Not a “fund-raiser,” it’s a “FRIEND-raiser”
by Roscoe Steed
Republicans held an important campaign strategy session during President Bush’s visit to Indianapolis last week. “We’re already rich,” exclaimed one of the 25 business leaders invited to a 90 minute private meeting with President Bush at the Westin Hotel. “It’s just that nobody likes us. Make no mistake: We’re gonna change that.” ting, which included the likes of former Lilly CEO Randall Tobias, racing magnate Tony George, City-County Council museum piece Beurt SerVaas and aging golden boy Stephen Goldsmith, seemed to be a combination can-do strategy session and lovefest. Bellhops reported hearing the group singing Cowsills songs behind the closed door of their suite. “We know money can buy votes, but damn! It doesn’t buy happiness — I mean the unconditional love of the American people,” said one of the movers and shakers in attendance. After viewing an episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, the group settled into a soul-searching discussion of how to build bridges of friendship between gated communities. “It’s easy, really, once you know the security codes,” observed one happy participant.
