The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jean Stevens, CODEPINK national media coordinator, 508-769-2138
Dana Balicki, CODEPINK campaigns coordinator, 202-422-8624

Where Will the Candidates Talk About War?

At Waldorf-Astoria Fundraiser Today!

NEW YORK

Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama ignored the elephant in the room at last night's presidential debate at Hofstra: the Iraq war, the occupation of Afghanistan, and potential wars with Iran and Pakistan.

No better place, then, to bring up the war than in polite cocktail conversation outside the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel at 51st. St. and Park Ave. where Obama and McCain will be speaking at the Alfred E. Smith Dinner, a fundraiser for the Catholic Charities! CODEPINK and other activists will force them to consider the $560 billion spent on the unjust war in Iraq, billions more each day, and the 4,000 and counting lost American lives. We cannot afford any more, especially in the midst of a catastrophic financial crisis.

Veterans, teachers, and other Americans will sip cocktails and politely demand the candidates talk about diplomacy, ending the war and no more war, as they've somehow ignored that in their debates.

For more information, please call Jean Stevens at 508-769-2138.

WHAT: CODEPINK and other groups to have cocktail conversation of war outside Obama/McCain fundraiser
WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thurs. Oct. 16
WHERE: Waldorf-Astoria hotel, E. 51st St. and Park Ave.

*Visuals: cocktails, cocktail attired guests, pink banners, giant paper-mache head, masks

CODEPINK is a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs.

(818) 275-7232