McCain's Lime Green Background Returns

One of the more memorable moments of the general election was when, after Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination, John McCain gave a competing speech against a lime green backdrop. That set looked like some something like pea green and was an exclamation point to one of the Senator's worst (and most ridiculed) speeches on the campaign trail.

Well, during his acceptance speech during tonight's convention, it's back. McCain is pictured once again speaking in front of a large lime-green backdrop. I'm told that the bigger image is supposed to be grass (I'm watching from the convention itself, and they place the press practically behind the stage). But the effect for viewers not in Minneapolis is the same.

From June:

UPDATE: It was, I've been told a picture of a lawn in front of a random house. The screen changed about ten minutes in to a sky-blue backdrop which may not be all that more effective.

LATE UPDATE: Reader LA identifies the mystery property.

"It's not a house.... it's a Middle School in North Hollywood, California. A little irony... it's Walter Reed Middle School. My son goes there.... in a decidedly Democratic neighborhood, I might add. McCain's campaign used the very same photo that appears on one of the school's websites... http://walterreed.tech.googlepages.com/home (The "Tech Academy" is one portion of Walter Reed. The photo is of the entire school.) I'm friends with the person in charge of that website... I've sent an email to ask if he knows who owns the photo.

MORNING UPDATE: The RNC team may have meant to put Walter Reed Army Medical Center behind the candidate, and accidentally used Walter Reed Middle School instead.

Comments

[PoliSci2008]

Not only did the puke green returned, but McCain's boring speech returned. The only time he can sound presidential is when the questions and answers are given to him in advance, like Saddleback interview.

From this point on, all candidates will need to come across as qualified for the undecided, but I know for sure that McCain's VP pick WILL NOT get those 18 Million Clinton voters.

[Ecka]

Oh, it gets even better. That school was also used as the backdrop for Matt Santos speech announcing his candidacy on The West Wing (Santos was modeled on Obama).

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/mccains_speech_backdrop_was_us.php

[hopeless277]

I just can't wait until the Repubs confuse Iran with Ikea and bomb Sweden.

[spsmith58]

Speaking of backgrounds, it is interesting that no actual PEOPLE are portrayed on the RNC screen, only inanimate objects. To use people, the republicans must either use Blacks and other minorities - not their preference - or display only (White) republicans. They clearly love the SYMBOLS of America, but not actual Americans; at least not those who look like them.

[leftoflennon]

I was laughing so hard : the lime green jello monster is BACK!!

They shoulda let it stay!

[MaryQue]

The staging was awful. I broke up laughing last night when I saw yet another "green screen" moment, and, yes, I'm sure Colbert's fans are already hard at work -- well, actually they don't even have to work that hard this time, since they don't even have white lettering to remove from the background.

Priceless about it being the wrong Walter Reed. I wonder if it went through the same approval process as Sarah Palin did.

And I dunno -- was it just me, or did the stage jutting into the audience look like a giant upraised middle finger? What was the theme of the evening again?

[Hufferton]

Reminds me of a kiddy song my sis and I used to sing (And the Green Grass Grows All Around):

There was a liar, a bandy rooster Napoleonic war-mongering liar,
And the green grass grows all around, all around and the green grass grows all around,
And then this liar, etc.

[ccmd]

Watch: Community Organizers
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Community_Organizers_2

[PAposter]

Thanks ccmd, that is awesome, I'm sending it to the Obama campaign. I think everyone should, this needs to be an ad.

[nowRnever]

I agree... loved that ccmd!

[turkeyfish]

Walter Reed? No doubt a junior staff flunky couldn't tell the difference. It is only the latest indication that the little "thinking" that is going on inside the McCane campaign that is being done is so focused on spin that there is really no place for substance and competence. Its a fitting tribute for a campaign promising another 4 years of the McSame OLD.

[bison1]

I’m still on the flag pins. Palin and her husband were wearing Alaska Flag pins rather than American Flag pins. Does this mean that Alaska is first rather than America?

[japobere]

Three words: Alaskan Independence Party

[sleek]

one word: un-American

[athenasword]

Ok, who is on the hook for the lousy backdrops and staging? Wow. Seeing the green again just shocked me... I thought they learned their lesson. Lime green jello with a splash of whipped cream (although the cool whip had a fake tan this time around). The enormity of the backdrop made everyone look like they were 1/2 inch tall. The flashing, changing backdrop was a huge distraction. The re-built stage looked like a fashion runway (maybe that was Cindy's idea?).

And, what was with the "hug"? Cindy took Johnny Bus.h by the shoulders, cringed and wouldn't let her body get within 13 inches of his. The body language was hysterical. What a loving family!

[janeslife]

TPM explains where the green came from: The lawn of Walter Reed Middle School. Which was supposed to be Walter Reed Army Hospital. Way to go, guys!

[athenasword]

Classic! This is why they will lose. Sloppy, no attention to details, illiteracy.

[izzat7]

And THAT is how they would run the country IF McCain/Palin win.

[Dots]

Karma.
Would that the screen were all green, with no talking head in front of it.
Could anyone be more boring...i­t's torture.
But then he believes in torture.

McSame / Appaling '08

[gingerspice108]

Are they freakin crazy? It made his yellow teeth stand out

[stevorama]

I couldn't believe they used the green background AGAIN! Makes him look like a big pink $cr0tum.