Evening Buzz: Obama's Night
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/POLITICS/08/28/obama.thursday/art.obama.invesco.gi.jpg caption="Sen. Barack Obama takes a walkthrough of Invesco Field at Mile High on Wednesday night."]Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
Tonight, Barack Obama will become the first African-American to accept a major party's nomination for President of the United States. His speech comes on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. And, it will take place in front of 75,000 people at Denver's Invesco Field (home to the NFL's Denver Broncos), with millions more watching at home during the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
"Senator Obama's speech tonight will be as he himself has characterized it, more workmanlike, a very direct conversation with the American people about the choice we face in this election. About the risk of staying on the same path we're on, the risk of just more of the same versus the change we need," Obama spokeswoman Anita Dunn said in a conference call with reporters.
What do you want to hear tonight from Senator Obama?
Keep in mind, it's not just the words from Obama that will get noticed. There's a lot of buzz over the backdrop (AKA: the stagecrafting) chosen for tonight's speech. Obama will be speaking in front of faux-marble neo-classical columns. The McCain camp is dubbing it the "Temple of Obama" or "Barackopolis." It's also offering some fashion "advice". "The toga may have gone out of style centuries ago, but after Obama's temple speech . . . they're sure to be flying off the racks," McCain spokesman Brian Rogers said.
What do you think of Obama's backdrop?
We'd love to hear from you. And, keep it locked on CNN for our special coverage of this historic night. Here's the lineup of tonight's speakers:
Live Performances (before gavel)
Yonder Mountain String Band Performance
Jeff Austin, Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston
Voter Registration Presentation
Remarks
The Honorable Luis Gutierrez
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois
David Plouffe
Obama Campaign Manager
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado
Call to Order
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
Member and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, California
Invocation
Rabbi David Saperstein
Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism – Washington, D.C.
Presentation of Colors
Disabled American Veterans
Pledge of Allegiance
Shawn Johnson
U.S. Olympic Gymnast
National Anthem
Jennifer Hudson
Academy award-winning singer and Broadway performer
Welcome
Elbra Wedgeworth
President/Chair, Denver Host Committee
Presentation of Resolutions
Democratic National Committee Vice-Chairs
Mark Brewer
The Honorable Linda Chavez-Thompson
The Honorable Mike Honda
The Honorable Lottie Shackelford
Susan Turnbull
Remarks
The Honorable Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor of Colorado
The Honorable Ed Perlmutter
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable John Salazar
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable Diana DeGette
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado
Video & Remarks
The Honorable Howard Dean
Former Governor of Vermont
Chair of the Democratic Party
Video & Remarks: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King
The Honorable John Lewis
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Georgia
Rev. Bernice King
Daughter of the late Dr. King
Martin Luther King III
Oldest son of the late Dr. King
Remarks
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor, New Mexico
Live Performances
will.i.am
Accompanied by John Legend (piano), Agape Choir, and band
Sheryl Crow
Singer/songwriter
Remarks
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado
Remarks
The Honorable Jan Schakowsky
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois
The Honorable Mark Udall
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable Tim Kaine
Governor of Virginia
Live Performance
Stevie Wonder
Remarks
The Honorable Al Gore
Former Vice President of the United States
Remarks
John Kuniholm
Wounded Iraq veteran
Live Performance
Michael McDonald
Singer/songwriter
Remarks
Susan Eisenhower
Granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Retired Generals Tribute
Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret)
Accompanied by additional generals
American Voices Program
Roy Gross
Monica Early
Wes Moore
Janet Lynn Monacco
Nate Fick
Teresa Asenap
Pamela Cash-Roper
Barney Smith
Remarks
The Honorable Dick Durbin
U.S. Senator, Illinois
Video/Remarks
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Benediction
Pastor Joel Hunter
Senior Pastor of Northland in Central Florida
Adjournment
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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First African Amer. to accept the nomination for a major Party.
Congratulations, I'll make the cookies. Are we suppose to fast for two weeks and carve another face in the mountains to memorize the event? I guess I won't crap for a week at least;.
Enough already, is this a political election or a cultural event.
