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West Michigan Rising
Rising from the Ashes to Build Our Left Coast in Michigan

Once Again, McCain Unable to Fill VanAndel Arena

by: philgoblue

Thu Jul 17, 2008 at 18:25:27 PM EDT


As I write, John McCain is once again in West Michigan.  But, don't count on seeing him unless you can kitty-up $2,300 to attend a private, fat-cat fundraiser at Peter Secchia's estate in Ferrysburg near Spring Lake.

It's the second time in less than three weeks that the presumptive Republican nominee has come to the Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland triangle.  On 2 July, he was in for another high-dollar fundraiser at local developer Sam Cummings' house in East Grand Rapids.

As before, John McCain will not be holding a single public event or hearing from any regular voters.  He's just jetting in for a much-needed infusion of cash, and then jetting out.

While Barack Obama was able to fill the 12,000 seats in the VanAndel Arena when he came to West Michigan with John Edwards, it appears that in this supposed Republican heartland, John McCain is afraid to even try to attempt to equal the outpouring of support Democrats, independents and even many Republicans gave Obama just two months ago.  Poor Grandpa.

Instead, local Democrats held a community picnic in Millennium Park to send a message to John McCain that you shouldn't have to be rich to have your voice heard in Michigan.  Michigan Democratic Party chairman Mark Brewer and State Representative Robert Dean headlined an event for regular folks.  Folks donated $2.30 for a hot dog and lemonade -- 1/1000 what folks are paying to hear the same old failed Republican policies out by the lake.

It was a clear message to John McCain that West Michigan voters want the kind of change that
will get Michigan back on the right track.

PS: When Obama was in Grand Rapids last time, the event ... was free.
philgoblue :: Once Again, McCain Unable to Fill VanAndel Arena
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Once Again, McCain Unable to Fill VanAndel Arena | 4 comments
If McSame is coming to Michigan (4.00 / 1)
and not making public appearances, does that mean he is writing Michigan off as a possible win?
I don't think so, he is doing something public (4.00 / 2)
on the other side of the state.  I think it's a demonstration of his desperation to try to keep up money wise with Obama and the only way he can do it is in $2300 checks, rather than $2.30 donations at a picnic with voters or $50 online, etc.

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[ Parent ]
Free Air is More Like It (4.00 / 2)
The sight of the plane touching down at Kent Int'l was probably enough for their public purposes.  Plus a few "greet on the street" moments (captured on video, of course).  That's really all it takes.  

It says "McCain cares"  (See?  he even comes here!).  The big rally will be here, soon enough.

Think of this like walking in the parade.  It doesn't win or especially motivate voters, but it does build a presence.  So alas, no gloating for now.

Also taking his share of wild swings at political analysis at Windmillin'

[ Parent ]
Another politician selling his soul to Big donors. (0.00 / 0)
My subject says it all.  Here we go again. Another policitian who thinks big donors with agenda payback trying to buy our country will get him elected. They do not give dollars just to support a person.  They give dollars to support their cause.  The political figure cashs their dollars later for them. Maybe this year the "little people" will rear up and say enough is enough. We must listen to the words "We the People".  We the people have one vote each so do the big donors have only one vote at the polls.  Hopefully, the mass people's voice votes will outnumber the big donors this election.  
Once Again, McCain Unable to Fill VanAndel Arena | 4 comments
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