Obama makes the right call, opts out of public financing system
By Steve Benen Wednesday Jun 18, 2008 8:00pmThis will probably be at least mildly controversial, but I think Barack Obama made the right call this morning by announcing that he would not stay within the public financing system for the general election. The senator made the announcement in a video released earlier today.
Not surprisingly, the McCain campaign isn’t happy. “Today, Barack Obama has revealed himself to be just another typical politician who will do and say whatever is most expedient for Barack Obama,” McCain campaign communications director Jill Hazelbaker said in a statement. The McCain camp added that Obama’s move “undermines his call for a new type of politics.”
At the risk of sounding picky, if Obama is doing something that’s never been done before, isn’t that necessarily consistent with “a new type of politics”?
Besides, it’s not like McCain is in a position to condemn from the moral high ground, given the way he played fast and loose (i.e., arguably illegally) with the public financing system during the Republican primaries.
As for Obama, today’s announcement probably won’t cost him too much politically — I doubt very much there are a lot of voters who’ll base their candidate preference on the public-financing system — and should benefit him enormously. Obama will be able to take full advantage of his fundraising edge over McCain, and compete aggressively everywhere. (Marc Ambinder noted, “The potential money gap in the general election is huge — Obama could raise as much as $300m, and the McCain campaign/RNC budget team doesn’t anticipating spending more than $150m.”)
Jonathan Singer also had a good item about the impact of Obama’s decision.
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Doesn't this allow him to also accept donations from special interest and lobby groups?
I do realize that he has already accepted such donations, but perhaps today's decision will open the proverbial flood gates. No?
You have to watch the Abrams report or whatever they call it now, yoiu have to watch it RIGHT NOW!! MSNBC..
And the media spin is flip flop. I'm turning it all off and going to vote in November, (crosses fingers). Oh, and -- first?
I was listening to NPR this afternoon (around 3:00 pm edt). The reporter of course got it wrong saying that Obama pledge to use public campaign funds. I wish they could simply report the facts instead of shilling for the repugs.
Good for Obama that he can outraise the repug machine with small donations and not special interests. Now if he would come out against FISA and not support the blue dogs, he'd be perfect.
Obama's special interest and lobby group is the people of the United States of America. And yes, the flood gates have already opened... for the times, they are a changin'.
angelina @ 4:
He voted against immunity for fisa the last time it went through senate.
McCain's camp is already whining, "Waaaa! Why does he get more money than me, waaaa!!!!!" Please, John, stop drinking the whine.
i am glad obama is not taking any money that will
cause him to be even in the slightest possible manner
obligated to the special interests groups. this will be
the first time a candidate in my lifetime has done so.
it's time that the interests of the American citizens, those who are flesh
and blood, be considered and not ignored. we are pay the
bills, we should be given more sway in the decisions
where this money is used...........period
Love the outrage by the Republicans over it calling it dishonest and breaking his word. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
OH shock! dismay! A politician broke his word! I'm stymied. Man! Just when Bush and Cheney made DC so squeaky clean honest, and of course McCain who NEVER changes his positions.
Excuse me, but a politician decides not to spend many millions of dollars of our tax money because he has enough from private donations, and the MSM doesn't even once ask the McCain camp to justify wanting to waste 30 million dollars or more of the public money that doesn't have to be spent?
I got a letter saying I was going to get a $300 dollar stimulus check this week.
Choke on it, Bush.
McCain and the right are in a tizzy! "You changed the rules! You don't fight fair!" I almost pissed myself, I was laughing to hard!
...and let's not forget that McCain wanted to end public financing of campaigns back in 2000 (remember McCain-Feingold?). Just like everything else, he was for it before he was against it.
Also, I find it hi-fucking-larious that so-called "fiscally responsible" conservatives are bitching about Obama not taking public money.
oooooooooh yeeeeeeessss!!! i am sooooooo glad he did'nt fall for that cockeyed, slippery, sleight of hand, 'pschye!' bait and switch, switch and bait okie doke trick! juvenile tricks from a juvenile playbook.
If the FEC had the requisite number of commissioners, McCain would have been fined for breaking campaign finance laws. I think I'd keep my mouth shut if I were him, but you know - IOKIYAR
YEAH! WE EXPECT this candidate to lie through his TEETH about almost EVERYTHING!!!! GOBAMA!!! KEEP ON LYING!!!
School me - what is public financing and why won't he take it?