The media is going to drag this for the next few years as long as people keep watching. Then comes the books and movies. This is about the rich getting richer at the expense of the American people. They do not need to worry about employment, insurance, gas prices and a place to live. What do they care, they can always hire cheap labor to clean their mansions and pick up their dogs crap.
The political system is a joke.
This is directed to anyone who thinks or believes the stage was the message instead of the people who presented., or spoke this evening. Oh! Barack was one of them, wasn't he. I am sure Barack did not design the stage, however I was attending the messages, and not the fine detail of the stage. Barack did not appear to be full of himself. The speech was about change, hope and success for all Americans. Personally I think people who are projecting their own insecurities, should tune in to another planet, because they are not of this one, and are lost in the sauce so to speak!
That is sooo pathetic that you people can only speak negative about the backdrop and not see the intellectua thought that was put into the decision...the negative comments came from ignorant uneducated people...scary....How about the history that was made and the hard plans...Peace and Love.
This was by far one of the greatest speeches I have seen. Living in a piece of history i feel as if someone for once is for the people. I am 19 years old and as a college student i feel that obama is best for our nation, as well as our economy, AND YES HE IS OUR MODERN DAY MESSIAH. And if his only flaw is to raise taxes and keep gas prices the way they are then so be it, our nation has more problems than that. Obviously everyone is still driving and getting by so gas prices must not be so bad. Sorry if our necessities for once exceed our luxuries!!! OBAMA all the way!!
Thank you Big Brad. I wonder how many people truly heard the message? How can anyone joke at a time when American's are truly going through such tough times.
However, that's typical republican mumbo jumbo. They will beat a horse to death even though it's already dead. Two things; One, read a book and do a bit of research, stop letting comics choose your candidate. Two, do not jump on a band wagon because you think it is funny, too many of our soldiers are dying while you are sitting here telling jokes of building structures.
This was an amazing moment in History and most of you people can only talk about the small things. Focused on the insignificant things that is wrong with this country and it's people. I am an American, I served in the Marine Corps. I am proud to be an American and tonight even more. I am a republican that supported my commander and chief George W. Bush. But what has that left me, nothing!!! I selected him to lead me for 8 years and now look at us. It is not his fault alone but ours as Americans that selected him not once but twice. It is comments like the ones that I have read here that make me realize that this country will never change no matter who we elect. The change has to start in us as Americans not in our politicians. We elect them and allow them to destroy that which we work so hard to build. This nation has to change from within us and not from within Washington. I guess we are not fed up with our standing around the world and in our own backyard. Only if we change our minds will change start to take an affect in our daily lives. Sweating the small things and making them bigger than they are is useless and will not change anything. The same old mess that has us in the condition that we are in. We change and we will focus on what's important and save our energy for the important matters that affect us in our daily lives. Let's wake up America wake up from your slumber and realize that we need change especially from within. I pray to God that he will enlighten us to understand. I will vote Democratic this time.....
The epicenter of the new face of America lies directly beneath Mile High Stadium tonight. What I witnessed tonight was not hyperbole, rhetoric, or the art of political persuasion. It was truly the most American celebration I have seen in my lifetime. And that's because we are reclaiming the power that drives this country: the hard work of many, many people, present, past and future.
On this night, August 28, 2008, I saw the faces of Lincoln, Kennedy, King - the faces of us all - in the rising tide that is sweeping our American landscape anew. We should all be so proud, and thankful, on this beautiful night.
Patricia McGahan Lewis
Oh, they're just jealous. After all, no one is ever going to accuse McCain of being a youthful, inspiring, and popular icon that draws crowds wherever he goes. Agreed, McCain would look ridiculous with his sour face in a toga.
It was a great night for us America!!
Hillary who?
A moment, 45 years to the day in the making, on the anniversary of that certain extraordinary preacher's speech. Speaking to a crowd that Joel Osteen himself would we envious of, and I don't know if it was my high tech HD box, but I swear the awesome foursome had an electrifying presidential glow about them. After three nights plagued by Clinton propaganda and more drama than the season finale of The Hills, Barack Obama took back his convention and in the process, unleashed a can of some serious whoop ass on his opponent. Gone the restraint we had witnessed throughout the primaries, he came out, guns blazing, in a one man showdown at the OK Corral that would even make President Bush proud.
