Opera house Quote by Ron Chernow
““eight thousand Republicans crammed into Crosby’s Opera House for a veritable coronation of Ulysses S. Grant. To play on wartime memories, General John “Black Jack” Logan was designated to place his name in nomination. His speech was followed by a well-staged extravaganza: hats and handkerchiefs fluttered, rounds of applause rippled across the house, and a pigeon, dyed red, white, and blue, flapped through the cavernous space. As a huge ovation for his son gathered strength, Jesse Grant stood before the speaker’s platform in “mute astonishment,” said a reporter.8 Then a curtain rose to reveal huge images drawn by Thomas Nast of the Goddess of Liberty, juxtaposed with Grant. To no one’s surprise, Grant won by acclamation on the first ballot.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow, 2010
The passage describes the lavish 1868 Republican National Convention where Ulysses S. Grant was nominated amid theatrical pageantry and patriotic symbolism.
In simple terms: Grant’s nomination was celebrated with elaborate spectacle.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how spectacle can shape political perception.
Themes
politics
history
celebration
Mood
proud
nostalgic
critical
Type
historical
political
descriptive
When to use this quote
- political conventions
- campaign rallies
- historical reenactments
- public speeches
Key Concepts
nationalism
media influence
public opinion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does theatricality affect voter judgment?
- What role does symbolism play in political legitimacy?
A Different Perspective
Spectacle may mask substantive policy debate.