“a new type of politics”?
Hahahaha.
Hilarious.
If McCain won't play fair why should Obama limit himself and tie and arm around his back?
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 2:
what happened on abrams?
Some former Bush mouthpiece -- Brad Blakeman? -- was calling Obama's move "an abomination" on Abrams. What a laugh. Go, Obama, go! It's fun to watch the Democrats raise so much more money than the Repo Party. Grab a surfboard, everyone, November will be a tidal wave.
It was a good message, but I was negatively distracted by his focus on the teleprompter; he didn't look the camera (us) in the eye. It would have been much more effective had he done so.
Occam @ 1:
Excuse me? From which "special interest and lobby group" did Obama for America accept how much, when?
I was ready to answer with a sincere response by pointing out that he has always been free to accept such donations, but by choice has not done so, and will not do so. However, the bulk of your post suggest you are nothing more than a troll, so that type of response is not warranted.
If you actually manage to provide substantial and verifiable evidence to back up your flippant accusation, I will withdraw the charge - but I'm not holding my breath.
He's all over on tape saying he will take public financing. This before he knew how much $$ he could raise. Now, not so much, we misunderstood what he said, he really didn't say that! More BS from BO. He'll do anything to win. Change we can all believe in. This is the biggest con job in history.
Matt in Texas @ 22:
Yeah, having worked with a prompter before I could tell that he was too close to the camera in this case, if he was using a reflective over-the-lens prompter. It almost looked more like it was off-axis though. Kind of distracting.
send in a contribution-- i sent in another small one today...
if we help obama set some new fundraising records, the media might stop repeating mccains lies about obama and public financing, and will have to acknowledge that, by opting out of public financing, obama was in fact putting his election in the hands of the little guy...bringing the people into politics, shutting out the special interests
Mo' money, Mo'money
rreddy @ 23:
stop listening to limbaugh for a few weeks, and maybe you'll get your facts right
maybe i'm looking at this incorrectly he changed his strategy with a very fluid situation....public financing won't offer enough money for him to beat 527's.....mcChanging on several policies is bigger deal to me
secularhumanizinevoluter @ 16:
Please troll elsewhere. Everything you said was right out of the right-wing smear manual. I am always amazed to witness, people who are lobotomized at an early age, still figure out how to type.
Scott Hussein M @ 11:
That would be worth $300 to watch
McCain: "Waaaaahhhhhhh!!! Obama's raising more money than I am!
Waaaaaahhhhhhh!!! 1.5 million + Americans love him more than me!
Waaaaaahhhhhhh!!!! All I get in the mail is PoliGrip coupons!!!!!!
Waaahhhhhhhh!!!! Bob Dole!!!
OLD MAN YELLS AT CLOUD
Wash621 @ 32:
and hopefully McCain and the other GoOPers are getting plenty of monopoly $20 bills in donations.
Wash621 @ 32:
LOL - That last line made my day!
Since McCain decided to use public financing is his campaign allowed to solicit funds?
Okay, this is a joke, right?
McNugget decided to accept public funding?
McNugget's $84 million vs. Obama's $250 million +?
BWAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!! He's making this toooooooooooooo easy!!!!
yeah, let's get into a debate about who really broke a pledge... or the spirit of the pledge of campaign finance reform.
Mr. Straight Lies Express himself.
Can Cindy "rX-stealing" McCain be considered a 527 all by herself?
Obama skips the oil lobbyist and takes it directly from the CEO's. So there is your special intrest group. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-money24apr24,0,2613458.story
This month my $25 went to fight the FISA capitulation. It would have gone to Obama but since he has yet
to show leadership in vigorously opposing the FISA capitulation I was left with no choice but give my meager amount to Act Blue.
Hey Obama if you see this take heed, don't let your most faithful supporters (or the Country) down.
Republicans crying because someone isnt going to feed on the governments teet? My they have fallen.
If Steven Rosenbaum is right that McCain will drop out in August when the Republicans decide that the race is lost, then Obama will need every penny he can scrape together to battle the faux change white knight puppet that the republicans will trot out at their convention- this, of course, after McCain uses all of his federal funds to soften Obama up for the real candidate. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-rosenbaum/when-mccain-drops-out_b_10...
sent all my money to kucinich and edwards but youall can take up the slack ,
My understanding about this misunderstanding is that Obama agreed to use public financing IF his Republican opponent agreed to do the same. Up until AFTER Obama decided to forego public financing McCain had not agreed to do so, but filed papers AFTER Obama's announcement today. I understand today was the deadline. Does anybody have a different story? (Please exclude any story you heard in the Corporate Media, i heard them and they are false.)
