Bill Richardson's sorta-kinda endorsement yesterday was just the beginning of good news for the Senator from Illinois this week. Today it seems that Obama picked up a (somewhat late) crucial New York nod from the famous, delicious, inexpensive and gotta-have hotdog spot Gray's Papaya. If Sunday and Monday look this good, Tuesday's results will be the sweet relish on top.
From The NY Times:
Last August, Mr. Gray, 71, began displaying signs at two of his three stores encouraging the candidacy of the mayor with the slogan “Run Mike, Run!” He told The Times in October that he was hoping for a Bloomberg run for the White House because “he’s cool under pressure” and he believed that the mayor’s personal wealth made him less corruptible.
But after Mr. Bloomberg officially ended his extended flirtation with presidential candidacy in an Op-Ed column last week, Mr. Gray did not waste any time.This weekend, the large window at the original Gray’s Papaya store on Broadway at 72nd Street was filled with a white sign bearing the words “Yes Senator Obama. We are ready to believe again” in red and black uppercase letters.
“I think he is a very inspirational man and I think he’s what the country needs; we’ve grown a bit cynical,” Mr. Gray said in a phone interview.
I'm glad Mr. Gray keeps up on his political news, but does that big endorsement on the highly trafficked corner of 72nd and Broadway have an effect on possible primary state tourists?
Despite the bold new message at the Broadway store, few of the patrons at the shop on Sunday afternoon showed much excitement about politics. Outside, some passers-by on the sidewalk did stop momentarily to read the sign.
“I’m here for the hot dogs and the papaya drink,” said Mona Walsh, 54, in between the last couple of bites of her amply garnished frank. “Even if Gray’s Papaya were supporting the most deplorable candidate imaginable and there was a big sign about it out front, I’d still be here eating hot dogs.”
Hmmm, if they endorsed McCain, would I still go there? You bet your you know what I'd stop at Gray's when I'm on the UWS. That place transcends politics any day.
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