http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/10/romney_warms_he.html
Hotline has a quick write-up on the event which focuses more on the political overtones:
If Woody Allen was right, and "80 percent of success is showing up," then MA Gov. Mitt Romney (R) did himself a big favor by appearing last night at National Review Online's 10th Anniversary party in Washington. Romney was the only '08 contender to woo the hundreds of prominent conservatives who packed the dining room of Charlie Palmer's steakhouse. He was also the only non-National Review staffer who got a turn at the mic.
In very brief remarks, Romney paid tribute to the venerable magazine's internet site, describing it as a welcome tonic for people like him whose hearts are in red America but whose homes are in blue. Boston, the Bay State governor explained, has two types of media outlets: the "Kennedy apologists" and "the liberals." The line was good enough for a few chuckles, but it was his mere presence that said it all; that and the fact that two of the evening's sponsors had the word "Mitt" in their titles. Both the Ann D. and Mitt Romney Foundation and "Evangelicals for Mitt" helped underwrite the shindig -- a fact that was pointed out by NR editor Rich Lowry in his remarks.
As Romney stuck around after speaking to shake hands and take pictures with an audience that included such bold-faced names as Krauthammer, Blankley, Comstock, Matalin, Libby (!) and Bonjean, the buzz was almost audible: McCain alternative.
That would be a good night's work.
~~~Thomas