The Swamp: Top GOP candidates no-shows, $5 million raised

Posted October 16, 2007 7:49 PM

by Mark Silva

A couple of the GOP’s candidates for president took turns on a stage before four towering pillars in the soaring, four-story center hall of the National Building Museum tonight, site of a Republican National Committee “Presidential Trust Dinner.’’

And at least one was eager to talk about the competition. Mitt Romney, calling himself the candidate of change, said this about the Democratic Party’s front-running candidate:

“Hillary Clinton says she is the candidate of change, and I think she would change America – just not the direction we want to go,’’ he said. “Hillary Clinton talks about taxes, for instance,’’ he said, maintaining that Clinton wants to raise Social Security taxes, estate taxes, corporate taxes and more.

“Her platform today would not allow her to be elected president of France, let alone president of this country,’’ he said. “America is not going to turn left. America is going to follow the red, white and blue.’’

The fundraiser carried a theme, of course, spelled out on banners hanging between the pillars: “Building our Future.’’ And with 700 donors for the dinner here, the party raised $5 million for its presidential campaign in the year and more ahead.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the future of the Republican Party,’’ an emcee was ready to declare, announcing the candidates in the rehearsal in the hall before dinner – Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson and Ron Paul – to the tune of a booming rock song: “Taking Care of Business.’’

It turned out that Giuliani and Thompson had to take care of some other business tonight, however. They dropped from the evening speaking lineup last-minute – but did manage to spend some time backstage before dinner at the private reception for the biggest donors, the $5,000-per-head crowd.

And McCain’s wife Cindy was ready to stand in for a late-arriving candidate, the senator from Arizona. But the crowd seemed satisfied with dinner.

This decidedly war-supporting party did find room on stage for the anti-war Republican Rep. Paul of Texas, who runs single-digit in the polls but has raised money to beat the band and has a loyal, vocal following in his bid for the 2008 nomination.

And, for a city in which half the fire hydrants don’t work, they mounted an impressive spurting fountain center-hall.

The Democratic National Committee offered its own, emailed note on tonight’s dinner 12 blocks from the White House: “While all of the leading Republican candidates are recycling President Bush's failed agenda, the president is conspicuously - and suspiciously - absent from the dinner's schedule.

“The GOP frontrunners are all from the Bush Wing of the Republican Party, yet they won't utter his name or stand for a photo-op," said DNC spokeswoman Stacie Paxton. "Americans want change, not four more years of the Bush administration, but the Republicans just don't get it.’’

Mike Duncan, chairman of the RNC, drew his own party contrasts here – calling the Democrats the party of “government by investigation’’ and limits on terrorist surveillance and Republicans the ones ready to protect the nation from terrorism and make health care available to more people. His predecessor pressed the theme.

“On Sept. 11, 2001, we were reminded of the vital importance of elections,’’ said Ken Mehlman, former party chairman. “Do we heed the lessons of Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill,’’ that true peace comes with strength, Mehlman asked, or will we fall prey to false promises of “peace in our time?’’

And they played the requisite Ronald Reagan retrospective on the big screen: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.’’

The videotaped segment on George Herbert Walker Bush’s presidency skipped over another equally famous line: “Read my Lips.’’ But Bush “41” was quoted as saying: “Communism died this year. By the grace of God, America won the Cold War.’’

Bush “43’’ appeared on the big screen only: “I’ve got a vision for America that is hopeful, optimistic and inclusive.’’ He appeared with a bullhorn atop the wreckage of the World Trade Center on the big screen, and he also said this about the war: ‘We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail.’’

“Let’s not forget,’’ Romney told the crowd of Bush. “This man has kept us safe the last six years… and that’s not easy.’’

Romney, telling the crowd of the 60th birthday present his boys gave him – a 1962 Rambler, in honor of his father, who had served as president of American Motors until that year – also noted that the old car has a huge old steering wheel because that’s what it takes to turn the corners, and of course no seat belts.

