Jan 23, 2008 6:27 am US/Eastern
'Straight Talk Express' Chugs Into NYC
McCain Gets Gotham Cash, Endorsement From D'Amato
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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John McCain's recent run of momentum grew on Jan. 22 after he showed up in New York City to get fundraising money and a key endorsement from former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato.
CBS
The Campaign '08 showdown took a detour to New York City on Tuesday night as former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Sen. John McCain were here to raise money and their status in the polls.
More importantly for McCain, he picked up a huge endorsement during his stop.
What to do? Say yes to McCain or to Giuliani – that's the dilemma facing many New Yorkers heading into Super Tuesday.
Former Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato backed McCain Tuesday night as polls show the Arizona senator leading or tied with Giuliani with the New York primary just two weeks away.
"John McCain is a true national treasure," D'Amato said.
When asked by CBS 2 HD what he would tell New Yorkers about how he can prevent another Sept. 11, McCain showed his inner 'straight talk' self.
"First of all, I'd like to give the President of the United States some credit for the fact that there hasn't been (an attack)," McCain said. "The battleground is overseas. We've got to win militarily, diplomatically and in cyberspace."
On Tuesday on the campaign trial, Giuliani shifted his message away from terrorism and Sept. 11. With Wall Street's rollercoaster ride, Giuliani portrayed himself as an experienced manager.
"Of all the people running for president, I've had the most experience in turning around a government and turning around an economy. I actually accomplished that in New York," Giuliani said earlier Tuesday in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Now he'll have to accomplish a big win in Florida and then tackle New York on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5.
McCain, with momentum from recent primary wins, has support from D'Amato, a key Republican who has a tumultuous relationship with Giuliani, one that started in 1994 when the then-NYC mayor back a Democrat, Mario Cuomo, for governor.
"My support for (McCain) is not because there is somebody else in the wings, whether it's Giuliani or anybody else I may have differences with … even though that may be true," D'Amato said.
And now Fred Thompson, after quitting the race in a not so surprising announcement, is expected to throw his weight behind McCain as well.
Giuliani held a private fundraiser in New York City Tuesday night.
A win in New York would be extremely important for either man as 101 delegates are at stake.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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