McCain is desperate avoid that CostCo-sized can o'whoopass!
kbass @ 38:
Oh Bull crap.
He took no money from "Oil Companies" nor their Lobbyists. To say he did is a lie. Yes he took private donations from workers of oil companies as he has from every walk of life and even some Republican I'd wager who are tired of the Bush'sheet.
Well he's going to get hit by this but he did the smart thing and got in front of this instead of letting this just come out. That was smart and it lets him control the dialogue. What I find funny is that the Republicans are mad at Obama for not taking taxpayer dollars to fund his election while McCain has his hands out accepting what amounts to welfare. Too funny!
Line those pockets, Barry.
why not 5 hrs a month of free media time, monthly debates, and a nominal travel stipend and leave it at that. no outside money for the candidates.
Funny how the Obamatons on crooks and liars defend this Criminal and Liar.
The "right thing" for Obama to be doing right now is putting an end to the House Dems caving instead of defending the Fourth Amendment.
Obama and campaign finance reform
http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/12/30/obama-is-lead-sponsor...
POdVet @ 49:
Criminal and Liar? Are you talking about bush? BTW what are you pissed off about? Are you pissed that your fellow troops died for a lie? Did you sign up to die for oil? Did they?
so, i guess the richest man wins as always.
Dr. Girlfriend @ 53:
Would you care to explain that comment?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25270157/
Wow! Brian Williams will be the temporary host of "Meet The Press" this Sunday!
The guests will be Sen. Joe Biden(D-Del) vs. Sen. Lindsey (Honey) Graham (R-SC)!
Synchronize your watches, folks!!!
they were trying to explain this on the news hour and a former FEC memeber said that it was a smart move for him not to take the pledge and the other talking head said that even in a bad round of fund raising obama would still get 3 times what Mcgame the system would
At the end of the segment the one talking head said that for all purposes the system of campaign finance reform was as good as dead even Mcgamethesytem crowning achievement was killed by his own hand he can't do anything right it would seem
This was a very disappointing decision by Obama. He said he wouldn't do this, and he did.
I don't see how he's any different from any other politician.
Oh well.
He said he would not do this if his Republican Opponent agreed to do so as well, McCain did not file to do this until AFTER McCain made his announcement and today was the deadline.
The Corporate Media is lying to you.
Surprised?
Obama should challenge McCain to sign a pact refusing all contributions from lobby groups and PACs during their presidential campaigns! Obama would still get about 100 million under that arrangement, but McCain would be whittled down to about $6250.
Is it just me, or are there twice as many trolls dancing on this article as there usually are? Seriously, call me out if you think I'm wrong - I'm open to the possibility - but this is ridiculous! Did McSame hire a whole army of simpletons to write in vague statements of general ennui or are people really this easily shattered by one man noticing that he was being set up for a classic queen's gambit. *For those unfamiliar with chess:
Deciding to stifle himself in that agreement that was never agreed upon (lol) would have been flat-out stupid; he realized that and pulled out without taking the bait. And instead he keeps his honour, his wits, and his advantage, the American People. Choosing to stay with his current system, his campaign becomes even more translucent, and also reflective of the people. If he doesn't have enough money, the populace sees it is no one's fault but their own. He has effectively held everyone to their word... to the SPIRIT of their word; and no shame to him for understanding that he was almost outsmarted and calling the bluff.
So suck on that McSame, and the trolls too.
I just sent $25 to Barack Obama - and next month I will give another $25. I am unemployed and don't have the money - but my country and the future of my country are worth it. Go to Obama's website and donate something, anything. He is working for us (all of us including you stupid repugs) and he will be the greatest president our country has seen in a very, very long time.
Obama said he would do it if his opponent agreed.
Anyone see Countdown tonight? They gave his whole statement in context (not the last sentence).
Today was the deadline.
McCain had already been running a general election campaign on private money for 3 months now.
Obama made the decision to opt out.
McCain then said he would take public financing a few hours later, without any press release or official correspondance.
He literally made the decision after he heard about Obama's.
The media really fucked this one up.