“You see, in the private sector, when they make automobiles, things change every year… They get better,’’ Romney said. “Then I went to government, and I found things never change… But if there is one thing we need now, it’s change, and I’ll tell you what, if I’m elected president, get used to it, change is coming.’’

The crowd sat largely silent through Paul’s talk – except when he proposed abolishing the income tax, when people put their hands together.
But Paul made no mention of the war. He spoke instead of his vision of libertarian freedoms.

Paul spoke of his robust fundraising and his work on the Internet – citing 1,000 Meet-Up groups organized online. Young people are willing to listen to his message, he said. It’s a message of “limited government… free enterprise…. balanced budget… personal privacy… ‘’

“We have a right to our lives, we have a right to our pursuit of happiness and we ought to have a right to keep the fruits of our labor,’’ said Paul. “Ultimately our goal ought to be to get rid of the income tax.’’ And that was a line that played very well here.

Comments

"No-Shows At GOP Fest Tonight, But $5 Million Raised"

ZZzzzzzzzz...huh?...what's that sound I hear?...a GOoPer fundraiser?...I think it's the sound of no one caring.

Listening to these Wingnuts talk you'd think that Hillary Clinton had been the President the last 6+ years and not their very own Republican Decider Guy.

Posted by: John E | October 16, 2007 8:08 PM

Ronald Reagan was no Winston Churchill.

Posted by: whatsamattau | October 16, 2007 8:30 PM

God, Fred Thompson is lazy! First he ditches out on a planned trip to NH last week, and now this. The guy needs an understudy.

700 people? Ron Paul draws three times that many to his rallies.

Posted by: Spencer | October 16, 2007 8:40 PM

Ron Paul the finest and most Honorable Statesman in one hundred years the one who makes history with every passing day just graced the halls of the National GOP! Take heed the writing is on the walls all over this country as written in the song Simon and Garfunkle "The Sound of Silence" Long Live Freedom & Liberty and the Constitution of these United States Forever thanks to President "Paul"

"From one of millions"

Posted by: Stan | October 16, 2007 9:18 PM

Sooner or later, someone is going to notice that Fred Thompson IS a stand-in act, parroting GWB rhetoric.

When McCain fizzed, Rove had to tap Hollywood for a "not-yet-dead" bit player.
Fred's public presence and speaking style is so bad that I don't think his acting career can survive this campaign.

Posted by: Westmiller | October 16, 2007 9:33 PM

It seems to me that from this article, Ron Paul was the only one to say something of substance in regards to "building our future."

Posted by: Mike | October 16, 2007 9:57 PM

Don't look now, here comes Ron!

Now with 100% more Freedom!

Posted by: dom | October 16, 2007 10:21 PM

It's nice to finally see that the RNC has belatedly (and begrudgingly?) recognized Ron Paul as the "top tier" candidate that he is. It's overdue for them to start according Ron the respect he deserves.

I find it amusing that Fred only made it to the cocktail party and then disappeared. How long can he last in this race at that pace?

Posted by: Yvonne | October 16, 2007 10:30 PM

Ron Paul is the only candidate that makes sense in this race.

His only problem is that you can't reduce his positions to a soundbite. I would suggest everyone research this man. His positions and ideas are what this country needs right now.

Posted by: B Reyes | October 16, 2007 10:39 PM

This room full of Rockefeller Republicans evidently are not too enthused about the Goldwater/libertarian wing of the party. They better wake up, because of the message that the Good Doctor is bringing, the Goldwater/liberarian wing is resurging because the grassroots are demanding it.

Posted by: Dave R. | October 16, 2007 10:49 PM

Go Ron Paul, you have my vote!

Posted by: Tess | October 16, 2007 10:55 PM

Whaddya know, Ron Paul gets a cool reception in front of an establishment crowd of warmongers.

This is the same group that is polled as "likely Republican voters" in the so called "scientific" polls.

