LITTWIN: Switch to Invesco for Obama speech boosts Denver

By Mike Littwin, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Originally published 12:05 a.m., July 8, 2008
Updated 10:05 a.m., July 8, 2008

Photo by Barry Gutierrez

Robert Gage walks his children Emma and Jack on Monday past Invesco Field at Mile High, where Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is expected to make his acceptance speech Aug. 28.

Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky

Invesco Field at Mile High could cost $150,000 to rent for an evening, according to an official with the stadium district.

Photo by Barry Gutierrez

Invesco Field at Mile High, where presidential candidate Barack Obama said he will make his acceptance speech.

If you believe, as my father used to tell me, that it's better to be lucky than good, then you've got to be thrilled to live in our little town today.

You can thank Barack Obama, who stepped all over John McCain's visit by announcing what everyone already knew - that he'd be making his acceptance speech before more than 76,000 supporters at Invesco Field.

The only people more excited by the news than the Obama folks are any number of TV executives - this should be the best reality TV show to ever come from a political convention that didn't also feature a police riot - and, of course, John Hickenlooper.

You can argue about how well (or, conversely, not so well) preparations are going for the Democratic convention. You can set your own odds for the chance of anything up to and including a fiasco resulting for the hosting town.

But here's something I think we can all agree on: The one thing everyone will remember from this convention is the historic speech made under Colorado skies.

This is clearly a break for the home team. Suddenly, amid all the headlines about delays and shortfalls and squabbling between the Obama team and the DNCC team, a new best-case scenario emerges from absolutely nowhere.

In fact, the move to Invesco - where they haven't seen a winner in a while - is so stunningly obvious that I'm shocked anyone actually thought of it.

Forget about the extra cost of moving from the Pepsi Center for the finale. What's $3 million in this campaign? If Obama was worried about raising money, he wouldn't have abandoned every principle he ever had to opt out of public financing.

Besides, this is a guaranteed money- maker. Ask any fundraiser if he'd like to sell tickets for this speech. Ask anyone who's ever sold a ticket on Craigslist.

The only way anyone could mess this up is, as one friend advised me, if they handed over ticket distribution to your Colorado Rockies.

And here's what Denver stands to get for the investment:

The chance that no one will remember the many fundraising delays. Or whether the traffic moved. Or whether protesters - however many actually show up - were sufficiently tidy. Or whether the fence between protesters and delegates was undemocratically ugly. Or even whether the catered food was actually ordered to come in your five basic color groups.

Unless something goes very, very wrong, this convention will be about one speech made in one stadium, and with millions of TVs across America in full DVR mode.

The convention already had plenty of history going for it. We've known for months that the first woman or first African-American presidential candidate would be nominated there. Now - and I'm still waiting to hear from the Elias Sports Bureau - it could also have the largest crowd in convention history. Seventy-six thousand? I wonder if Obama can get Springsteen for an opening act.

You can be sure Obama will make a great speech, because that's what he does. And you can be sure he will invoke memories of John Kennedy at the L.A. Coliseum and Martin Luther King Jr. at the Washington Mall, because that's also what he does.

The speech comes on the 45th anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream" speech. In a perfect Obama world, this speech will get a name, too.

The Republicans are calling the move to Invesco stagecraft and not statecraft. They're right, of course, because that's why they have conventions these days. You don't think anyone cares about the platform, do you?

And here's your symbolism: Obama standing before tens of thousands of people, and not just party insiders, joined under a Rocky Mountain sky where possibilities seem as endless and luminous as the many Broncos' skyboxes shining from above.

The Republicans won't try the same trick in St. Paul because they don't even want to think about McCain, who doesn't do well anywhere near a Teleprompter, trying to rock a stadium crowd. An arena crowd is challenge enough. Besides, there's the danger of empty seats.

And somehow I just can't picture McCain in front of a stadium crowd bellowing: Hello, Minnesota!!

On the other hand, I would pay hard cash to see the Republicans holding a convention at a place called the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

Obama loves a crowd, and, as we know, he can fill a house, even without Oprah. He had 75,000 in Portland a few months ago. And that was standing room only.

His stirring speech at the 2004 convention is, of course, what made all this possible. Now, John Kerry is somewhere wind-surfing, and Obama is busily practicing his moves going to his right. (At this point, it's not a drift to the right, it's a pre-cramp Tyson Gay sprint.)

