Welcome and Dinner Funds Raised:
Larry, the host, welcomes attendees to the 18th Annual Alexander Hamilton Awards Dinner. Speaker 04 announces a record-breaking $3.2 million raised for the Manhattan Institute. Gratitude is expressed to platinum-level and patron-level supporters.

Expressing Gratitude to Supporters:
Special recognition is given to individuals and institutions for their generous support: Cliff and Laura Lasnes Michael and Marilyn Fedak Ken Griffin Mark and Anla Chang-Kingdon Dan Loeb Tim Dalton Paula and Tom McInerney Donna and Marvin Schwartz Diane and Tom Smith

Need for Intellectual Leadership in Uncertain Times:
Speaker 04 highlights the significance of the event in a period of remarkable changes and disruptions. He emphasizes the significance of intellectual leadership to make sense of current societal shifts. Importance is placed on institutions like the Manhattan Institute for providing solutions through wise public policies.

The Manhattan Institute’s Contribution:
Speaker 04 applauds the Manhattan Institute for its intellectual integrity, fearlessness, and rigorous empirical analysis. The Institute is praised for providing bold ideas and focusing on the human dimension of public policy. Specific examples of the Institute’s influence are given, from educational reforms to crime prevention.

Impactful Publications and Initiatives:
Speaker 04 highlights the quality and vitality of the Institute’s magazine, City Journal. City Journal is recognized as a powerful resource for policy analysis. Mention is made of the Young Leaders Circle and Adam Smith Society, which are educating the next generation.

Recognition of Award Winners:
Stan Druckenmiller and Nikki Haley are identified as the recipients of the Hamilton Awards. Speaker 04 expresses deep respect for both individuals and their contributions to American life.

Philanthropy and Impact:
Stan Druckenmiller is commended for his financial prowess and extraordinary generosity. His efforts in supporting education, fighting poverty, and helping those suffering from AIDS are highlighted.

Civil Society and Individual Responsibility:
Speaker 04 emphasizes the significance of civil society and individual responsibility in America’s success. The ability of individuals and groups to make a meaningful difference is stressed. Stan Druckenmiller is cited as an example of such an individual.

Ambassador Nikki Haley’s Achievements:
Speaker 04 recognizes Ambassador Haley as a trailblazing figure and a role model public servant. Her accomplishments as South Carolina’s first female and nonwhite governor are mentioned. Her grace, understanding, and moral courage during the Charleston church shooting are highlighted. Her effectiveness as America’s ambassador to the United Nations is applauded.

Presenters of the Awards:
Ken Langone, a previous Hamilton Award winner, will present the award to Stan Druckenmiller. Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer will present the award to Ambassador Nikki Haley. Ambassador Dermer’s role in effectively representing Israel’s government is mentioned.

Ken Langone’s Introduction:
Praises Stanley Ruckenmiller as a devoted family man, friend, and successful investor. Highlights Ruckenmiller’s belief in capitalism, free markets, limited government, and the rule of law, similar to Alexander Hamilton’s principles. Commends Ruckenmiller’s generosity, time commitment, and talent in supporting Jeff Canada’s Harlem Children’s Zone. Applauds Ruckenmiller’s leadership roles in various organizations focused on tackling social problems.

Stanley Ruckenmiller’s Acceptance Speech:
Expresses gratitude for the honor and acknowledges his admiration for Ken Langone’s mentorship. Recognizes the significance of the Alexander Hamilton Award and his awe of previous recipients, including Nikki Haley. Emphasizes Alexander Hamilton’s crucial role in shaping the United States as the greatest nation in history, despite not becoming president.

Ruckenmiller’s Personal Journey:
Recalls his childhood in South Jersey and later move to Richmond, Virginia. Mentions his limited exposure to Alexander Hamilton’s history in Virginia schools, mainly learning about his duel with Aaron Burr. Credits his education at Bowdoin College in Maine for providing a deeper understanding of Hamilton’s contributions to the republic.

Gratitude to the Manhattan Institute:
Expresses appreciation for the award bestowed by the Manhattan Institute. Acknowledges the Institute’s positive impact on New York City, particularly its contributions to education reform. Highlights his personal fulfillment in witnessing Jeffrey Canada’s success in establishing the Harlem Children’s Zone with the Institute’s support.

Druckenmiller’s Introduction:
The Institute’s promotion of free markets, free trade, limited government, and the rule of law is more important than ever in the current divided state of the nation.

Capitalism Under Attack:
Capitalism has been under attack, with each passing presidential administration moving further and further away from it. Druckenmiller suggests that the U.S. should try real capitalism, not the increasingly bastardized version of the last two decades, to see if it is the most effective way to bring about broad prosperity and human dignity.

Negative Effects of Government Intervention:
Druckenmiller criticizes the Obama administration for disparaging capitalism and increasing government influence in all aspects of life. While there has been some relief on the regulatory front under the Trump administration, there are still trends away from capitalism and new elements that violate its principles, such as the assault on free trade.

Importance of the Rule of Law:
Hamilton had a deep respect for the rule of law, which is essential for the success of the U.S. economic system. Amazon is an example of a company that has thrived in the U.S. due to its mix of education, immigration, finance, and meritocracy, all supported by the rule of law.

Government Transfer Payments:
Druckenmiller expresses concern about the increasing amount of national resources spent on government transfer payments, which are unsustainable and threaten generational equity.

Financial Repression and Central Bank Intervention:
Druckenmiller criticizes the mix of financial repression and central bank intervention, which has distorted long-term interest rates and led to an unprecedented ultra-monetary expansion. He argues that this radical monetary policy has created malinvestment, corporate debt used for financial engineering, and increased bankruptcies.

