GOP Convention Stage Contrasts Dems

With the Democratic Convention fading from memory, the Republicans will take their turn next week here in St. Paul, Minnesota. The purpose of these conventions is to highlight differences between the parties, and the extent to which Republicans are going to contrast the Democrats' message coming out of Denver is evident in the convention stage that they have set up.

The Democrats' stage in Denver's Pepsi Arena was opulent. Huge video screens curved up to the ceiling behind a podium that could be raised and lowered all the way down to the stage floor. And that was only for the first three days of the convention. Sen. Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field was set on its own, even more grandiose stage. Greek columns and a curved faux-windowed colonnade formed the backdrop for a circular stage projecting out into the center of the stadium. Democrats were roundly criticized in the press for constructing a "temple" from which Obama would address the assembled masses. The visuals coming from the convention were stunning, but they may have come at the cost of Democrats appearing elitist.

By contrast, the Republican stage is a study in minimalism. It consists of a simple podium, only four feet above the convention floor, backed by a 50 ft. by 30 ft. video board. Asked about the contrast between the Republicans' set and the Democrats', Matt Burns, Director of Communications for the 2008 Republican National Convention, said that the simple design was not a deliberate attempt to contrast the Democrats. Burns said that the stage was designed to fit the personality of the party's nominee, Sen. John McCain.

"The stage reflects the humble nature of our nominee and puts him where he is most comfortable, close to the people."

Mr. Burns said that the stage is meant to evoke Sen. McCain's town hall meetings, which he has made a hallmark of his campaign, and denied that the Democrats' convention sets had any influence on the Republican design. But viewers of both conventions will not be able to help but notice the striking differences between the two parties' designs; and that alone may help influence opinions of their respective candidates.