REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: At the Sheraton, Green Runs Out of ‘Miracles’

Public Advocate Mark Green's supporters gathered in the midtown
Sheraton's cavernous ballroom for the second time in a month last
night, but this time they left with tears rather than grins on their
faces.

"It's not easy being Green," said the losing candidate, who had
fought a tough battle in a race many thought was his to lose in a
city where Democrats outnumber Republicans five to one.
Unfortunately for Green, a man who once said he graduated from
Harvard Law School with the goal of being the "lowest wage
earner" in his class, his last minute campaign efforts were not
enough to match the $50 million spent by communications mogul
Michael Bloomberg, who was able to pour more money into his
campaign for the mayoralty than did Hillary Clinton in her bid for
the United States Senate.

As New York Democrats, from the famous to the unknown, trudged
into the ballroom with green bands around their wrists and Green
campaign buttons on their lapels, the mood was jovial. The few
hundred people mingling, many sipping on $7 drinks available at
the cash bar, knew the election would be close. There was an air
of optimism, however, that their man would come out on top.

Unsurprisingly, American flags adorned the room, and there was a
gigantic flag behind the live band playing on one side. The two
large projection screens on stage alternated between television
news on NY1 and the action in front of the podium, which featured
enthusiastic speeches by clergy members, union officials, and
politicians.

While the election was to determine who would lead the largest
city in the nation, there was an intimate feeling inside the ballroom,
as if everyone knew each other.

Entertainment was provided by Saturday Night Live alumnus Al
Franken, who reminded the audience more than once that the
New York's next mayor would be Jewish. "That guy's pretty funny,
is he a comedian?" asked one of the older Democrats making his
way through the crowd.

The Sept. 11 attacks may have not only been a deciding factor in
who received more votes yesterday, but the attacks' impact could
be seen in a truck parked just outside the Sheraton's entrance on
54th Street, its side emblazoned with the words "National Disaster
Medical System."

By the time 12:30 a.m. hit, and the temperature in the ballroom had
risen, Green's entrance was announced. The song "I Believe in
Miracles" played on the speakers as Green walked to the stage,
but the look on his face suggested he wasn't expecting
any.