March 03, 2008
Here's The Beef
SEDONA, AZ - If you're looking for evidence that John McCain is feeling confident about Tuesday's primaries, his weekend schedule should be more than enough. After flying into Phoenix from Texas Friday afternoon, McCain spent Saturday meeting with many of the elected officials who have been most supportive of his candidacy throughout the election.
Not surprisingly that list included several rumored VP-options including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. Also in attendance at Saturday's luncheon were long-time McCain supporters and friends Lindsey Graham, former Sen. Phil Gramm, Mel Martinez and Trent Lott. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist was a last minute scratch from the powerful guest list.
According to some of McCain's aides, the meeting was more social than business, and included a brief talk from one of McCain's top advisors Charlie Black before the meal.
Only Graham, Gramm and Huntsman stuck around to partake in Sunday's media BBQ at McCain's ranch near Cottonwood, where the presumptive GOP nominee showed off his grilling prowess to more than 50 reporters and campaign staff. The event was 'on the record,' but audio recorders and cameras were prohibited, meaning that reporters were often seen sneaking off to the periphery to scribble in their notebooks.
Most of the conversation was about meat and the family's ranch grounds, with the occasional war story from the campaign trail sprinkled in. More serious topics weren't necessarily discouraged, but the intent of the afternoon was for the candidate and his staff to get to know the media who will presumably be covering them through the general election in November.
McCain - sporting a white sweatshirt with a picture of his family on it, dark sunglasses and a Maine Maritime Academy hat - spent most of the afternoon manning two gas grills loaded with chicken and his signature ribs. He buys the ribs at Costco and seasons them with a mixture of garlic powder, salt and pepper. But the secret, he told inquiring reporters, is to keep the grill at a low temperature and keep the ribs moist with plenty of fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
The site of the BBQ was a compound tucked in a valley in the small town of Page Springs, AZ. There are more than five houses on the property all up against a small river, four of which are at least partially owned by the McCains, and over the entry gate is a hanging sign that reads 'The Original Hidden Valley Ranch' - no relation to the salad dressing.
(NBC/NJ's ADAM AIGNER-TREWORGY)
Posted at 08:31 AM
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