Summer Journeys to Niagra......
….and to other places
Aggravate all our cares,
We’ll save our fares.
I’ve a cozy little flat in
What is known as old Manhattan…..
I spent the Thanksgiving holidays in New York, visiting my son who now lives there (and attending a business conference). Highlights included:
I got to meet Senator John Edwards. My son is a political consultant, and he was organizing a fund-raising event for the Presidential candidate. The other guests had to pay $3000 to attend, but I got in free. It was on the top floor of the Chase Manhattan building on Park Avenue.
There were only 45 or 50 people in attendance, so I actually got to talk to the Senator (briefly). He has a great handshake. His technique – firm, but not overly so. He buries his hand deeply in yours, all the way up to where the thumb meets the forefinger, and he gives you very sincere (seemingly) eye contact. It’s actually the best handshake I’ve ever received.
Edwards shook hands with everyone, worked the room for a while, and then gave a 20 minute speech. He also answered questions. I asked, “If you are elected President, name 3 ways the U.S. will be different 6 months after your inauguration.”
Edwards said, “We will have 90% of our troops out of Iraq. We will have passed legislation implementing universal health care. We will (some B.S. about getting back on track for the American economic dream).” I thought the first two answers were excellent.
Someone else asked, “What will you do differently in debates this time around?” (I thought it was a good question because I thought Cheney trounced Edwards in the debates last election.) Edwards said, “The public responds to sincerity and passion. It’s difficult to be sincere and passionate when you are not in control of your platform.....” (Good answer, I thought.)
In additon, Edwards reminded people that in 2004 Kerry and Edwards were polling at 12% and 5% respectively in Iowa on December 1, but finished 1-2. He also pointed out that although Hillary leads in the Democratic polls, both Edwards and Obama poll far better than she does against all the potential Republican candidates.
Other highlights: I ate dinner at Del Posto – a Mario Batali Restaurant that just received two Michelin stars (one of only 7 or 8 NY restaurants to get 2 or 3 stars). One of my son’s roommates cooks there, so we got a lot of of extras sent out from the kitchen free. We also ate at The Spotted Pig (also owned by Batali) which got one Michelin star. I actually thought The Spotted Pig was more interesting, although the free appetizers and desserts at Del Posto made it a better meal.
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"It's lovely to live on a raft. We had the sky up there, all speckled with stars, and we used to lay on our backs and look up at them, and discuss about whether they was made or only just happened."
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain
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