And, meanwhile, Obama is already doing fundraising tie-ins with the Invesco venue change. Within minutes of the announcement, the campaign had a letter out to supporters offering, for a $5 contribution, a chance to win one of 10 trips to Denver to see the speech, go backstage, meet the roadies and, for all I know, lead the crowd in a round of Rock And Roll All Nite.

Maybe there will be logistical problems. But what's that when compared with the chance to end the night not with balloons, but with fireworks?

Or, even better, the crowd could rush the field and tear down the goalposts. With Jason Elam gone, the Broncos probably won't need them.

• July 8, 2008

  8:12 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Jim writes:

  Mile High can accommodate Obama's ego. We'll see about 76,000 believers and good weather. Maybe it will be the second coming. I will be camped out in the Chicago Wilderness Basin w/o benefit of Blackberry. OHM, OHM, OHM.

• July 8, 2008

  8:43 a.m.

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  T1anda writes:

  Will everyone who attends this blowhard event be required to sing the "Black National Anthem"???

• July 8, 2008

  8:47 a.m.

  ham writes:

  (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

• July 8, 2008

  9:01 a.m.

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  kc02 writes:

  Littwin hasn't been this excited since Michael Moore won his Oscar. Maybe Mike Littwin can do a entire column that is just a picture of Barack Obama's magnificent head, ala Rolling Stone.

• July 8, 2008

  9:51 a.m.

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  GladysKravitz writes:

  What's all this hubbub by the Republicans over moving the speech to, dare I say, Mile High Stadium (INVESCO - feh!). So the Dems want to reach out to more people. Let them. Isn't it within a candidates’ interest to reach out to as many people as possible. I thought the GOP prides itself on having the so-called "BIG TENT" for everyone.

  If they want to do the same, they can move their final night to the Hubert Horatio Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis. Now wouldn’t that be something, the Republican nominee making his acceptance speech in the venue named for one of the Democratic party's stalwart leaders. What a country!

• July 8, 2008

  9:58 a.m.

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  titancain writes:

  The above comments are why so few identify with the hatred party. Aren't the R's membership in steep decline? You deserve everything you get.

• July 8, 2008

  11:09 a.m.

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  jason45 writes:

  Littwin is Obama's boy.... both are losers.......

• July 8, 2008

  11:39 a.m.

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  LoneTreeLady75 writes:

  Its always something. If he moved it to the Denver Coliseum (is that even still open??) or somewhere smaller, they would complain about him not wanting to connect with the people.

• July 8, 2008

  11:48 a.m.

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  samsmargolis writes:

  It's all about the theatre to distract from the substance in Obama's campaign. No surprise who's falling into the dreamscape (Littwin), here. At some point, Littwin, do you ever step back and evaluate (critically) what is happening right in front of you? Obama says he's not going to run a "negative" campaign, but the theatre and timing of announcements is always geared around trying to remove the conversation from McCain. If Obama's crowd is so confident in their message as they allude to be, why the need to remove McCain's message from public view with the timing of an announcement such as this? Sad to see the RMN can't even pull itself to the middle for equality of reporting. Poor commentary on the status of media morals and values today.

• July 8, 2008

  12:17 p.m.

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  T1anda writes:

  Well, Samsmargolis the media made sure Obama got the nomination!! Obama is not the peoples choice he is the media's choice for president. Obama supporters are starry-eyed media fed robots!!

• July 8, 2008

  12:22 p.m.

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  HSTOWEL writes:

  Littwin you aren't a journalist or a columnist, you are a cheerleader! I don't usually bother even reading what you have to say but your idiotic headline just caught my eye this time. I won't make that mistake again.

• July 8, 2008

  12:23 p.m.

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  LesterGovernment writes:

  His headline should have read "Denver will Bask in the Messiah's Glow". Oh brother!

• July 8, 2008

  1:14 p.m.

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  MFFred writes:

  Political theater. If you loose your bias and emotion, Obama and his speech writers deliver hopeful messages, as did the Kennedy(s) in the '60's and MLK. The media, dispite positive strides in economic strength, has painted doom and gloom, and Obama talks about the "audacity of hope". His message in front of 80,000+ people will be incredibly moving, and it could get him elected as president. Then what will a good person with minimal experience do as chief executive--hopefully retain the best (who know better than to run for office) to run the country. Who will those people be? It would be good to know before November. Same for McCain!?

