Obama's speech moved to Bank of America stadium to help with fundraising from wealthy donors?

[Cali_Democrat]

Venue for Obama's convention speech draws criticism
By NBC's Michael Isikoff

<...>

Convention officials vigorously defended the decision today, saying the use of the open-air 74,000 seat stadium would help excite supporters and enable far more people to see the speech, "That allows for greater participation by Americans from all walks of life," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

<...>

But party officials privately confirmed that the move can help with fundraising despite what one called "an obvious optics" problem. And the use of a stadium -- whose naming rights belong to a bank that has been engulfed in controversies over foreclosures, bank fees and bailouts -- was denounced by some watchdog groups.

<...>

...the choice will enable the Charlotte Host Committee -- which is charged with raising the $36 million needed to pay for the convention -- to offer access to the stadium's plush skyboxes as part of a package deal of perks it has put together to entice wealthy donors and fundraisers.

Suzi Emmerling, a spokeswoman for the host committee, confirmed a Bloomberg report that those deals -- presented to Washington lobbyists last month -- include an escalating menu of packages starting with the $1 million "presidential" level. Those who buy in will receive a "premier uptown hotel room," a "platinum events package and "concierge services." Another $500,000 "Gold Rush" level includes hotel room, credentials and a "premiere events package."

Read more: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/17/10177062-venue-for-obamas-convention-speech-draws-criticism

Follow the money.

[MadHound]

1. Not surprising, a member of the 1% catering to the wants of the 1% n/t

[Swamp Lover]

5. As long as he hates the poor as much as I do.

I live near Charlotte. I'll go to see the speech if they let me wear my Klan robes!!!!

(See. You're not the only one who can be ridiculous!!!!)

[msongs]

2. B of A must be ecstatic over the free advertising. bet they think it's an endorsement as well nt

[T S Justly]

3. Looks like it's going to be a grand old party for the rich as they celebrate the success ...

Of their very own President. And, in a big Nuremberg rally kind of way.

[cherokeeprogressive]

4. A $1 million "presidential level" donation? A $500,000 "Gold Rush" level donation?

And to think DUers will defend this while just the other day expressing outrage over some gold flakes sprinkled over a cookie.

Makes me want to cry...

[uppityperson]

6. If more of us "regular" people get in, of course they'll get more money from us.

I don't like that stadiums are named after groups like BOA but they often are. If the campaign can raise more money, good for them.

[11 Bravo]

7. Nah, he just thought it would provide a better backdrop for a live shot of him sodomozing orphans.

[ProSense]

8. Ah

Democratic officials have emphasized for months that this year's convention won’t accept money from lobbyists and corporations. "This year, we are setting a new standard for how conventions are funded. No longer will it be sponsored with money from corporations, special interests, lobbyists and political action committees," the host committee states on its website.

But those seemingly strict rules appear to have some loopholes. While the convention committee itself won't accept cash donations from corporations, it is taking "in kind" contributions from corporations, such as food, beverages, and equipment -- costs that can often add up into the millions.

...sounds like the media trying to fan outrage.

I'm sure wherever this is held, the next venue will be a target for outrage.

[Occulus]

17. Sounds more like out and out lying to me

"No longer will it be sponsored with money from corporations,"

and

"it is taking "in kind" contributions from corporations,"

[ProSense]

22. Still

"Sounds more like out and out lying to me"

...sounds like media spin, and it's expected. Throughout the entire 2008 campaign, Obama's rejection of lobbyist and PAC donations were constantly called into question. No reason to expect anything different this time.

[emulatorloo]

9. That's the name of the stadium there.

Like the staples center.

PR people should have stopped this

[hughee99]

10. I wonder if they'll buy the naming rights for the election itself

"This election was brought to you by Bank of America"

[treestar]

11. So if the same placed happened to have a different name

It would be just fine?

This is dumb. A lot of stadiums are named like this now.

[Lionessa]

14. Do you not realize why they are named "like this now."?

[joshcryer]

18. Mile High had box seats, why wasn't this brought up then?

This may be true and it may have been true at Mile High, but this is just outrage for outrage sake more than anything. The decision to chose a high capacity stadium was primarily to allow anyone who wanted to come, to come. What would be more interesting is if he was incapable of filling it. Which is unlikely, but then people could make a claim that he doesn't have support.

[treestar]

37. Yep. I remember there was some complaint it was arrogant to have it at a stadium then

But the name was OK, at least.

[Occulus]

19. It goes RIGHT over their heads sometimes, doesn't it?

[Lionessa]

21. Amen to that.

[joshcryer]

26. So, if, and it's a big if, they rename the stadium for the few days it's being used.

That'd make it all go away? He'd still be doing the high tier fund raising, which he likely did at Invesco.

[treestar]

38. Well I guess you are just so much smarter than I am

If I want to go to the ball game around here, I have to go to "Citizen's Bank Park." That's what they called it. Should we boycott the team? Sometimes you just have to live your life. I liked, "Veteran's Stadium" a lot better, but they blew that up.

[Occulus]

44. If Citizen's Bank had actually "mistakenly" stolen an entire house in your community,

and been the prime mover of dozens- even hundreds- of foreclosures apart from Grand Theft House (which is exactly what BoA has done, to people who have never done business with them)- would you still go to those games? If a local politician chose to speak there, given your local bank operated the way BoA has, rather than at a venue owned by the public- a park, a school, a community auditorium- when they had the choice, would you still vote for them?

Yes, this question directly addresses your own personal morality and sense of ethics. Just to be clear.

