The sign squad

Signs of the times. After a roof-raising speech by Montana governor Brian Schweitzer, whose charm and effectiveness undoubtedly reenforced his reputation as a rising Democratic star, the Pepsi Center's lights dimmed for a Hillary Clinton tribute video -- an odd mix of elements that featured two clips from Saturday Night...

By Michael Roberts

August 27, 2008

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Signs of the times.

After a roof-raising speech by Montana governor Brian Schweitzer, whose charm and effectiveness undoubtedly reenforced his reputation as a rising Democratic star, the Pepsi Center's lights dimmed for a Hillary Clinton tribute video -- an odd mix of elements that featured two clips from Saturday Night Live, including one that seemed to cast Tina Fey as a real news anchor instead of someone who occasionally pretends to be one for chuckles. While the film screened, a squad of yellowish-smocked workers flooded onto the floor dispensing white placards dominated by her first name -- and once those were gone, they returned with signs on poles that read "Unity" on one side and "Hillary," "Barack" or "Michelle" on the other. That's how spontaneous demonstrations are staged in the media age. -- Michael Roberts

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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