The stage is set in Fayetteville

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:19:10 -0400

FAYETTEVILLE—A few guests have arrived early at the Barack Obama event.

About 53 of the Democratic Party regulars, elected officials and local military families invited to the event are already in their seats, although the speech does not begin until 10:30 a.m.

The event is invitation only, and there's only about 150 seats for guests. Another two dozen reporters are milling around, including Gregory Phillips of the Fayetteville Observer.

He'll be posting observations about the atmosphere using his trademark British dry wit. You can read his blog, Fay to Z, here.

As he notes, there are about 17 camera tripods inside. (More signs of the circus!) Another TV station is interviewing Fayetteville Tech students outside.

Dome also counted eight American flags in a row on the stage, and a giant one hanging from the wall.

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The stage is set in Fayetteville