Dan @ 57:
You don't get it do you? Public financing - when we check that little box on our IRS forms which doesn't effect what we may owe in taxes. That's tax dollars he's opting out on - he is saving money for our country. He is not taking money from special interests - he is accepting money from the people he will serve. He offered McSame to do the same several months ago - McSame can't because no one - but special interests is supporting his lame attempt to continuing destroying this once great nation. Think!
60 Wise_Fool
61 green
62 cray86
==================
You guys/gals kick ass! :)
to continue - ouch
DHSmd @ 23:
Don't be so paranoid. Part of not being a sheep is to educate one's self on what's going on. I was trying to get an honest explanation, but instead you proved to me that you're not even willing to discuss that. Now, how is that different from the republicans who support Bush through thick and think without ever questioning the evidence put forth?
I guess I'll have to find my answer elsewhere. Whatever happened to the educated electorate? You're attacking me for asking a valid question?
Here's your answer:
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.php?ind=H04
And I'm not a troll. I'm merely trying to understand the issue. When Obama brown nosed AIPAC so much the other day it piqued my curiosity. I'm still voting for him, because he's a hundred times better than McCain.
DHSmd @ 23:
beat the republican at their own game........
Over at the NYT, David Brooks thinks this is worse than nine Hitlers.
occam @ 66:
I guess I'll have to find my answer elsewhere. Whatever happened to the educated electorate? You're attacking me for asking a valid question?
Here's your answer:
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.php?ind=H04
And I'm not a troll. I'm merely trying to understand the issue. When Obama brown nosed AIPAC so much the other day it piqued my curiosity. I'm still voting for him, because he's a hundred times better than McCain.
Well, if you look at that closely, and sift through all the categories, it is clearly a skewed system... it looks at amounts generated, filtered by various affiliations... and Obama is at the top of almost every one of them... because he is funded by the general populace as a whole. not because he is endebted to a select few people inside these interests, but because the very bulk of these groups, the EMPLOYEES in these various fields, are supporting him. There is a very significant difference.
And for piece of mind, I wouldn't call you a troll outright, but to come back to the comment board just to lambaste another commenter and throw it in his face that you found your answer (but not the plain speech that your opposition gave you to the same effect) isn't very convincing that you aren't, my friend. If you don't want to be a troll, don't do crap like that. Everyone gets a bug up their ass and sounds trollish once in a while, keep that in mind.
Terrible @ 50:
Uh, Obama is a Senator. There isn't anything he can do about the House. Except to vote against the measure himself if it comes to the Senate. Which it hasn't yet.
I am an Obama supporter but this is a wrong and dishonest move that smacks of typical political convenience. He should stick to his word and let the chips fall where they may. His original position was the right one and he needs to show integrity by sticking to it. I would expect the Republicans to do this as well as most Democrats but I thought Obama was about change???
roger @ 72:
What do you mean? So Obama should accept public financing - American tax payer dollars? Or should he continue to rely on the tidal wave of the people - ordinary people - giving what they can and saving our tax dollars for more important things than presidential elections. i don't think you understand what is happening here - if I am wrong, someone please correct me.
So how much cash have the republicks raised for the various 527's, also, how much should fux journalism be considered an in kind donation? Let's not forget the other murdoch rags plus all the loving republicks get from the various anchors and hate radio.
I invite everyone here to breathe, think, and call this for what it is: political expediency.
We don't counter the demagoguery of the Bush years by being blind zealots for Obama. (The cult of personality developing around him is a bit unsettling. He's an able politician with good ideas, but let's not surrender our brains to Mr. Olbermann and walk lock-step now).
He is a politician. He chose the politically expedient thing to do. It'll probably help him win in the end. And our leaders should have a strain of ruthless, real-politic to them. So it was probably the right call politically speaking.
But it is expediency. And it is going back on his word. It is (in my book) unethical, slightly disillusioning, and kind of sad.
Wyatt @ 75:
Please, pray tell, how is Obama going back on his word? He offered McSame to opt out of public financing months ago - and seemed to be waiting for McSame to offer some kind of response - yea or nay - McSame cannot and did not accept the challenge. Public financing, the $3 box we check on our 1040's. Think about it for one minute.
.
“Today, Barack Obama has revealed himself to be just another typical politician who will do and say whatever is most expedient for Barack Obama,” said Senator Johnny McFlipFlop...
.
Embittered-Max-Hussein-1 @ 77:
Hahahaha - good job!