Taking a cue from the Sister of the Traveling Pantsuits, he reiterated and in doing so empowered the American people by making it about us. Clear and concise about what he plans to do and how he plans to do it, but at the same time acknowledging his novice status. As if reading my email from the first night of the convention, he touched on individual accountability and parent involvement for securing the future of our kids.
I was getting really worried that the evening might have an anti-climatic end after Al Gore took to the stage securely cementing a place in history for himself as the most boring person to win a Nobel Peace prize. I got jiggy with John Legend and Wil.I.Am almost hoping they would end their act with a shout out to John Edwards and his new baby mama. I kept wondering who the talent agent will be for the RNC and if the Dixie Chicks might be swayed to perform for "ole time's sake". The soiree set the bar pretty high for next week's extravaganza and I swear, I won't hold it against John McCain if, in true bi partisan fashion, he picks up the saxophone come time for his acceptance speech.
Take that my staunch Republican counterparts!
Man you all at the CNN network are indeed, the undisputed truth of television journalism. This was a wonderful convention; the best I have ever witnessed, and I have been doing this since 1968. The Dems are united and we are on our way to finishing that beating path to fulfillment of Dr. Kings Dream.
Bravo! How refreshing to cut through the spin. Not being as experienced in the political manipulations and half-truths in Washington will end up being to Obama's advantage. He is refreshing and instills a hope for a more responsible and moral "United" America in our future. I was not sure who I was going to vote for until tonight, but have not felt easy about McCain. As for me and all of those watching with me tonight, Obama just got our votes!
Ann Croft
Arenas Valley, New Mexico
Obama's acceptance speech was good. He laid out his plan as President and left no question as to what he will do in office. Now, it was not one of his speeches that left you feeling happy or motivated. But, do you want an empty exciting speech or are you looking for someone who can turn this country around. I do believe that Obama has portrayed himself as a great candidate. Even though everything he says has been scrutinized more than any one statement by McCain, he has been gracious and professional. He has repeatedly given his life story and given his stance on the issues. Nevertheless, people are still saying that he has not shown us who he is or told us what he will do as President. OKAY! This week, we have heard his biography and the biography of Michelle Obama (he talks about his childhood all the time) and tonight he gave us once again his plan. But, still you say he is not explaining what he will do. I say, you never intended on voting for him so just say that and stop making excuses. If you are going to be picky. You may want to ask McCain to stop using his time as a POW for every issue. I honor our military. My family is a military family but, if McCain is going to be President I want to know more than he was a POW. What about his childhood. Who are his friends. He has had some who are less than golden but, their shortcomings have not been linked to him. Is there a double standard? Change is good people. Scary, but give it a try.
Obama had the opportunity of a life time to bring republicans and independents together...instead he sounded like a partisan hack...what a wasted opportunity!
YES WE CAN!!
IT IS TIME... for this country to CHANGE!! I'm TIRED of stale ideas, same old song and dance, broken promises, nothing be done by congress. We need Barack Obama.
I was surely set on John McCain, but I maybe a Republican by voters' registration, but I'm going Democratic!!
WE NEED CHANGE....IT IS TIME!!
No one on this planet and in this world knows this "America" better than we do. Tonight, I saw a strong Presidential Leader, a Commander & Chief rise from the bitter sweet of victory as he excepted and gave his Presidential Exceptance Speech. I have never seen a man be so graceful, yet so powerful (as my own father and husband) as Barack Obama did tonight. I, like so many others, need change, need help, stop tax hikes, live comfortably and not in fear, have the will power to stand up for this nation and ourselves. To think about our future.
BELIEVE, OBAMA IS OUR FUTURE!!
We need America to work for us not against us like it has and he inspired me to write this...to believe and have the GOVERNMENT STOP GOVERNING US, WE NEED TO GOVERN THE GOVERNMENT! It is time to step up America and claim what is ours again.
You are talking about the wonderful stage tonight. I have heard that Brittney Spears stage managers did this. Is this true?
Do you get it NOW?
Hilary struggled for a ressonant message throughout the primaries and ended up with "I will fight FOR you every day I am in the White House."
