Bush can’t pack ’em in the way he used to

May 24, 2008

In 2004, Bush won Arizona by double digits. This year, with Arizonan John McCain leading the Republican ticket, it stands to reason there’d be quite a bit of excitement among the state’s GOP elite.

And yet, the enthusiasm is surprisingly underwhelming. (via Eric Kleefeld)

A Tuesday fundraiser headlined by President Bush for U.S. Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign is being moved out of the Phoenix Convention Center.

Sources familiar with the situation said the Bush-McCain event was not selling enough tickets to fill the Convention Center space, and that there were concerns about more anti-war protesters showing up outside the venue than attending the fundraiser inside.

Another source said there were concerns about the media covering the event.

Bush’s Arizona fundraising effort for McCain is being moved to private residences in the Phoenix area.

Tickets for the star-studded show ranged from $1,000 to $25,000 for VIP treatment, all of which would have gone to help McCain’s campaign and other Republican Party organs.

My favorite little tidbit from the Phoenix Business Journal report came at the end: “The McCain campaign referred questions on the fundraiser change to the White House press office.”

In other words, “Don’t blame us; we’re not the one with a 27% approval rating.”

And this, of course, comes on the heels of reports like this one.

With his popularity near all-time lows, President Bush is playing a diminished role so far in the 2008 campaigns.

In the presidential race, he’s trying to keep to the sidelines, hoping to minimize clashes with Democratic front-runner Barack Obama that might damage Republican John McCain.

Even in campaigns for Congress, where White House officials are focusing their political efforts, Mr. Bush’s impact appears to be reduced. Notably, he has raised only $36.6 million for Republican candidates and committees through early May, compared with $66.6 million last year and $131.6 million in 2006, according to Republican National Committee figures.

I’d just add that a poll this week from Southwestern firm Behavior Research Center found that McCain’s lead over Barack Obama in Arizona is down to just 11 points, and that McCain can barely reach a majority in his own state — 50% to 39%.

Can’t pack ’em in? Did you check with homosexual prostitute with the fake ID and press credentials, jeff gannon/guckert?

Are you saying no more of the many overnights where he signed in but didn’t sign out?

  • I guess even the base is having a hard time coughing up $1000 (minimum) in this economy to listen to Bush explain how McCain will keep them good times rolling.

  • Lew – the REAL base wouln’t be bothered to attend a dinner at only $1000 a plate because it would just be a bunch of wanna-bes.

  • all of which would have gone to help McCain’s campaign and other Republican Party organs.

    Very tactfully said.

  • A Tuesday fundraiser headlined by President Bush for U.S. Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign is being moved out of the Phoenix Convention Center.

    They’re moving it to the Sons of Shrubwit hall down on Failure Way near where it crosses the railroad tracks. The one where the signals been broken for awhile. The bells are going off all the time but there hasn’t been a train on those tracks for quite a while. Doesn’t seem to matter much. Nobody goes out there but the SoS. Guess all the pointless noise doesn’t bother ’em. Reminds ’em of the good old days probably.

  • It reminds me of the final days of Spinal Tap — opening for a puppet show that no one wants to see.

  • The pimps of the GOP must be disappointed to find the best hooker in their stable no longer brings in the money like he once did.

    and that there were concerns about more anti-war protesters showing up outside the venue than attending the fundraiser inside.

    This tells you all you need to know about the degree of disarray in the Republicgoon High Command.

    Even last year they would have raised the specter of Islamahomoterrorists blowing up the place as the only reason for the move and vehemently denied any suggestion that they switched venues because they couldn’t fill up the space.

    Today they’ve declared that they are outnumbered and the pResident isn’t the much beloved leader of Uhmurica.

    Heh.

  • That sucks! I was really looking forward to being one of the many anti-war protesters outside the convention center.

  • He’s speaking at the Air Force Academy graduation next week. Yesterday we got an email saying there were “extra” tickets available.

    Make of that what you will.

  • A couple of months ago, Bush said in an interview that after his term he was looking forward to making speeches to “replenish the ol’ coffers.” He may be disappointed at the number of speaking engagements that he books. And at the size of the crowds.

    Bush carries the stink of failure. When he isn’t the POTUS anymore, why would anyone even choose to be in his presence?

  • Why don’t they just hire a rock band like Obama did and bring in 70 thousand or so. It works like a charm. Or at least that is what the wingnuts tell us.

  • ……..“The McCain campaign referred questions on the fundraiser change to the White House press office.”

    Wassup? McBush being kept out of the loop?

  • Well, I live in Arizona and there is a rally in downtown Phoenix on Tuesday and I intend to be there. But I think this is just too funny, if it weren’t pathetic what the bushies have done to our country. Obama all the way. I am reading his first book, Dreams of My Father and he is an incredible person. He will be a wonderful president.

  • There isn’t a single repub that can draw a crowd. McCain can’t raise the funds he needs. He’s forever tied to a president with an approval rating that’s in the toilet. He’s a terminal flip-flopper. He’s older than Moses.

    And yet, the Clinton team would have me believe that Obama can’t win. Give me a break. I don’t believe any of the national polls at this point. I’m tempted to suggest that the Democrats could nominate a dead cat and still win in November.

    On the flip side of this reasoning, one should never under-estimate the ability of the Dems to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. And of course there is the inevitable onslaught of pure evil, bullshit, Rovian, opposition research that will be aimed at the Democratic nominee. But these are the risks no matter who the nominee will be. It’s the only possible strategy that could come close to working for the repubs.

  • one should never under-estimate the ability of the Dems to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

    shillary has that one covered and she is getting her gameplan directly from mclame advisor kkkarl rove. She is doing what she can to sow division and now proclaims that her campaign is all about being prepared for Obama’s assassination.

  • Saint John can’t get a big fund raiser going in Arizona?

    Did he promise them donuts and a ride on his bus?
    peace

  • Lilmadguy, re #8, forget that senario. I can tell you from first-hand experience that if Commander Fudgepacker Codpiece shows up, any protests are moved far, far away to a “First Ammendment Zone.”
    Funny, I remember when the entire country was a “First Ammendment Zone.”

  • Just a thought, but I suspect Bush could raise his numbers if he and his merry band of boobs resigned and they gave the keys of the White House to Pelosi.

    That would pack the convention hall.

  • Check out the massive party tents being erected at No. 35 (Arizona) Biltmore Estates – a 1 acre lot on the Adobe Golf Course at the AzBiltmore estates. Owned by MERRILL FRED L/VIRGINIA U of Overland Park Kansas.

    The McMansion built in the mid-’90’s is less than a quarter mile from Cindy McCains’ $3million dollar condo at 2211 East Camelback Rd. – is part of the AzBiltmore Estates – the home of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa – which has played host to presidents since built in the 1930’s.

  • Bush is probably the greatest asset that the Democrats have, right now. He’s almost completely toxic. We should continue to draw attention to him unremittingly.

    Are there are statistics on name-changes within the US? It would be interesting to know how many ordinary good-guy-type Bushes are trying to hush it up.

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