The Toga Party

DENVER--The Democratic convention has already moved to Invesco Field, but that hasn't stopped the GOP from making mischief back at the Pepsi Center. On my walk from the parking structure to the NEWSWEEK workspace this afternoon, I stumbled across a posse of young men and women wearing togas, waving "The One" placards and chanting, in the adoring drone of brainwashed Branch Davidians, "Change! Hope! O-BAM-A!" One sign read "The Temple of O." I figured they were referring to the neoclassical stage where Obama is planning to accept the Democratic nomination tonight.

"Look to the clouds!" shouted one worshiper.

"Is he descending yet?" asked another.

"He must descend so we can change," the first one intoned. Then they began singing "O-bam-a" to the tune of Handel's "Messiah."

When they stopped, I approached and asked if they were representing anyone in particular. "Obama," said a tall goateed gentlemen. "Obama," repeated a shorter, clean-shaven woman. "He is 'The One.'" "What about that McCain sticker on your toga?" I asked, pointing at the McCain sticker on another man's toga." "I'm not worthy, so I'm supporting McCain," he explained. I didn't bother to mention the RNC credentials--complete with the party's "A Mile High, One Inch Deep" slogan--dangling from everyone's belt loops.

As I walked away, a woman who'd traveled from Montana to see Obama's acceptance speech sidled up beside me. "What did you think of those Obama fans?" I asked. "Stupid," she said. "All the negative people are voting for McCain." Then she joined the throngs for the long walk to Invesco.