Embittered-Max-Hussein-1 @ 77:
You know what I find interesting. Obama spoke to the nation explaining his reason, and in doing so, he spoke to us as the President.
But wait! Didn't Obama PROMISE to fall into the GOP's public financing trap?
Oh noooooo!
rreddy @ 24:
This is what Obama actually said...
f I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.
Oh sh*t... he's doing it again.. "these people are depending on us". Didn't he learn from the whole "bitter" mess where he insulted people by talking about them in the third person? It just pisses me off when he says things like that.
Listen up Barack baby... you don't say "these people"... you say "I know YOU are depending on us..." How many times do I have to explain to you that you talk TO people not about them?
You say "I know you are counting on me to bring about the changes we need... we can only do it together." blah blah blah. But this third person nonsense is devastating. He's going to lose the election if he keeps saying nasty stuff like that.... so subtle... but so so bad.
McSame already violated the public campaign finance rules.
Obama receives plenty of money from companies who bundle money, though no lobbyist/PAC$.
Wondermaus@5 I wish the "times were a changin'"
Mudshark@79 if Obama "spoke to us the President" when will he flex some political muscle to get out of Iraq, stop FISA compromise and defend the 4th amendment, or stop torture and defend the 8th amendment?
Apparently, Obama disses me, 70% of the US, and millions of Americans who made small donations and volunteer for him by supporting a pro-war candidate in Georgia who promised not to "cut and run" from Iraq.
Call me cynical but Obama is playing US.
Professor Peabody @ 82:
Professor Peabody @ 81:
I still don't get what your issues are? Okay, he may have assumed that he would need the tax dollars to fund his campaign - but he has learned that he doesn't. He also offered to McSame to opt out - with no response. Today he opted out, what's the big deal? Why is this even an issue - frankly, I don't get it. Someone please educate me.
green@85
rreddy perceives a Credibility problem with Obama on campaign financing. He cannot reconcile Obama's even-handed flexibility by extending the same option to McSame. I dismiss this, but maintain that Obama has a mounting credibility issue re. Iraq.
I am on a huge campaign telling everyone who ever cast a vote for the torturer in chief to step aside on this election cycle - don't even bother because you have proven a lack of reason and self interest - let alone the fascism these people are peddling under the guise of patriotism. It is working. The shame is huge, the pain is stifling and the people are pissed. They know they were misled - they know they were lied to - and now the shame. I don't believe in saviors; I believe in truth and justice. There is no way that Obama can clean up the messes these criminals have unleashed upon the world - we only know a smidgen of what will eventually be revealed. We are not children; we must own our responsibility otherwise we will never heal. These are trying times - let's be realistic and let's be good to each other.
Jesus Christ. This is the first time I've ever looked at comments on this blog, and they are as dumbed down as the media this site tries to lampoon. The only sensible commenter, linking to opensecrets and trying to form an honest and informed picture of the world, is denounced as a troll. What the fuck?
Does anyone maybe think the new McCain Fund raising tactic might have entered into Senator Obama's decision. I'm talking about the one Headlined in Washington Wire, April 19. "New McCain Fund Gets Around Donation Limits" . Story reads-"To help ease their fund-raising woes, John McCain's campaign has devised a new system to increase the maximum amount an individual can donate to the unofficial Republican nominee's election efforts.
Campaign mgr., Rick Davis released the details of the "McCain Victory 08" fund on Friday. He said the entity is a joint committee, combining the McCain campaign, the Republican National Committee and four key states under a "hybrid legal structure."
The idea is to tap donors for more than the $2300 limit set by campaign finance laws. Under legislation pushed by McCain in his role as a Senator from Az., an individual can donate a maximum of $2300 to a presidential primary campaign and the same amount to the general election campaign. Although McCain received the number of delegates necessary to secure the nomination in March, he will not be the party's official nominee until the convention in Sept.--so he is still running a primary campaign.
The new structure allows up to $70,000 in individual contributions by channeling the money into different McCain-centric funds. The first $2300 of that would go to McCain's primary campaign. The Republican National Committee would receive $28,500 of the donation. The remaining funds would be divided equally, up to $10,000 a piece, among four states the campaign has designated as battlegrounds for November. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado and New Mexico.
Davis said those four states were selected because they "probably don't have the capacity to fund directly out of their own organic resources in state." He added: "They will benefit from a national fund raising effort that will help funnel money to those state Victory programs."
