Obamarama

If you've been reading the blog, you may have noticed that there is plenty of Barack Obama gear being sold around the streets of Denver during this week's Democratic National Convention. The Democratic Party has a fixation on John F. Kennedy, and the Republicans are obsessed with Ronald Reagan, but I have never seen such unadulterated worship of an American political candidate.

It's more about Obama than supporting the Democratic Party or a platform, and his visage is ubiquitous. This is just a sampling of the stuff available (click for larger view). As you listen, think of the 1988 Living Colour song "Cult of Personality."












All photos by Jim Myers/The Colorado Catholic Herald

Initial observations from the DNCC

The Democratic National Convention does not really begin until Monday, but I’m in Denver covering the preamble to the quadrennial event. The first ever interfaith gathering for the DNC was held today at the Colorado Convention Center as a kickoff event. Some observations:

-- Avoid Denver at all costs this week. If you work in Denver, take the week off or work from home. It’s an absolute madhouse from a traffic and parking perspective.

-- At the interfaith gathering today, three activists from Operation Rescue interrupted the proceedings before they began with some thoughts on abortion: “Obama is a baby killer!” “Abortion is murder!” and the like. They were escorted out of the building with little incident, but I already notice a distinct uncomfortable tinge regarding the abortion issue.

-- Besides that, it’s pretty calm, though there is a definite buzz in the air. People are hawking Barack Obama gear on every street corner – from buttons to T-shirts to posters. You almost get the feeling that people are anticipating a rock concert more than a major political event. Of course, it could be argued that Obama is more celebrity than political figure.

Some photo observations (click for larger view):


There is a significant police presence in Denver

A young communist/anarchist/Insane Clown Posse fan takes a break from fomenting revolution

Merchandising Obama:

The official DNC 08 store is at the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver
Whatever state you're from, chances are there's an Obama pin for you
A volunteer sells a T-shirt to a convention attendee

All photos by Jim Myers/The Colorado Catholic Herald