President Obama gives US the power as it should be, This is our country and we don't intend to continue to abdicate that job to Washington in the hope they will make the right decisiions and take care of us.
As an adult, I can take care of myself, thank you. As an adult, I don't wish to continue to portray all Republicans as bad and all Democrats as good. As an adult, I want to feel good about being an American again. As an adult, I don't worship celebrities, I support LEADERS.
Vote for Barack Obama!
Hello I just wanted to say my family ,and I are strong Hillary Clinton supporters. We have followed the election over time. And were disapointed on how the Clinton's were treated by Obama, and his people. Their is nothing that Obama has said that would make us vote for him. He has a two faced charter on one hand he is this great politican who says what you want to here. And on the other hand he sat in a church that cursed the accomplishment of the United States over years. Were not prepared to help elect another Jimmy Carter type president to the White House. By the way so you know were this is coming form we have vote demoratic in every election. And we are a bi racial family also.
I now have a restored hope for what may come of this country’s future. My husband and I both come from middle class families that worked their tails off to give us the best education possible. We both attended the same private high school in the suburbs of Washignton, DC. I was able to graduate from college with the help of student loans and a grant earned by serving in AmeriCorps. My husband is a proud West Point graduate thanks to many years of hard work. However, my son and I are now living in the basement of my mother’s house while my husband is deployed to Afghanistan because saving money for a year and a half is our only hope to be able to own a home close to our families in the DC area and perhaps be able to save some money for the future of our children. This is not the life I dreamed of while stuyding in college or when my husband and I were so excited for the arrival of our first child. This is not what my husband dreamed of for his family while struggling through the most prestigious school in this country. This is the life we lead though, thanks to our broken economy and disheartening future for our youth. I am so proud of my husband for what he has done thus far in his life and what he is currently doing in Afghanistan, but most of all for somehow finding it within him to stand up for his family and his country at the same time.
Awesome!!! Obama's speech was awesome. I have been questioning voting for him and now I think I have decided. I am a republican from the heart of republicanland, but I like Obama. I have always stated that I would vote for the candidate who had not been in politics for years, someone with a fresh perspective and passion. He is the one, he is passionate, he is sincere. I do not agree with him on many issues, but I can tell you that he deserves a chance. Give him a chance. Republicans it is ok to vote for Obama!!!
Stop talking about the plastic pillars! Barack Obama gives me hope for the possibility that we will stop squandering our reputation. Why do I support Obama? Because he WANTS to create the change our country deserves. He may not achieve all the strives for, but he will strive, and for that I am grateful.
McCain thinks we are fine and need to go forward with the current financial path, more aggressive warmongering, and pull yourself up by your bootstraps messages; for those with no boots! McCain is out of touch, demonstrates poor judgement, and as a veteran does not even vote for the veterans rights. How can we support that?
How can republicans say Barack isn't ready to be president when their canidate has done no more than Barack. He's never ran anything . Has had only one job that does not work a full year. Barack had to work throughout the year until he became a Senator. Seems to me McCain lacks the Experience.
Who does this guy think he is???? A Greek Temple? Are you kidding me! I'm appaled at his arogance and God like attitude! He acts like he's already the President!! Hey CNN... it's perfectly clear who you support. I think I'll start watching the other station; you know which one. I will get BOTH sides of the story.
I'm not real sure. But I don't think Ronald Reagan, had two songs made about him and his campaign. Obama, has had a least two that I know of. 1) Will I. Am , 2) the nasty one by Ludacris.
Another comment about the back drop:
It makes me think of the WHITE HOUSE, THE HOME OF THE PEOPLE!
About the back drop:
I think it is very nice and the comments the Mcain group are saying, just shows how low they will go and shows they are running out of real
issues.
The comments are so childless, and shows what the rep. party stands for.
They need to grow up. Who wants a leader like Mcain, that cries over backover drops? Give me a break.
Maybe the fact that he is the first African-American to get to this political stage should be the focus and not what the stage looks like. I would like to think that most people are not so petty, but I guess I was wrong. I think every American should be proud of this moment even if you are not voting for him.
Also in response to the question about his heritage...The great part about America today is that people of color don't have to look to the media to tell them what color they are.