Conclusion:
Druckenmiller emphasizes that competition is a better tool than price controls for protecting consumers and that the government should stop manipulating long-term interest rates and canceling market signals.

Conservative Criticism:
Stan Druckenmiller expressed disappointment over the lack of criticism from the left during Obama’s tenure. He believes that criticism from the left would have carried more weight. Druckenmiller is also discouraged by the timidity of criticism from many conservatives regarding the present direction of the country. He encourages individuals with the power of the pen or the purse to articulate a better course for the nation, one that would make Hamilton proud and ensure a brighter future for America.

Importance of Ideas and the Attack on Capitalism:
Ideas are more important than ever due to their rapid spread, applicable to both good and bad ideas. There is a growing assault on capitalism in the United States and worldwide. Discredited ideologies from the 20th century are resurfacing in the 21st century, appealing to young people with emotionally pleasing tunes. The spread of these bad ideologies is attributed to various factors: Political ground transformed by the shift from industrial to technological age. Educational institutions portraying capitalism negatively. Failure of capitalism’s defenders to present a moral case. Historical sentiments ingrained since childhood.

The Importance of Free Market Think Tanks:
Free market ideas are under attack, and the Manhattan Institute is a vital institution in defending them. The institute’s work is crucial for the survival of free market democracies, such as Israel, which relies on the intelligence agency Mossad to ensure its safety and the safety of its allies.

Introduction of Ambassador Haley:
Nikki Haley is introduced as a staunch defender of freedom and truth, who has made significant achievements in her career. Her impressive bio reflects the promise of America, with her journey from community leader to the first female governor of South Carolina, and now as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Ambassador Haley’s Work Ethic and Character:
Haley’s early experience in her mother’s business instilled in her a strong work ethic, aversion to government intrusion, and watchfulness over expenses. Her character shone during the aftermath of the Charleston church shooting, where she united a grieving community and inspired the nation by removing the Confederate flag from the state capitol.

Ambassador Haley’s Impact at the United Nations:
Despite the challenges of the UN, Ambassador Haley has remained untainted in her defense of the United States and her moral clarity in addressing global issues. She has fearlessly called out Iran, North Korea, and others, distinguishing between friend and foe, and shedding light on crucial matters.

Support for Israel:
Ambassador Haley’s unwavering support for Israel has been particularly notable. She has defended Israel against anti-Israel resolutions at the Security Council, opposed Israel’s enemies, and stood up for Israel’s democracy amid international criticism.

Comparison to Past Ambassadors:
Ambassador Haley follows in the footsteps of previous ambassadors like Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jean Kirkpatrick, who made significant contributions to strengthening Israel and the US-Israel alliance. She stands out as a principled and respected figure among the “moral midgets” at the UN.

Conclusion:
Ambassador Nikki Haley’s leadership, purposefulness, and courage make her a respected figure both in the United States and internationally. Her achievements at the United Nations have brought honor and recognition to her country.

Address to the Manhattan Institute:
Nikki Haley emphasizes the importance of American leadership guided by values and principles. She highlights her efforts at the UN to uphold American interests while facing a challenge of working with countries with varying values.

Success in South Carolina:
Haley recalls her success as governor of South Carolina, where she implemented conservative principles, resulting in increased investment and job growth.

Power of Ideas:
Haley lauds the Manhattan Institute’s commitment to ideas that have led to real change, particularly in New York City during the 1990s.

Alexander Hamilton:
She expresses gratitude for receiving an award in honor of Alexander Hamilton, recognizing his achievements beyond financial matters.

Syria:
Haley cites the lack of action by the Security Council, particularly Russia’s veto, in addressing Syria’s chemical weapons issue. She emphasizes the dilemma of the UN treating all countries the same, despite their fundamental differences.

Standing Up for America:
Haley asserts that standing alone for American interests and values is not something to be ashamed of but a matter of pride. She highlights examples of unpopular stances taken by the US, such as criticizing Cuba’s treatment of its people and opposing the anti-Semitic resolution equating Zionism with racism.

American Idea:
Haley emphasizes the importance of American exceptionalism, rooted in God-given rights and a commitment to freedom and human dignity.

Iran:
She previews President Trump’s decision on the Iran nuclear deal, emphasizing the new era of American leadership. Haley highlights the growing unrest in Iran and the message it sends to the Iranian people and other rogue states.

North Korea:
Haley clarifies the argument that leaving or altering the Iran deal would send a negative message to North Korea. She explains that walking away from a bad deal or demanding improvements before engaging with North Korea is the best approach.

American Miracle:
Haley concludes by sharing her personal story as an immigrant’s daughter, representing America at the UN. She credits the American idea for enabling her success and expresses her commitment to spreading America’s hope to the world.

Honorees:
Stanley Druckenmiller and Ambassador Nikki Haley were presented with the Hamilton Awards for their contributions and concern for the issues they spoke about. Ken Langone and Ambassador Ron Dermer provided heartfelt introductions for the event.

Introducing the MI Board of Trustees:
Paul Singer, Chairman, and Michael Fedak, Vice Chairman, were acknowledged for leading the initiative and their generosity.

MI Staff Recognition:
Phil Sabella, Taish Kamacho, and Debbie Ezzard were commended for their hard work in organizing the dinner. Vanessa Mendoza, Executive Vice President, was particularly thanked for her careful attention to detail.

New Fundraising Record:
Paul Singer announced that they had set an all-time fundraising record for the dinner.

Book Giveaway:
Attendees were offered a copy of the Manhattan Institute’s Adam Smith Society’s official reader.

Invitation to Reception:
The bar would remain open until 10:30 PM, with a post-reception in a separate area.