The campaign also has individual Victory Fund programs in Ca., Oh., and Fl. Each of those states can also receive a maximum of $10,000 from an individual, Davis said.
Could this possibly be what Senator Obama is speaking about when he says they have learned how to "game the system"?
commander in thief @ 86:
I'm not quite sure what you are saying - please clarify. Thank you.
McFlip-Flop is not happy.
green@90
I think rreddy simply saw Obama change position and believes Obama is a liar who doesn't keep his word. maybe rreddy sees Obama as inconsistent because he ignores the fact that Obama told McCain to feel free opt out. rreddy should understand that McCain is less consistent given that he embraced public campaign finance yet overspent in violation of the rules.
Why is Obama supporting a pro-war candidate who uses Republican talking pts like "cut and run from Iraq" in his ads?
More of the same. So far since Barry has presumptively gotten the nomination he has:
Put the military stike back on the table as it concerns Iraq.
Has altered his stance on meeting any one any where for whatever
Has kissed AIPACS ass among other thngs...
Now has reniged on his public campaign promise.
This guy is turning into Senator Bill McCay "What do we do now?"
There trying to retread the wiffey.....
I really believe that come November people are going to be horrified to discover that once again the American voter is going to be stuck with the lesser of two lessers!
commander in thief @ 92:
This is what I need you to explain - I think you need to provide a viable link. Thank you
Obama's taking a lot of heat for this, so it's a bit of a loss for him. It's a Damn if you do damn if you don't scenario.
If he stays in he gets screwed by the RNC's 527 Swift Boat Brigade.
If he stays out he gets told he's a "slimy politician" or he "can't keep a promise".
Can you blame Sen. Obama? There's no one running the FEC right now. It's like playing league ball without any refs.
To all those "Obama is playing us, lying, flip-flopping, no different..."
He's got millions of Americans repeatedly giving small donations every month. That's never, ever been done before and it packs a significant punch.
Part of why it is happening is people really want change. Another part of it happens to be the Internet and it's ability to empower people powered politics.
So, we can go on and on about how Obama is just like everybody else, saying anything to win. Truth is, he's not done that, nor will he. Anybody that has followed his efforts so far knows that.
All comes down to the end game. Do we want McCain? When we break down Obama, that's exactly the end result. Think about the Supreme Court.
That's what this election is about. Elect McCain, either outright, or by smearing Obama, and we lose our liberties for what is highly likely to be the rest of our adult lives.
Elect Obama and that's not gonna happen.
Doug in PDX @ 96:
Well said and I applaud you. The times ahead will not be easy - I only hope (and I believe) that Obama will be truthful with the people. He knows we need that after 7+ years of lies. We the People can handle the truth - and act accordingly. We've been played for fools - vigilance people, do not ever forget this time.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 2:
What happened? I missed it.
Read all about it green and Doug in PDX@96
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/06/19/obama/index.html
The US is a fascist/corpratist dictatorship. Obama talks a great game about being vs. Iraq while he supports a Bush enabler and refuses to give Bush a license to war w/Iran by not showing up for the Iran. Rev. Guard is a terrorist vote, or being pro-Constitution and civil rights while letting the Dem. leadership fork over the 4th Amendment. Many of US are getting pissed.
I'm waiting for Obama to start representing those millions of Americans who gave small donations. If he cannot as Senator why will he as President?
We already voted for Democratic change in 2006 and we're still in Iraq and losing our liberty and security every day. Why should we get burned again with a facade of change? for a softer landing into a full-fledged military dictatorship?
Unless Obama begins Representing soon, I'm riding the wave of the millions of independents who cannot tolerate either of the two political brands. You choose: Third parties of the people or War parties of the corporations.
edit. Obama "gives Bush a license to war w/Iran by not voting for the Iran. Rev. Guard is a terrorist vote"
commander in thief @ 99:
Wow - I appreciate your passion - and you certainly have reason for great concern. Here we all are - a people who have been played and lied to - why should we think anything will be different. I suppose we shouldn't. But we have to start somewhere - and until a viable third party can compete we must move toward that which serves the people as best it can for now. McSame will not serve you or me or anyone but those who have fucked us for the last 7+ years. Okay, let's count the old goat out. Let's make a better choice - and evolve - something is happening and we must move in this direction and see where it takes us. Fascism is not the way - fear and the bullshit terrorism card is not the way. Truth - and real solutions to real problems is the way. Be a leader, not a blind follower. Offer solutions...........
please define a welfare queen or king to me now again....
