It was a powerful appeal to their emotions.
Murphy looked at the excited faces in the crowd below and knew the groundwork had been sufficiently laid.
Now, it was time for the main course.
"I know you've all heard too many speeches, too many promises."
Murphy's tone suddenly turned pragmatic.
"You're going to ask: 'Murphy, that sounds nice, but what can you do for us? Can you pay my bills? Can you pay for my kid's tuition?'"
"Those are good questions."
"I'm not standing here today to make you empty promises."
Murphy turned, extended his arm, and pointed behind him at the massive port construction site, at the towering cranes.
"Take a look at these big boys."
"They're not just for show."
"I've got a check right here in my pocket."
Murphy patted his chest.
"Five hundred million US Dollars."
"This is what I, John Murphy, and your Mayor, Leo Wallace, wrestled away from Washington, from the hands of those stingy bankers!"