The fact that he can get 5% of those guys is significant.

Posted by: Bill Moore | October 16, 2007 11:12 PM

They're not supposed to like Ron Paul, but they did. This is a pattern that is repeating across America as Paul makes his pitch for lower taxes, limited government, civil liberties, adherence to the Constitution, personal liberty and a non-interventionist foreign policy. They are told he is a nut, but then they hear him and realize he is the most knowledgable and insightful candidate in the Republican race. That's why he's the only GOP candidate with both fundraising and poll numbers on the rise.

Posted by: Philip Blumel | October 16, 2007 11:13 PM

Ron Paul is the only Republican who can keep everyone awake after a good meal.

Posted by: Richard | October 17, 2007 12:05 AM

My favorite is this: "They dropped from the evening speaking lineup last-minute – but did manage to spend some time backstage before dinner at the private reception for the biggest donors, the $5,000-per-head crow"

Hmmm, the Ghoul and the Actor made time for the "big" money but the schmucks who paid $1k to see them got hosed. Yup, that's the presidency I'll expect from either of them. I swear, we republicans are serious masochists tolerating candidates like these.

Posted by: Stick Boy | October 17, 2007 12:11 AM

Hope the GOP returns the respect Ron Paul has shown to the party.

Posted by: Trillions Owed & Counting | October 17, 2007 12:18 AM

Churchill Peace?

What, the peace of WWI?

The peace of Stalin total victory in WWII?

Posted by: Carlos N | October 17, 2007 6:05 AM

Go Get em Ron!

Posted by: Cody B. | October 17, 2007 9:53 AM

Ron Paul is raising money all over the country for the GOP.

I attended the South Carolina luncheon were Ron raised a nice chunk of change that may not seem like much compared to the Trust Dinner, but it must have been a nice shot in the arm for the local Spartanburg/Greenville GOP.

Ron Paul is building the GOP. Can ANY other candidate say that?

Some acknowledgment would be nice.

I hope the big wigs jump on board. Ron has said that freedom unites. The door is open.

Posted by: Dary | October 17, 2007 10:40 AM

It amazes me. With every news article I read, I am reminded that Ron Paul only holds a single digit in the polls. Yet he keeps dominating Straw Polls? Whats more amazing is the Neo-conservatives somehow seem to understand the "no income tax" message. Perhaps they will find a way to acomplish this by only taxing the poor and printing more money?

Posted by: Abram C | October 17, 2007 1:32 PM

Up till now I have been a loyal RNC Member and major

donor, and will remain loyal to the RNC, with the following

exception: During all the Galas, meetings, and campaign

dinners I have attended, I held firm to the 11th

Commandment and did not openly endorse nor speak ill of

any Republican candidates. After last nights snub at the

Presidential Trust Dinner, especially by Giuliani (hope

Rudy's so called $15,000 donors have a lot of pull in

swinging votes from the Mikulski, O'Malley, Cardin Dems in

the Baltimore area, where Rudy went to 'His private fund

raiser while snubbing hundreds of Republican Party loyalist

at the Trust Dinner, who came from across the United

States. Good luck Rudy but you will not have my support in

any manner, and surely not from my Grass Roots GOP

Teams, ESPECIALLY IN MARYLAND!!, also Pennsylvania

and other areas as well, Rudy you have showed your true

colors)... And Fred Thompson, the wind has left your sails,

and all the hot air will not keep your campaign

momentum...Please drop anchor and dock your sail boat!! I

am very impressed with Mitt Romney and I openly support

him as the 2008 GOP Presidential Standard Bearer. He is a

proven and trusted leader, a gentleman of high moral

standards and family values. A man who will take the reigns

from President George W. Bush and carry on in the truest

traditions of the Republican Party. I love, respect and show

honor to our President, George W. Bush and look with

much pride to Inauguration Day 2009, when President Bush

passes the mantle of presidency to Mitt Romney. Support

Governor Mitt Romney for President. "MITT ROMNEY IN

08"...

