the way, is not a crook.
Posted by: slag | August 28, 2008 10:41 AM
The ancient Greeks built temples to house the Gods. Obama has built his stadium-located Greek temple to house...HIMSELF! Emulating Michael Jordan says Spike Lee? No, Obama's emulating Zeus, Apollo, Poseidon and Athena. But most pointedly, Obama sees himself as the Greek God Hermes, "God of thieves, commerce, and travellers (those in Denver). He shows up in more myths than any other god or goddess. Likes to trick people and is very inventive." Let the light shine from above, to quote God Obama. Now let me go barf!
Posted by: Rayburn | August 28, 2008 10:43 AM
Vast Right Wing Conspirator,
Since when does Spike Lee speak for all Democrats?
Posted by: justaskin | August 28, 2008 11:02 AM
The set is intended to suggest the Lincoln Memorial, where MLK gave The "I Have A Dream" Speech 30 years ago today.
Posted by: Printers Row | August 28, 2008 12:05 PM
Potatoes are going to make the difference in this election.
http://www.bop-o-rama.com/blog/2008/08/28/will-potatoes-be-the-new-swing-vote/
Spuds Rule!
Posted by: The Potato Master | August 28, 2008 12:05 PM