McCain is playing the system. He has organized a way for individual donors to give up to $73,000.00 each by giving to the Republican National Committee. McCain then uses the RNC money to attack Obama. So McCain takes the tax payers money then uses extra funds, as much as he can collect, to attack Obama. Obama just nullified this plan by the GOP and McCain.
If your enemy is drowning, throw the bastard an anchor...
"Hey McCain, Catch this $300 million in small online donations!"
If you can stomach it, read David Brooks in the Times today. Among the crap he spouts, he observes that "Meanwhile, Obama’s money is forever. He’s got an army of small donors and a phalanx of big money bundlers, including, according to The Washington Post, Kenneth Griffin of the Citadel Investment Group; Kirk Wager, a Florida trial lawyer; James Crown, a director of General Dynamics; and Neil Bluhm, a hotel, office and casino developer." He says Barack threw his campaing for reform "under the truck." (Note: he also says Obama threw Wright "under the truck." Apparently "under the bus" changed to "under the truck" and no longer means mades someone the fall guy. A subtle but significant slip that is the basis for most of his column.)
So, they're criticizing Obama for not playing by the rules he advocates. That would be stupid, which Obama is not. He should not subject himself to the rules he advocates until the competition is also subject to those rules.
What should really scare the hell out of them is his "army of small donors." In other words, regular citizens. My God, a campaign supported by individuals. Citizens. Coming together in unity to oust the people that have put the U.S. and the world in one hell of a mess. Now that is what the fascist Bushinistas/Cainanistas are really afraid of. Brooks is their lap dog.
I'm sorry, but a lot of you are letting your loyalty cloud your judgment. Of all people, Joe Scarborough got it best when he pointed out that *anybody* would make the choice Obama did (and that it's a political sound choice). The troubling thing is the tone, the insulting assumption, contained in the video. Obama's reasons to opt out of public financing is he's going to need every $ he can get b/c the Republicans are so big and mean and are going to throw sand in our eyes.... That's true, but the pundits are right on this (yes, even a bad clock is right twice a day).... he should have spun it as "I had no idea there would be such a massive groundswell of support for me... all these americans are in line to support the cause of change, and I think opting out of public financing is the best way to allow them to support a better america... plus, our national debt is astronomical and there's no reason I should spend tax payer money when millions of americans are ready to contribute directly to my campaign."
That is so much more respectable and honest than "the repub's are so big bad and mean, we need every weapon we can get our hands on to beat them down." This is not the progressive, new politics that he promises... and for people who consider yourself Obama supporters, you need to check yourself before you wreck yourself... If you really despise the "yes men" sycophancy of Bush Co.'s administration, then you need to be ready and willing to turn the magnifying glass of scrutiny back on yourself, ALL THE MORE SO if we win!!!!
We are not serving the kind of change American politics needs by allowing Barack to talk down to us and go back on his word without honestly explaining why (when he originally made the pledge, who could know he'd have such overwhelming support from small donors/the internet... I can buy and accept that as a reason, not "repub's play unfair so I feel justified in going back on my word").
I know many here will shoot down what I am saying and will defend Barack to the death, and to a certain extent, I guess I'm happy you're around to support him because, flaws and all, I do support his policies and what he stands for. But, the substance had better match the style, goddamnit... because, I won't accept somebody who doesn't reason with me like I'm an adult. The thing I love about Obama is that he'll frequently give answers that require you to have a brain to understand them (i.e., his points on habeas which are pretty obvious if you know anything about civics... but, still, it goes beyond your typical sound byte). I guess I feel disappointed because this change was understandable and could have even matched Obama's message of hope, but instead, he squandered the chance to frame it that way and left us with some cheap online sound byte to feed to the media.
Flame if you will, but some of you need to hear the truth and be willing to address these fundamental problems, because if we don't, WE ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN BUSH AND THE NEOCON FUCKS!!!!
to be honest this sounded a little petulant. he should have just said that he didn't imagine how many people would become involved in the campaign and that he didn't want to take tax-payer money when so many want to fund him themselves. The whole 527s, PACs thing is too wonkish. It's also hard to play the victim with MoveOn out there with the "McCain will kill your baby" ads. This whole thing is a bit of a low for the campaign. Oh well, it'll blow over because now he'll be able to outspend McCain 3-1.
that's not the point, ryan. We want more than a candidate who does what's politically expedient and allows his difficult moments to "just blow over." He should have been a leader and framed the topic in a completely different manner. Frankly, I'm feeling quite uninspired by what I'm seeing from his campaign over the past couple of weeks....