[treestar]

45. At some point, we just have to live our lives

If one's ethics stretched that far, one would be paralyzed. I couldn't even go out - I end up patronizing the oil companies and all the evils they do every time I fill up my gas tank. I have checking accounts at banks that have undoubtedly foreclosed on somebody. I must be unethical.

[treestar]

36. Not particularly, but what is to be done about it?

We can still use them, can't we?

[joshcryer]

20. Obviously. "Invesco Field" didn't produce outrage in 2008.

[Lionessa]

23. If I knew how completely he got bought during 2008-09, yeah

I would've been outraged. Back then I actually opened myself to believing Candidate Obama. But it is clear now that by not being outraged then, the door was left wide open for what we are still facing now with Obama's bought and paid for, and about to be recurring, center right administration.

[joshcryer]

25. He never campaigned as a populist.

He's the most consistent President I've ever seen. Center-center-right on economics and foreign policy, center-center-left on some social issues (not all).

Glad the rose colored glasses are off.

[Lionessa]

27. You remembrance doesn't line up with the facts. Sorry. I've watched too many

comparative videos of what he said then vs what he actually did to be bullshit by you.

But feel free to keep your head firmly in the sand, k?

[joshcryer]

28. Erm, I remember the primaries.

You're new here, so I don't blame you for thinking my head is "firmly in the sand". I remember distinctly making it clear to other DUers he was no different from Hillary. Google my name and the primaries (mandates, foreign policy, iraq war, obama, hillary), my record stands for itself.

Go read his nomination speech, targeted killing, deficit cuts, tax cuts, hard on terrorism, it's all in there. He's done everything he'd said he do. Words mean things, the popular rhetoric was just that, rhetoric. Veiled in his campaign language was no real hard left progressivism, it was very moderate policy positions.

[Lionessa]

29. Well, seems Obama spoke a lot more than just then, but sure grab one speech and pretend that's all

that matters.

[joshcryer]

30. Most of his speeches were rhetoric, you have to go to his big ones to get policy.

Policy is where a candidates positions are expressed. And debates. Just look at the hilarious thread where Romney chastised Obama's hawkish position on the Taliban. Anyone who actually followed Obama's campaign, and I mean, followed policy positions, followed proposals, would've seen he wasn't a populist.

[Lionessa]

39. Thank you, you just made my point. Most of what he says is rhetoric and not to be

believed.

Had I known this, yes I would've been concerned about Invesco field.

[Whisp]

12. no, the Hooters was booked

[babylonsister]

13. Maybe the thought is a bigger venue would

hold more voters. Seems like a no-brainer to me, regardless of how anyone spins it.

[joshcryer]

16. It's Mile High redux, Obama wants to give back, again, to his supporters.

It could've been a low key convention, where only convention goers were allowed access, but this stadium should be large enough to allow delegates (in seats closer to the podium) and voters to sit, just like Mile High.

I was there in 2008, it was pretty amazing, they gave out free tickets to anyone who wanted to go (after all the delegates were given tickets of course, but they had the special seats).

[99Forever]

15. Just how far out of touch some people are...

... is almost stunning.

[Lionessa]

24. Seems most leaders in most countries are totally out of touch these days.

Austerity for most everywhere, gifts and bonuses for the corrupt 1-10% everywhere.

[fascisthunter]

31. Hahahaha.... the New Norm. If you do it Enough, People WIll get Used to the Concept

right DC? Out of touch and downright cynical to boot.

[WillyT]

32. fuck...

& Rec !!!

[aaaaaa5a]

33. I hate outdoor venues. I keep thinking... "what if it rains?"

[gyroscope]

34. Rolling out the red carpet for the 1%

how entirely appropriate for the 1% administration, considering half or more of it is composed of banking executives and lobbyists. Obama's message is loud and clear. the Wall Street crooks are to be welcomed with open arms.



Wall Street has their man and his name is Barack Obama.
-M. Moore

[Joe Shlabotnik]

35. Given the tone of what real everyday people are talking about,

this is a bad, bad, PR move. It only re-enforces the very real observation of Obama's pro wall street fund raising, advisors, cabinet and lack of prosecutions. This is his game to loose, if his ego, the DLC, and the sports team win-at-all costs-mentality get in the way. For Christ sake, beating Romney should be so natural.... why.... just why do this shit.....?

[treestar]

40. Everyday people go to these stadiums though

For sporting events.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

41. ya...for sporting events. But WTF our future is not a game!

Stop playing this game. Stop perpetuating the myth that 'this is the way it is and will never change', I know many see it as good vs evil (right vs. left etc) presidential football game .... but its not!

C'mon Obama, and team..... if you really represent the average Joe, then go out on a limb and campaign with the Guts that JFK, RFK (tragically) did..... go take a ride through Watts or China town. Campaigning used to be about reaching people and spreading messages with personal good vibes. Now it's a spectacle worthy of a Roman emperor. We all know what followed to Rome. Don't let your, or our, or 'Presidential' or 'imperial' or 'morally superior' exceptionalism by default' set the tone. Sick, sick sick. Obama has had legion stalwart followers, it now time to offer himself up to the people who brought him there, and prove he is not subject to those who paid him to be silent.

[Carolina Lady]

42. Oh Well,

I live in Charlotte and volunteer for the campaign, so I'm glad that it was moved to Panther Stadium. I guess it would have been better in the smaller Time Warner Arena, AKA the Cable box, then only half of the people that can fit into Panther Stadium could attend.

[tammywammy]

43. Obviously he should move it to Cowboy's Stadium

Since Jerry hasn't sold the naming rights to it (yet).