Biden Woos Dem Fundraisers in Boston

VP thanks core supporters for putting their "name on the line" for him, Obama at Monday meet and greet.

VPOTUS spoke at meet and greet with about 110 major Democratic donors from the
58th floor of the Hancock tower in downtown Boston, who left the cocktail room
to sit in wooden folding chairs in an adjacent room to hear him speak. Normally
a great view from the top, but only blowing snow visible today. Before VPOTUS
spoke, donors listening to soft jazz and eating finger food, drinking from open
bar. Officials said this was not a fundraiser, but a chance to engage major
fundraisers who will be crucial to reelection campaign.

VPOTUS began speaking at 4:35 p.m., finishing at 4:56 p.m. He did not make news.
He spoke hoarsely in from a podium in front of the US and Massachusetts flag. He
gave a speech intended to rally core financial supporters, reciting
administration accomplishments and talking about the need to work with
Republicans while repelling some of their policy goals that he said would damage
the nation’s economic recovery and enlarge the deficit.

“Thank you on behalf of Barack and myself for all the hard work you did. I would
not be standing here. He would not be representing the United States of America
in South America right now were it not for the work of you folks in this room
and probably another 1,000 like you all across America.”

“It’s not just that we couldn’t have won without you. We will not be able to win
again without you.”

It’s not just money, he said. “you also put your name on the line for us. You’re
the leaders of the community. You’re opinion leaders.”

“It’s more than the message of writing the check and raising money for us.”

“Our shot at getting reelected is through you and the same way you did it the
last time.”

He praised Obama for dealing with the “broadest and most complicated set of
problems and issues, both foreign and domestic than any president has had placed
before them in their first two years. And I’ve watched him and you’ve watched
him. He’s met these problems&helliphead on and with the determination and resolve that
is remarkable to watch.” His judgments on the tough issues for which he was
criticized proved right, VPOTUS said of POTUS. The TARP program recipients paid
back 99 percent of taxpayers’ money is back. Incredible progress in automotive
industry, he said.

He also praised Obama’s foreign policy, crediting him with a “reset” in
relations with Russia that created a nuclear arms treaty, for drawing troops
down in Iraq, increasing sanctions on rogue nations.

The last month, he has been “in the situation room, not with Wolf Blitzer on
CNN” as a result of the unusual number of international issues and been cool and
decisive, VPOTUS said.

VPOTUS spoke about new GOP majority in House. “The cuts that the Republicans are
talking about would not only cripple the economy, but they would also enlarge
the deficit.”

But he called it a “myth” that the White House cannot work with Republicans,
pointing to the 17-day lame duck session as more productive “than any time in
the last two years.”

But more conservative members elected recently “They mix up the Tea Party that
took place in Boston Harbor and the Tea Party they represent.”

He said the White House could work with Republicans, but not to slash programs
that fuel economic growth. “We will not let the Republican right use the deficit
for other purposes,” to promote policies that “eviscerate the middle class.”

VPOTUS was introduced by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who spoke from
4:28 pm to 4:35 pm. Patrick thanked the crowd of people “who were so
instrumental, so central” in reelecting him in November, despite the national
climate favoring Republicans.
“We stopped the red tide here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and we have
many of you to thank for that.”
Patrick spoke with a fiery voice, rallying the group against Republicans: “They
have set as their goal, not how to make a better country, but to stop this
administration.”
Patrick then sounded his own campaign themes, saying the Obama administration is
also concerned about “generational responsibility,” and “how we face our role as
a citizen of the world to which the whole world looks to not just for money or
for power, but for moral leadership.”

VPOTUS finished his speech and shook hands with supporters in the front as
“Lifting Higher and Higher,” by Jackie Wilson, played.

Crowd included Jack Connors, healthcare entrepreneur, Robert A. DeLeo, speaker
of Massachusetts House, Therese Murray, president of Massachusetts Senate,
Timothy Murray, lieutenant governor.
Food:
Passed Hors d’ouevres
Hot
Miniature Beef “Wellington”: Sliced Tenderloin of Beef Wrapped in Puff Pastry
with Pate and Mushroom Duxelles
Served with a Red Wine Reduction Dipping Sauce

Warm Melted Brie Tartlets, Garnished with Honeyed-Walnut Red Grape Relish

Grilled Thin Crust Pizzetta Topped with Oven Roasted Leeks, Gorgonzola &
Béchamel

Sliced Rare Beef Tenderloin Crostini, Topped with Onion Relish, Drizzle of
Horseradish Cream and Chervil Garnish

“Roka” Shrimp: Panko Battered Shrimp Laced with Roka Blue Cheese

Cold
Classic Tuna Tartar, Prepared with Ponzu, Sesame, Kosher Salt & Black Pepper,
Served on Crispy Wonton Chip Topped with Wasabi Mayo Drizzle & Radish Sprout

Whipped Teleggio Cheese, Topped with Apricot Agro Dolce on Focaccia

MaineLobster and Crab Salad on Toasted Corn Crisp