Dueling Stages - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com
Dems on the left. Repubs on the right. While I think the DNC’s stage looks overly showy by the contrast, the simplicity of the RNC’s stage reminds me a lot of the Norsefire stage in V for Vendetta, the prominence of red and the centrality of the flag not unlike what you’d see in North Korea.
It’s interesting. Which would you take?
Dems hands down. I agree that the celebrity-style display may hurt Obama in allowing McCain to grab a few more stills for his Windows Movie Maker smear campaigns, but 1)Obama’s supporters like the idea that they are endorsing someone who has celebrity status and one that everyone likes. They enjoy the though that their candidate can “change the world” so catering to these die-hard supporters is a smart move for Barack. And 2) the Democrats have a modern, stylish feel, which hopefully will carry over into the speakers and message and will just be more enjoyable to watch, as it is certainly more enjoyable to look at in a photo.
It’s not that McCain’s stage is ugly, it’s just that it looks so dated. Adding a flap to the Patton-esque American flag does not make it look “hip” or “cool,” but again, you have to think about who these conventions are for. Their not designed to reel in new votes, rather to reward and bolster the faithful who have been there from day one. I’m not suggesting that McCain has an older or more straight laced fan base, but I think all the swirling lights and colors of Obama’s show may confuse them. At least they won’t be broadcast online.
Keep in mind Obama is giving his speech at a stadium and not the convention center stage shown above.
I hate to say it, but the RNC wins this hands down.
