The following is an edited transcript of remarks delivered by MI chairman Paul Singer at the 2023 Hamilton Award Dinner.
Paul Singer: Good evening and welcome to the 23rd Annual Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner of the Manhattan Institute. First, I'm proud to announce that we've raised, for this event, $3.8 million, which is especially welcomed because it's the largest fundraising for this event in our history. And I think that it bespeaks either one of two things: either firm commitment to cause and the message and the issues addressed by the Manhattan Institute, or a feeling of deep desperation at the ideological drift in much of what passes for the intelligentsia in the United States.
Seriously, I'm grateful. We are grateful that the room is filled with patriotic and generous supporters. Thank you so much. This success would not have been possible without Reihan and Ilana's spirited leadership, which has combined to make MI the most interesting and impactful think tank in America today. Thank you Reihan and Ilana. Formal intros to follow, but I want to spend a few words talking about our honorees tonight. Our friends Cliff Asness, founder of AQR Capital Management, and Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas.
Like so many investors, I eagerly read everything Cliff writes about markets and the economy. It's all sensible and delivered with wit and a puzzled tone, wondering why there is so much muddled thinking around those issues in the government and in the commentariat. Cliff is spectacularly successful but also humble, introspective, and thoughtful. Quite a combo for a cranky and brilliant guy. I also read everything Cliff writes about politics. He's often the first to call out fads and spot trendy and overrated ideas and policymakers. Most importantly for us, Cliff is a dear friend of liberty, free markets, and free speech. These convictions, along with his generosity and commitment to defending them, make him a perfect honoree for the Manhattan Institute. We're fortunate to have his friendship. Thank you for all you do, Cliff.
Our other honoree tonight is reported to have caused—with just one solitary and common-sense op-ed—more canceled New York Times subscriptions, on an hourly basis, than ever in the paper’s history. Senator, they either really love you or really hate the New York Times. Perhaps a little of both. Senator Cotton is an infantry officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, a former congressman, and a current second-term senator. He also spent some time at Harvard, holding his tongue during innumerable left-wing harangues by classmates and professors. That's where he prepared for his Hamilton Award acceptance speech by writing a thesis on the Federalist papers.
In Washington, Senator Cotton advocates for the rule of law, the rights of the people, and the security of the nation. And when he speaks, colleagues pay attention. The rest of us recognize him as the sort of thoughtful, accomplished citizen that the founders had in mind for public service. Both of our award recipients are adept at exposing nonsense for what it is and at stating the obvious even when it's unfashionable to do so. These days, we're not supposed to question any of the new progressive orthodoxy. But if you're not willing to conform to the new rules, I have some good news. You're in the right place and you have a fearless ally in the Manhattan Institute.
When you support MI, you're supporting and investing in the power of reasoned argument over slogans and groupthink. You're placing a bet that clear thinking, common sense, and hard work on the ground can prevail. Our scholars go to where the policies are made. They shape debates in the media, make their case to legislators, work with city officials. They are focused, rigorous, and relentless. On our side, there is no better game in town than MI for policy and impact. Reihan has built, on the great foundation of the Larry Mone years, a simply fabulous group of young activists and thinkers who wake up every single day determined to shatter the rancid stew of the new craziness—the wokeness that seeks to tear down all the we hold dear, including the magnificent meritocracy, which has served such an important role in keeping America great.
Occasionally when I have the podium, I observe that the entire right-of-center population of New York City was in the room. It generally gets a laugh, not really because of my comedic skills, but because of the basic truth of it. We laugh ruefully because we're amazed that the greatest city in the world is suffused with thinking that became obsolete when Mao Zedong went out of power and fashion.
However, I'm amending my thinking about the numerical limits of this room. The revolt against woke ideology goes far beyond this room. In fact, I believe that the resistance to woke ideology goes far and wide, but is mostly just afraid to speak up. Well, MI and its brilliant and articulate scholars are perfectly positioned to educate and gather the opposition into an unstoppable counterrevolution. I am pleased to be part of that counterrevolution and associated with this great institution. Nowhere will you find sensible policy solutions better stated than in City Journal. That seems to be the opinion of the million or so regular readers of City Journal every month. That means that a growing audience reads the terrific work of scholars like Heather Mac Donald, Chris Rufo, Ilya Shapiro, Jim Copeland, and so many others. In addition to our terrific writers, scholars, and staff, we're also fortunate to have a dedicated group of trustees.
I want to especially thank Michael Fedak, our longstanding vice chair. Michael will be stepping down from this role this year. He's been an indispensable advisor to MI and a consistent champion of our work. He and Marilyn were early supporters of the Adam Smith Society, which became one of the institute's most resounding successes due to their generosity and wisdom. Michael, I look forward to continuing our work together on the board. Fellow Trustee Ann Charters has graciously agreed to take over the reins as vice chair. I'm so grateful to have Ann and Michael, as well as Chair Emeritus Roger Hertog, as reliable allies and thought partners. In this time of madness, I feel comforted to be with our two honorees, our wonderful board, and all of you. Thank you all for coming.