For Arizona Senator John McCain (R) Wednesday night was about raising money for his campaign. For those who oppose his policies, it was about making as much noise as they could.
They never saw the man they came to protest as Senator John McCain slipped into an indoor garage. Regardless, these anti-war and pro labor activists carried on in front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel anyway, as they hoped to send a clear message to the republican presidential nominee.
"John McCain and George Bush are a single drummer and we're going to make sure that we're going to dog him and campaign against him until next November," said Tim Paulson from the San Francisco Labor Council.
San Francisco may be unfriendly territory to members of the GOP, but there are enough republicans to give McCain the cash he needs in hopes of winning in November. Ken Juster paid $1,000 to attend the night's fundraiser at the Ritz. He says McCain told the crowd he's going to make an earnest effort to win California.
"Does McCain have a chance here in California?" asked ABC7's Lilian Kim.
"I think he does. We have a Republican governor, and he's sensitive to issues in an adjoining state in Arizona and can speak well to issues we face in California whether it be on land, water or etc.," said Ken Juster, a McCain supporter.
McCain 's intention of winning over Californians may help explain the conciliatory tone of his foreign policy speech Wednesday morning in Los Angeles. That's where the senator tried to draw a sharp distinction between himself and President Bush.
"Our great power does not mean, we can do whatever we want, whenever we want. We need to listen to the views and respect the collective will of our Democratic allies," said Senator McCain.
These protesters, however, aren't buying it and they say there's no way, McCain can turn California from blue to red.
"He's here to get our money, he's here to get the donors' money, and what he needs to understand that the workers here, that the people who live in San Francisco oppose his policies all across the board," said Levin Sy, a protester.
Wednesday marks the end of McCain's three-day visit to California. He now heads to Utah and Colorado where the senator is scheduled to attend more fundraisers.
