Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Miles from the Mainstream
D. R. ZUKERMAN, proprietor
Ballroom Politics

MARCH 20, 2007 --

Although LPR was barred from the ballroom at the Grand Hyatt at the fundraiser for U.S. Senator Barack
Obama's presidential campaign, LPR did manage to enter the ballroom at the end of the senator's platitudinous remarks about hope and opportunity for all.


No entry for LPR at this Obama event.


Obama in the distance …


Obama addresses the crowd …



The following Wednesday, LPR heard a radio report that Rudy Giuliani would be at the Sheraton for a fundraiser that evening. LPR went to the hotel and was given press credentials to cover this event.


Listening to Rudy Guiliani …


This event seemed to be as well-attended as the Obama gathering. (LPR still wondering why the campaigning with the
election so distant.)

Dennis Miller was Rudy's warmup. Judy Giuliani spoke briefly, before introducing her husband, as did Mrs. Obama at the fundraiser for her husband.


Judy Guiliani

Rudy Guiliani waiting in the wings …


Rudy remarks were interrupted several times by applause, were delivered in a an even tone, prompting LPR to conclude that the speaker applauded for his words is to be preferred over the speaker who incites applause by a frenzied tone.


Rudy addresses the crowd.


At the end of his remarks, when Rudy began a sentence, "If I am elected
president" -- he was quickly interrupted by a woman who shouted out, "You will," prompting Rudy to respond with a broad grin.

Rudy suggested that a major theme of his campaign will be that he can get things done, can get results. LPR wonders if the role of president is to offer a vision of the common good that encourages others to get things done.


Toasting Rudy …


LPR would inquire: just what is it Rudy will get done--and how?

It is one thing to wield a municipal management style that ignores procedural
principles; arguably, this type of style exercised in the Oval Office, would more likely be seen as a despotic affront to the Constitution.