I can't understand why his highness, "the blessed one" always has to mimmick John F. Kennedy. A few slips here and there are okay, but this greek temple thing, to mimmick Kennedy's speech in LA years ago, is just silly.
This is the man I'm supposed to vote into the office of President of the United States? I really want to, but he doesn't make it easy when he does things like this.
I'm sure most of his ardent supporters like this sort of thing, (Roland Martin and Donna Brazile will be teary-eyed all night) and that's probably because they don't know any better. But it's not working with the people he's supposed to be attracting...the ones he needs to win this election.
Sigh. It's meant to remind people of the Lincoln Memorial in honor of MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech (today's the 45th anniversary). It really is that simple. But by all means continue with the petty comments
Obama shows his pathetic lack of taste with his Invesco Temple. What a joke, only a sick, frustrated puppy would have such a worthless kitsch as a stage for presidential DNC nomination. Of course, he even used the same company that does stages for Britney Spears. Completely predictable.
Today I had the opportunity to view, compare and contrast the main sets for both committee conventions. The ones all of us see on TV. Pictures paint a thousand words …
These pictures finally helped me to label the differences between the democrats and republicans as they are presented to the public, as I see them and as they will influence my vote. Show and style versus simplicity and substance, respectively. It’s that simple.
The Democrats, with Barack Obama at the lead, are carrying on a political rock show - great style and show but little substance. The Republicans, with your basic John McCain, have a simple presentation with great substance. Actually, the person or group who designed the Republican set deserves an award. The traditional symbol of the American Flag moving forward in sharp motion is beautiful in its simplicity. This is the epitomy of understandment. No FLASH and no TRASH. The message follows forward!
The Republicans have found a way to capture the message of change in traditional images. Beautifully. And, essentially, their policies will do the same. My party is using every MTV and Google gimmick to attract the vote. Something new, something different, initially attractive but lacking long-term value. I am not a pay-per-click voter.
My hope is that Barack Obama will put as much energy and money into his policy statements and plans as his political style and show. Watch what your rivals are doing – you may learn something. Tone down your self interests and move back to helping the American public. And remember, elections are about education not entertainment …
What do I want to hear? How about hearing what he has accomplished while in Congress- what legislation has he brought or voted on. If He voted Yes on "' National water mellon month" ( see Glenn Becks Post)& other USELESS legislation while our country goes to Hell in a hand basket We need CHANGE all right ,we need to
get rid of every last incumbent & put people in office that will DO THE
JOB WE PAY THEM TO DO!!!!!!!!!
The only thing I see that I liked and it wasn't political was Dr King's children hopefuly they can get along, I don't understand the suing business, but I guess not even they are without family issues. I liked the Rabbi,reminded me of the fact that a Rabbi I used to know who walked the march and met Dr King and he is Rabbi King. I understand the historical significance I just wish if it was Colin Powell.
Please don't buy into the negativity regarding the columns. High Schools across the country use columns... for graduations, prom nights, senior pictures...and not just in wealthy communities They might not be as big, but it's all relative. I'm stunned the media has been run with this.
This is a very simple question. And it doesn't need a scientist to figure it out. It's about all these ads.
Instead of these guys taking pot shots at each other.
Why don't they say what they are going to do for the country?
When the Republicans (and the news pundits) talk about Obama being like a "celebrity" would someone please remind them about the real celebrity who was in the White House – Ronald Reagan? They didn't think popularity was such a bad trait back then.
Our nation is a Republic. In Greece only males could become citizens.
Nina, you should read thru the comments left before you. It is NOT a temple and is NOT a rock stage, it is an oratory theater, and if you have ever noticed most of our government buildings are modeled after roman and greek architecture. Wise up, people
Greek Temple-his arrogance knows no bounds. This is not a rock concert. We are suffering in a bad economy and all this overspending makes me sure he has no idea what this country needs.
It is not a second coming people.I WILL NOT VOTE FOR HIM–I am a registered democrat and I am disgusted by my party's choice.
Nero was fiddling while Rome was burning, sound Fimiliar!!
More mock concern from the Republicans.
Do they really care what the backdrop is? Or that it is actually pretty plain, sets a solid ambience, and won't matter when it comes to Obama standing 30 metres in front of it with some blurry off-white pillar in the background on TV.
