Bloomberg helps sink cruise ship plan for GOP convention By Bill SchneiderCNN Political Unit WASHINGTON (CNN) --New Yorkers may try to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge, but try to sell them the Titanic and they'll sink the idea. And turn it into the political Play of the Week. That's what happened to a controversial proposal to use a cruise ship in New York's harbor as the hub for housing and social activities during the Republican nominating convention next year. Last January, when Republicans announced they would meet in New York City for the convention, they claimed the Big Apple itself was the lure. "We are very excited about the opportunity for us to be so intimately involved and engaged in the life of New York City," said Marc Racicot, who was then the Republican National Committee chairman. Not all that excited, it turns out because this fall, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, suggested chartering a cruise ship and anchoring it in New York harbor during the political gathering. Is he serious, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a fellow Republican, asked? "It gives you a good visual," a sarcastic Bloomberg said at a news conference on Tuesday. "You can put a picture in the paper of a big cruise ship. We can talk about the food on a cruise ship." The cruise ship is the image of luxury with lavish French, Asian and Mexican restaurants and grand lobbies. The ship even boasts a talking Statue of Liberty for those who don't want to visit the silent one in New York harbor. The ship has plenty of rooms -- housing for 2,200 delegates and politicians. Why stay in a cramped New York hotel room when you can enjoy a luxury suite on a cruise ship? Not surprisingly, New York's leaders didn't see it that way. They were outraged. "We're apparently not good enough for the Republican convention," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York. "They would rather stay on a floating fortress." It was threatening to become a PR disaster for Republicans. Newspaper editorials blasted the move; "Ship of Fools" read one headline. Democrats seized on the issue. "This is really inexplicable why the Republican National Committee would even consider taking money away from New York City -- a city which it chose in part because of the symbolism that it represents," said Jonathan Bing, a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly. Symbolism such as 9/11 and the problems the terrorism act caused for New York's tourist industry. So Bloomberg called DeLay and offered a face-saving deal. The cruise ship line would withdraw the offer. "I don't know what goes on on ships," explained Bloomberg. "I can tell you exactly what goes on on the streets of New York City. You are safe. People are nice. It is exciting. It is easy to get around. We have rooms reserved for every member of Congress and for every delegate." Done! DeLay scuttles the ship. And Bloomberg, master and commander, claims his prize -- the political Play of the Week. By the way, Democrats have been talking about chartering a ship for their convention. But they have an excuse -- Boston is said to be short on hotel rooms. Maybe the parties should both charter ships and battle on the high seas. http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/12/05/ip.pol.opinion.bloomberg/index.html
