By: Jennifer Saba So many parties, so little time. There are hundreds of soirees going on in this convention-crazed (for and against) town, too many for one party-happy, bleary-eyed reporter to cover. But we're going to go out on a limb and suggest that last night's late-night bash hosted by "W Stands for Women," the Lifetime Network, Rock the Vote and other groups, is probably all too typical of the many "B" and "C" events this week.
And here's why: Try as they might, reporters are complaining, the Republicans can't seem to find many "A" list celebrities to tout the Grand Old Party. (Even Bruce Willis is staying away.) Last night's gathering at Pressure, a spacious bar in the Village with the feel of a romper room, was probably more the rule than the exception. A knot of TV and magazine reporters (and, according to a gushing publicist, one of the New York Daily News "Rush & Malloy" reporters) mostly waited around for the confirmed "Celebrities and Public Figures" to swan by.
Among those "confirmed": Ari Fleischer, gymnast Kerri Strugg, and a former Miss America.
The press release teased that First Lady Laura Bush and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger received invites. And early on, there were whispers that the Bush twins would be making an appearance. Of course, according to some journos, the twins' frolic at Roseland the night before had proved disappointing, as even the First Girls failed to draw many top names.
So who showed up last night at Pressure? A slew of WWE wrestlers like Mark Henry (who this reporter mistook for American Idol's Ruben Studdard) and Federico Castelluccio (Furio from "The Sopranos"). And there was one man making the rounds who bore a striking resemblance to Robert Plant but, alas, was not.
The biggest moment came at midnight when Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) introduced as "one of the most vibrant and most exciting members of Congress," but still best known for her official role in the Florida re-count in 2000, stepped up to the dais. The press and attendees pushed for a closer look as Harris, channeling a high school cheerleader, thanked the crowd for supporting rightNOW! -- a group of "political chicks" that believe in free markets, limited government, and personal responsibility.
And then it was over, with some attendees deciding whether to roll a few frames at the famed Bowlmor Lanes right downstairs.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here