Republicans don't care about this! It's all an act, mock outrage at the uppityness of the stage! Oh my word I couldn't be less interested.
Okay, now I'm concerned. Will we have to call him Zeus?
(Searching for that older than dirt bottle of Merlot I've been saving for a special occassion!)
We are at war, we have families facing the toughest economic times not having health insurance, losing their homes, losing jobs. We have seniors making choices between eating and their perscriptions and we have this obscene display of wasteful spending called a convention. I can't believe that this is my democratic party. I am at a loss as to this disconnect between this event and the pain so many Americans are dealing with.
Sounds like a major distraction from Obama's message and talk with America. Maybe its a link back to the first democracy in Greece but even if it is Obama should not divert attention from what he says to the stage crafting – it gives the illusion of smoke and mirrors and little substance and the GOP will eat it up.
Annie Kate
Birmingham AL
Hope that MLK III doesn't bring up the family suing each other over the MLK fund.
Score a funny point for Brian Rogers, that was LOL funny.
Toga, reminds me of "Animal House".
I could care less about the smoke and mirrors and production value, it's going to be a huge celebration for many reasons and many will be celebrating.
With such a stellar line up in store, Obama will deliver his message in a glorious and thunderous fashion. It will be epic and sweeping, it will be emotional and poignant, I can't wait to witness this historic moment and I'm confident, with tears in my eyes and a smile from ear to ear, I won't be disappointed.
I'll be watching for sure.
I think the stage is tacky, tasteless, classless, inappropiate. Who does he think he is a Greek God? It's shameful,as a Dem I'm embarrassed by it. It reminds me of when Pres Bush landed on that aircraft carrier with the Mission Accomplished banner in the background. I don't care what political party you are this and that is disgusting.We are not Romans. We are American's. Maybe something celebrating the civil rights movement and our country's democracy. Obama is asking to be mocked. He will never live this one down. If I want to see this I can either go to Ceasar's Palace or go on vacation. This is nothing to be proud of at all. It's just shocking to me who thought this was even remotely appropiate. I liked the convention hall that was great. This just sends the wrong message. You think being called a celebrity by the McCain camp is bad,I think it be Greek God or I thought Ceasar was dead. No politician is a god.Though many act like they are. This thing is not reminiscent of our values and our country.
I only have one thing to say,the only reason why McCain is ready to lead is because his brothers polcies are in places and he does not have to do anything but be a good family member, sence he voted with him 95% of the time,do we really want four more years of this!!!!
Regarding Obama there has been a fraudulent narrative about the american people not “knowing” Mr Obama – started in the primaries, adopted by McCain and perpetuated by the media.
The claim is that the American public are still not sure who he is,
or what he stands for – his values, politics, patriotism…
I find this particularly ironic b/c four years ago it was exactly his expression of all these things at this same democratic convention that captivated much of this nation and in fact propelled him to the nomination. So my question to you Jack is – who/what has changed?
As an undecided Independent and someone who believes our country needs dramatic change, I'm hopeful of finally having my questions answered: why Obama? why will he be able to accomplish change? what references can he provide that outline change? what are his accomplishments compared to his competition?
This nonsense of Obama's stage resembling that of a Greek temple has got to stop. Seriously, is that the best criticism the Republicans can come up with now? You might as well criticize him for wearing the wrong shade of blue tie. Anyone that has been to Greece or is familiar with Greco-Roman Architecture can easily identify the stage as a replicate to the classic Dionysus Stage. It is the stage of the ancient theater, where the Homer's plays were enacted, where the original comedies and tragedies took place, where the great philosophers and orators would speak. This picture should dispel any thoughts of it being a temple, temples are enclosed, this is a classic orator's theater. It is simple, classic and beautiful and as far from the stage of a Rock Star as one can get. If you are going to ask and report questions about the stage you might ask who will be sitting in the inner ring of seats surrounding the platform. Are the seats reserved for delegates? celebrities? family? press? supporters? who? Now that is the story!
Thanks for the schedule. I will be watching.
There are rumors that this will be interactive and
there will be fireworks. Will you all be carrying the
events without interruption ?