• July 8, 2008

  1:32 p.m.

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  RIverGirl writes:

  Denver residents should be glad about the move to Invesco. Mike's right about this speech putting Denver on the map. Just having the delegates and press in attendance at the DNC leaves out those who want a chance to witness history in the making. This allows tens of thousands to be actual participants, not just television viewers. John McCane is an honorable patriot, but just can not connect to the people enough to carry off a great presidency. He has changed his positions so many times, on so many issues, it's almost amusing to hear him accuse Sen. Obama of exactly the same thing; but he is never able to substantiate it. Yes, Obama did change his mind about campaign funding, but it would have been foolish not to; but his stands on the main issues remain steady. However, voters need to realize that in a general election, some tactics will morph into a version of the original intent of any candidate, due to changes in the economy and the war. We can only encourage those who believe everything they hear on Fox News, to go to one of the fact checking sites online and verify those accusations. Faux Fox is terribly careless in their rants about the independents and democrats; all under the guise of "fair & balanced" - What a hoot!

• July 8, 2008

  2:43 p.m.

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  samsmargolis writes:

  Thank God this will put Denver on the map. I get so frustrated trying to use "yahoo maps" to get directions in Denver and not being able to because the Obama campaign hasn't hit town yet. Will the mapping thing happen the next day? I can just hear the infommercials at 3a that night: Ever wondered where Denver was in the world? Find out right away and be the first on your block to be geographically situated. Call now - mappers are standing by. But wait, there's more! The first fifty callers will get a carbon footprint analysis for free! Find out how your family is destroying the planet just like the Invesco rally - only it's free! Ask the operator for the "Guilty Existence Package" with your order today!

• July 8, 2008

  8:56 p.m.

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  whatsupjay writes:

  $3 million to move the acceptance speech to Invesco field? It pains me to think they are spending that much money for the sake of Obama's ego. Just imagine what better use that money could be put to, for example buying meals for the homeless, or health care for the elderly, the poor, and uninsured. Perhaps that money could instead go to fund college scholarships for disadvantaged or minority students, who can't afford the rising costs of higher education. I'm sure Pat Bowlen and the Broncos will gain some of that $3 million, but aren't they already wealthy enough? With assistance programs like Meals on Wheels suffering due to the rising cost of fuel, I know charitable causes like that could sure use a helping hand, and that $3 million could go a long way in providing much-needed support for programs that assist society's neediest and most vulnerable members. Shame on you, Dems!

• July 8, 2008

  9:58 p.m.

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  hjayty writes:

  I just hope one of those nasty Denver thunderstorms rolls through right in the middle of this charade.

• July 9, 2008

  6:28 a.m.

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  Don_Lopez writes:

  There are some Democrats who believe Senator Obama may have abandoned some of his core principles in attempting to attract independent voters.

  That’s funny because I thought a politician had only one core principle: getting elected.

  But as evidence of Senator Obama’s drift (some say sprint) to the right these critics point to the reversal of his campaign stance on FISA, NAFTA and gun control. Senator Obama has even hinted (are you listening Mr. Littwin?) that he may alter his out-within-sixteen-months promise on Iraq.

  True to form, Mr. Littwin has not commented on these accusations preferring silence to substance. Or maybe he realizes that by supporting a candidate committed to change he has little to complain about.

• July 9, 2008

  10:07 a.m.

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  rjnova writes:

  Oh brother Littwin, the stops are all out now for your man Obama. QUOTE--“You can be sure Obama will make a great speech, because that's what he does.” Yes but that is all he does. Otherwise the guy is an empty suit and still the most unqualified candidate ever to run for President. Besides if Hillary’s name goes up for nomination there has been enough gaffs of late the Dems might come to their senses and realize he is not electable.

  The fact remains, Obama is a career politician from one of the most liberal Democrat, machine party cities in the nation. Why do you think he sat in Wright's church for twenty years? He either believes that crap (look up some info on Black Liberation Theology-it incorporates communist doctrine and racist ideas into Christianity) or he was doing it to get close to political powers in that far left district.

