Boston Bureau

Star Speakers for Obama Fundraiser in Truro

Truro Fundraiser Rakes in $50,000 for Obama
Adrian's Restaurant offers snacks and view and a book

By Libby Hughes, Cape Cod Today

On a bluff in North Truro, there is a sweeping view of Cape Cod Bay. Here resides The Outer Reach Resort and Adrian's Restaurant, run by the Adrian Cyr family: Adrian, Annette, Julian, and Marissa. They are experts in Italian and French cuisine.

Late Sunday afternoon on August 10, a high-powered fundraiser for Barack Obama was scheduled at an entry fee of $250 dollars. Over 200 people came and didn't blink at the cost. They made over $50,000. Adrian's Restaurant provided exotic hors d'oeuvres and a free bar. Handsome and attractive young men and women served the trays of food to all the guests.

Near the entrance, this reporter, author of "Barack Obama: Voice of Unity, Hope, and Change," was selling her books to the converted, giving a portion of the sales to the campaign. Larry Summers, former Secretary of the Treasury and former President of Harvard University, bought one as did Alan Solomont, head honcho of the New England Steering Committee of the Obama campaign.

Clearly, everyone was there to hear remarks from Summers, Solomont, and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz from Pennsylvania.

As speech time approached, everyone moved to the deck, embracing the spectacular view of the Pilgrim Monument at one end of Cape Cod Bay and the ballet arm of coastline at the other end. A parade of sailing ships formed puffy clouds and hovered above the horizon with a swath of cloud above the restaurant deck in the shape of a dove, spreading its white wings while a half moon in white hung along the beak of the dove as the afternoon turned into early evening.

Alan Solomont

Alan Solomont (on right with Barack Obama in New Hampshire) opened by asking, "Are you fired up?" A resounding "Yes" was the answer. He expressed gratitude to the members of the Lower Cape Community and the volunteers for Obama. Solomont traced Obama's political career from Illinois state senator to U.S. Senator. In the early days of deciding to run for president, Obama asked Senator Richard Durbin (D) of Illinois if this was the moment for him to seek the presidency. Durbin replied, "The moment chooses you." Solomont went on to describe the generational changes overtaking the Baby Boomers. He cited the days from radio to television to the internet. Solomont said, "People ache and long for change."

"Obama runs the campaign like a business. No drama for Obama. It's expensive. In 54 primary contests, $250 million were spent. The general election will cost more," stated Solomont. "The only way to win is through the electoral votes. There are 18 battleground states. Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, and Virginia are critical."

Larry Summers

Then, it was Larry Summers' (on right with President Bill Clinton) turn to speak. In casual attire, he was articulate and forceful. He did not mince words. "The future course of this country in economics is in peril. This is the worst time since the Great Depression. We are in a recession now. Are we going to rebuild or cut taxes for the wealthy? Credit card abuses are part of the problem. Consumers need to be protected. The way to do that is to have a Democratic President and Congress," he said. "Financial problems are cyclical. One percent of the population can enjoy their income. Eighty percent of the population has fallen behind. The tax system is regressive. Programs similar to those of the GI Bill, GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), and the Marshall Plan (rebuilding Europe after WW II) need to be renewed for the 21^st century."

Applause

"We need to maintain a free market, but start healthcare reform, and look at every form of energy in a global environment. We must enter into the spirit of renewable energy. Obama knows that he would have to start very quickly on these issues. The last clear mandate for change was in 1964 when these programs were enacted: Civil Rights Act, Medicare, voting rights, education, and healthcare for the poor. That was half a century ago. Let's move to elect Barack Obama."

Allyson Schwartz  - More applause

The final speaker was Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (on right at Drexel University with Hillary Clinton) from the 13^th Congressional district in Pennsylvania. She hoped that stem cell research could move forward under a new president and she heralded the need for healthcare insurance for children. Her concerns centered on the two existing wars and a possible third one in Georgia/Russia. However, she was counting on the ingenuity and talent of Americans with a change of leadership to do things differently.

The event was over. Although some lingered to talk with the key speakers, most guests departed as a perfect Cape day cast its sky patterns and late sunlight over the Lower Cape.