Posted by: Jacob A. Hopkins | October 17, 2007 7:47 PM

About time Ron gets recognition but this article was a bit bias and seemed lac luster that Paul showed up front of those low life warmongers. Not much moves this crowd because they have it all so let them laugh it up with Mitt. Ron Paul only spoke the truth as he normally does.

Posted by: AbC News | October 17, 2007 9:17 PM

Ron Paul....what's not to like? He gets my money and my vote!
Deb, Aberdeen, WA

Posted by: Deb | October 18, 2007 8:29 PM

The GOP candidates this year are really disappointing. Romney and Giuliani don't even support the conservative values that gave integrity to the party, and Thompson doesn't seem to care about his campaign. What happened to the pro-life, pro-2nd amendment, anti-tax conservative Republicans?

Posted by: Richard Garrison | October 18, 2007 8:46 PM

This war is an expensive fraud 1.2 million people are dead, millions more will die born and unborn due to depleted uranium. The pretext for this invasion is a mass murder that has been covered up. People that believe otherwise are not dealing in reality. The plans for Iraq were laid 10 years before 9/11 and the catalyst to motivate Americans was a "New Pearl Harbor" We got that on 9/11 George Bush and Dick Cheney are depraved. they shut down any investigation of 9/11 whatsoever (this is all public record)They threatened Tom Daschle and Patrick Leahy, and unfortunately they are cowardly and compromised and remained impotent. I cannot, will not here that George Bush is honorable to say such things are insanity, or just plain dangerous stupidty. His war will stop and this country will be righted economically so that it can survive. It will be done by a man of integrity and experience in the Congress and with the finances of the country. You know who I mean!

Posted by: Keith Crawford | October 18, 2007 10:46 PM

To Keith Crawford: Yeah, we know who you mean, Ron Paul!!! Right on dude!

Brownback has now dropped out. With McCain on lifesupport, Thompson in trouble like 3 days after announcing, Morman guy getting more phoney by the minute.....that leaves on two:
Ron Paul, Mr. Constitution, and
The cross-dressing guy.
Guess who wins it!

Posted by: tom davis | October 18, 2007 11:27 PM

Yes....., the 11th comandment, not to speak ill of another Republican. Guliani, Romney, McCain, you call these people republican?... Iam a Reagan-Goldwater republican, have been for 30 years, and was an elected Republican Conservative .

I always thought the worst thing that one can do is lie to oneself, SO STOP IT, those three are in no way representative of real republican ideology, and you all know it. Only Dr. Ron Paul is the true small government, pro liberty, pro constitution republican. Good Lord, go back and read Goldwaters books, or watch Reagans debates from the 1980's, remind yourself of what real republicans are made of. After you read Goldwater, or watch Reagan I am sure, if you are honest with yourself, you will support Ron Paul, "the tax payers best friend", and the "champion of the Constitution"

Posted by: mike thomas | October 19, 2007 12:17 AM

Just a quick note to make sure that everybody who is not yet registered as a Republican must do so to vote for Mr. Ron Paul during the primaries. This is very important! And to
Jacob Hopkins, wake up! Who are you kidding? Romney has no chance.

Posted by: Tomas | October 19, 2007 11:25 AM

I've got a book for Ann Coulter to read. It's called...

"If Republicans Had Any Brains, They'd Be Libertarian Ron Paul Supporters".

I'm so pleased with the magnitude and success of Ron Paul's campaign. I hope we can keep this going all the way until his acceptance speech!

Go Ron Paul!!!!!

Posted by: Clayton | October 19, 2007 11:56 AM

Everyone is donating $100 to Ron Paul on the 5th of November. (The new slogan for that day):

Year 1605 (England)

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see no reason why gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot.

Year 2007 (America)

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Ron Paul, and the money he got,
I see no reason my government's treason,
Should ever be forgot.

Credit given:
5th of November