Stage Managing the McCain Set For Tonight's Speech

I criticized the Obama camp for not only changing sets, but for completely changing venues for Sen. Obama's nomination acceptance speech last week. It was a bad move on his part.

I think changing the GOP staging for McCain's speech is likewise a bad move. It undercuts some of the arguments made about Obama's stage design, even though McCain's looking to make it a more informal setting.

I think it could have been done by simply removing the podium and allowing McCain to roam the stage freely. With the videoscreens behind him, they could adjust the background to look like whatever they wanted.

Parts of the platform at the Xcel Energy Center were removed by construction workers on Thursday to bring delegates closer to where McCain will give his acceptance speech, giving the stage a T-shape. Organizers said the change reflected the town hall-type forums in which McCain has campaigned.

"The extended podium will serve as a fitting complement to John McCain's preference for direct interaction with his fellow citizens," said Maria Cino, a convention official.

Meanwhile, party leaders added two speakers to the night's lineup. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will speak prior to Cindy McCain. Both are close to McCain. Ridge was considered a finalist for the No. 2 spot before McCain picked the Alaska governor. And Graham has appeared frequently with McCain on the campaign trail.

Delegates will also vote Thursday night to make the convention's nomination of Palin official. And McCain himself will close out the activities with his prime-time acceptance speech.

UPDATE:
Hot Air has video of the changes underway. It appears that this was in the works for a while. Still, I don't think it was a good idea.