  This guy has absolutely no qualifications to run the nation's economy, foreign policy, criminal justice, and certainly not the military. My God the man lacks the qualifications to lead a Boy Scout Troop let alone be Commander In Chief of the finest most technologically advanced army in the world.

  There are faults with Bush and some with McCain but Obama is a disaster waiting on deck. I suspect he would be far worse than Jimmy Carter ever was. Obama may have a golden mouth but before November most will see that the emperor has no clothes and the Blue Dog Dems and Hillraisers are not voting for the jerk.

• July 9, 2008

  10:32 a.m.

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  Boulder_Badger writes:

  Great news! Let's make Obama feel right at home by wearing Turbans and Dishadashas to the Invesco Field nomination.

• July 9, 2008

  10:36 a.m.

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  cpd writes:

  You are right about one thing Littwin. It will be good speech saying both nothing and everything everyone wants to hear. Tickets: free; colorful food: $10/pop; Dem supporters next to protestors and OB in Invesco and rain in the forecast: priceless.

• July 9, 2008

  11:09 a.m.

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  anarchist writes:

  titancain writes:

  "The above comments are why so few identify with the hatred party. Aren't the R's membership in steep decline?", from Frowards post @ front yard in need of repair @ 9:16 am, "I am going to the bathroom to push out another republican." Don't you just love when one liberal proves another wrong?

• July 9, 2008

  11:28 a.m.

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  anarchist writes:

  T1anda, "the media made sure Obama got the nomination!!", I have been accused of not giving democrats proper credit so here goes. Don't forget the efforts of Dean/Pelosi/Reid to rig the vote ( Michigan, where obama wasn't even on the ballot, and Florida), and don't let any muslims sit behind him at the obama fest.

• July 9, 2008

  10:47 p.m.

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  BJG writes:

  Mikey:
  Time to get over your love affair. Obama is proving to be another John Kerry, flip flopping all over the place. Maybe you can tag along when he goes over to Iraq to find an excuse to stay a few more years. The guys a liar, just like the liar we now have in the White House. What a mistake the Dems have made....yet again. They just seem to kick themselves in the posterier every single time they have a small chance to win the presidency. When will they ever learn? Clinton was their only chance and they blew it with idiots like you spouting the Obama hoodoo. Next time, pick the most competent, not the male.

• July 10, 2008

  10:56 a.m.

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  malis writes:

  ...and just think, 25 years from now most of those posting here will be among the four million people claiming to have been at Mile High Field that historic night!

• July 10, 2008

  11:44 p.m.

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  BJG writes:

  malis:
  You won't find me there or even saying I was in Denver on the night of the Obamaramathon. So far he still has not said anything of significance. You better tell your man to start spewing some facts about his plans to improve life in the US. I know things are tough and we are in this together....blah, blah, blah. This is another election where two loser, yet again, got the nomination and were stuck for 4 more years of listening to speeches about how we have to work together to improve our lot in life. So far all words and no substance. Oh, and the guy keeps calling me for $$ for his campaign. Maybe, you can send him a few bucks, he seems to be broke already. Lord helps us!!!

• July 11, 2008

  7:45 a.m.

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  BonBon writes:

  I've read some over the top cheerleading pieces from the media before, but Littwin is nearly orgasmic in this one. I'm sure Littwin will be front and center at Invesco to hear the "messiah" and will "ooh" and "aah" like a little girl watching a boy band concert. I'm sure he'll conveniently forget that he's watching a slick politician who has now sprinted to the center in order to try and get elected and who is now trying to distance himself from the liberals who got him nominated and the liberals in the press, like Littwin, who he has snookered. Slick Willy has nothing on Obama.

• July 11, 2008

  5:42 p.m.

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  KarlCheney writes:

  Who would want to be President?
  I find it interesting because Obama is popular his followers are sheep and robots. You can tell the Rush listeners because every time Rush refers to Obama he calls him the Lord or the Messiah. He may not have much experience but neither did Bush, and Bush has been a complete and total failure just as he was with any of the businesses he drove into the ground. I can't imagine why anyone would want the job. Even if Jesus himself ran he would be too liberal and they would call him the messiah in the negative fashion they are so good at. He may be a great President he may not be but nobody could be worse than George (biggest deficit than all other Presidents combined) Bush..