01.20.09
10-16-2008, 02:31 PM
Obama, McCain on stage tonight in NYC (http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/1008/Obama_McCain_on_stage_tonight_in_NYC.html)
Obama, McCain on stage tonight in NYC
Barack Obama and John McCain’s last appearance on stage together wasn’t at Hofstra University, but will be tonight, when the candidates speak back to back at the annual Al Smith Dinner in New York City.
For the past 60 years, distinguished guests have attended the Catholic charities fundraiser in honor of Smith, the late New York governor and first Catholic to run for president, in 1928.
“There’s been a long and rich tradition of the candidates appearing together,” said Steve Scully, political director of C-SPAN, which begins live coverage of the event at 9 p.m.
Presidential candidates began making joint appearances in 1960, with John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon on stage in the weeks before voters went to the polls.
In 2000, both George W. Bush and Al Gore appeared. However, Bush and Kerry weren't invited in 2004 because the Archdiocese stated there were divisive election issues that would take away from the charity dinner. (It was assumed by some that Kerry's abortion stance might have been the issue, but the Archdiocese never specified.)
Indeed, the dinner is supposed to be light-hearted and not the time to dive into stump speeches or slams of the opponent's positions.
“They are expected to poke a little fun at each other,” Scully said, adding the intention is for a “night of political humor.”
McCain should be in a good mood, since before arriving at the Waldorf Hotel for the white-tie dinner, he’ll tape an appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” where he’s expected to make up with the host.
At 9:05, McCain will speak for 15 minutes to the ritzy audience, which is expected to include Rupert Murdoch, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Obama will be on right after him.
The New York Post reported yesterday that McCain requested a teleprompter for his speech, which is a first at the dinner.
Who can't speak without a teleprompter?
Obama, McCain on stage tonight in NYC
Barack Obama and John McCain’s last appearance on stage together wasn’t at Hofstra University, but will be tonight, when the candidates speak back to back at the annual Al Smith Dinner in New York City.
For the past 60 years, distinguished guests have attended the Catholic charities fundraiser in honor of Smith, the late New York governor and first Catholic to run for president, in 1928.
“There’s been a long and rich tradition of the candidates appearing together,” said Steve Scully, political director of C-SPAN, which begins live coverage of the event at 9 p.m.
Presidential candidates began making joint appearances in 1960, with John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon on stage in the weeks before voters went to the polls.
In 2000, both George W. Bush and Al Gore appeared. However, Bush and Kerry weren't invited in 2004 because the Archdiocese stated there were divisive election issues that would take away from the charity dinner. (It was assumed by some that Kerry's abortion stance might have been the issue, but the Archdiocese never specified.)
Indeed, the dinner is supposed to be light-hearted and not the time to dive into stump speeches or slams of the opponent's positions.
“They are expected to poke a little fun at each other,” Scully said, adding the intention is for a “night of political humor.”
McCain should be in a good mood, since before arriving at the Waldorf Hotel for the white-tie dinner, he’ll tape an appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” where he’s expected to make up with the host.
At 9:05, McCain will speak for 15 minutes to the ritzy audience, which is expected to include Rupert Murdoch, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Obama will be on right after him.
The New York Post reported yesterday that McCain requested a teleprompter for his speech, which is a first at the dinner.
Who can't speak without a teleprompter?