TH friend Adam Dresher attended McCain's fundraiser in NYC last night. Here's his report:
Last night at the Plaza in NYC, over $2m was raised for John McCain. The just recently renovated Grand Ballroom was packed. The talk of the room was Eliot Spitzer. Everyone very happy that he is expected to resign very shortly, ironically one of the attendees was John Whitehead the former CEO of Goldman Sachs whom Spitzer once threatened for his defense for NYSE President Dick Grasso. Senator McCain was introduced by Former NY Senator Al D’Amato. D’Amato was a little long winded but was passionate in his support of McCain. McCain spoke for about 20 minutes. Spoke of the importance of honesty. Referenced telling the folks in Iowa he did not support the Ethanol subsidy (and joked he lost the state); like wise in Michigan where the auto sector jobs are not coming back. McCain then talked about the differences between himself and his yet to be determined opponent. He is a conservative who supports lower taxes, a strong military and understands that Iraq is a key battleground in the war on terror while his opponents want higher taxes and would pull out of Iraq at a crucial time. Spoke of our brave men in uniform and how proud he is of them.
As McCain left the stage to shake hands secret service had their work cut out for them. There was a mad rush to the stage to meet the next President. At times I could not move. McCain did his best to shake as many hands as he could and pose for as many pictures. After he left there was not a mad exodus. People stayed and talked, in the liberal capital of the United States people seemed to me very optimistic about his chances.
I also managed to get this memo:
INTERNAL MEMO
To: Campaign Leadership
From: Rick Davis
Subject: McCain Message
Date: 3/11/2008[# More #]
John McCain is now the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party. It is critical, as we prepare to face off with whomever the Democrats select as their nominee, that we all follow John's lead and run a respectful campaign focused on the issues and values that are important to the American people.
Throughout the primary election we saw John McCain reject the type of politics that degrade our civics, and this will not change as he prepares to run head-to-head against the Democratic nominee.
John McCain will continue to run on his principles and will focus on the future of our country. The stakes could not be higher in this election, and John will contrast his vision for America with that of Senators Clinton and Obama. He will draw sharp contrasts: victory versus surrender to Islamic extremism; lower taxes and spending versus more big government; free-market solutions to health care versus costly mandates; and the appointment of strict constructionist judges versus those who legislate from the bench.
Overheated rhetoric and personal attacks on our opponents distract from the big differences between John McCain's vision for the future of our nation and the Democrats'. This campaign is about John McCain: his vision, leadership, experience, courage, service to his country and ability to lead as commander in chief from day one.
Throughout his life John McCain has held himself to the highest standards and he will continue to run a respectful campaign based on the issues. We expect that all supporters, surrogates and staff will hold themselves to similarly high standards when they are representing the campaign. To help guide you, please find talking points below.
This is an exciting time for our country and our Party. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. We face a great challenge this November: John is ready, and with your continued support I am confident we will succeed.
Thank you.
WHY JOHN MCCAIN
John McCain Is Now The Republican Nominee For President
John McCain Is Now The Republican Nominee For President. After a hard-fought contest, John McCain has secured the 1,191 delegates needed to win the Republican nomination for president.
John McCain Is The Man To Lead Our Party To Victory In November. McCain's broad electoral appeal will expand the states in play in the general election and help GOP candidates across the country.
John McCain Has The Experience, Judgment And Character To Lead America In A Dangerous World
John McCain Has The Experience, Judgment And Character To Lead As Commander In Chief From Day One. In a dangerous world, John McCain is uniquely qualified to lead America. McCain has been involved in every major national security issue over the last two decades.
McCain served for 22 years in the US Navy, including 5 years as a POW and as commander of largest attack squadron in the Navy. During his military career, McCain was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a Distinguished Flying Cross.
McCain served 20 years in the US Senate, leading American policy on military and national security issues on the Senate Armed Services Committee.John McCain Is Rallying Our Party Around Conservative Principles On National Security, Fiscal Responsibility, Health Care Reform And Traditional Values
NATIONAL SECURITY: John McCain will stay on offense to defeat the threat of radical Islamic extremism. The Democrats have demonstrated no resolve to defeat this threat.
McCain had the judgment and courage to call for a change in strategy in the war in Iraq -- a strategy that is now succeeding. He has vigorously supported Gen. Petraeus' successful strategy, while the Democratic candidates continue to call for retreat.
TAXES AND SPENDING: John McCain will get our economy back on track by cutting taxes, spurring investment and innovation and ending wasteful spending in Washington.
McCain will cut taxes and stop the outrageous wasteful spending in Washington. McCain will make the Bush tax cuts permanent, eliminate the AMT, and cut taxes on American businesses to help our companies remain competitive. McCain will stop the wasteful and pork barrel spending and enforce the conservative vision of smaller government by vetoing any pork-barrel bill that comes across his desk.
HEALTH CARE: John McCain will reform our health care system using free market solutions to reduce the skyrocketing costs that threaten to implode the system. McCain will provide all individuals with a refundable $2,500 tax credit ($5,000 for families) as incentive to buy health insurance.
TRADITIONAL VALUES: John McCain will protect our traditional values. McCain has a consistent 24-year pro-life record, and believes that Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that should be overturned. McCain believes that the institution of marriage should be protected and defined as a union between one man and one woman. John McCain will nominate strict constructionist judges to the bench.
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