CW, I really wish Obama said what you suggest. It's always better to tell the direct truth and let the chips fall where they may.
And, like you, I can't imagine Obama not seeing that. But that does raise the question "why did he not make that choice." Perhaps they couldn't find a way to say it that wouldn't make great negative ad sound bites. After all, in this new information overload environment, politicians practically have to analyze any string of three or more words they utter in front of a microphone. If they don't they might be turned into Mao or Stalin or something.
I sure like the way you think.
CW, I don't like it when my favorite candidate seems to make overt political calculations. But I'm not so sure the "Repugs will be mean" is so bad an argument.
They will. They'll swiftboat him somehow. They'll say he's a Muslim again and again and again. They're going to be brutal and the so-called liberal media will report those accusations against him again and again and again. Replaying them ad nauseum free of charge. The Dems won't have that resource. We won't tell big lies about McCain in the first place.
The liberals just don't act like the Cons. Integrity is so fundamental to a liberal position that we don't talk about it anymore than we talk about breathing. Of course there are exceptions, and I dislike those more than I dislikes the conservative creeps. But generally, we want to win our arguments on the merits. I'll change my position if I'm wrong. I'll bet most of us can say that.
I think you're a little hard on Barack for politicking.
WHAT, you noticed obamalamadingdong lies through his teeth about EVERYTHING?! RACIST,aaaaah HOPE, uuuuuh CHANGE, BITCH,uuuuh, gurgle, gasp,must have koolaide,DEADE-ENDER, must have obamazoidal infussion...ack...brain's starting to work...OBAMALAMADINGDONG?!? Democratic "presumptive candidate?!OH MY GAWD, WHAT THE F*CK HAVE I DONE!?! NOOOOOOOooooooooo!
ryan @ 107:
So you watched Joe Scarborough this morning too. You are quoting him word by word. Look, how can he change things if he does not get elected? Joe and his bitch Miki make me sick. The bottom line is, Obama is not the wimp they expected. He knows how to win. He is not being swift boated like Kerry. He is not being like Carter relying on being passive and fair. Carter would had kept his word and sticked by accepting public fundings and then get his ass kicked by the Republican attach machine. Not this time. Got to go. I have to make a contribution to the Obama campaign.
Look at the LIBERAL MEDIA completely ignore McCain's violation of election laws during the primaries.
Obama got $25 from me yesterday as he will from every paycheck I get between now and November.
Srep Chanutikorn @ 104:
Love it love it. They can cry and whine, and spin and make a non-story into a story, but the fact remains, Obama is going to blow McCain out of the water financially. McCain will not be able to compete. Ahhhhhh how sad...how indicitive of the fact that McCain has almost zero support from the 'People'. Unless of course you consider his support by the 28% 'ers except the jury is still out if these are indeed real people or even human at all.
Pillow Pants @ 112:
I got my $1200 Borrow-Money-From-The-Future stimulus check today. I'm gonna throw some of it at the Obama campaign.
xoites defends Constitution @ 43:
As far as I know Obama said he would go with public financing as long as his opponent agreed to do the same. McCain opted out of Public financing in the primaries.
Smart move since we all know mccain has his sugar daughter, the beer baroness to pay for his services.
CW has the nerve to quote Joe the Killer Scarborough, what a laugh, when he come clean about how the intern died in his office then maybe he can have a little respect, but until then he's just another coward.
That website is only telling you for which industry an individual works for that donates. So if I am a hospital nurse with no political power they will count my money as if it were coming from a Health Lobby or PAC. Not accruate accounting. Just because I work for a hospital doesn't mean I am a PAC.
occam @ 66:
Did anyone see The Verdict with Dan Abams. He got tape of McBush saying he was not proud of America until he was captured. (Or something like that).
C&L - can you post this. It shows what a hypocrite McBush is.
Join Senator McSame and me for a stroll down foggy Short Term Memory Lane....http://www.tagg-theangrygayguy.com
That's the problem with Teflon candidates. Even when they reverse a pledge that they had made earlier, they can do no wrong.
barack obama: quintessential politician, self righteous flip flopper, liar
sher @ 118:
I found it:
Republicans have hammered Michelle Obama for her remarks in February that she was proud of America "for the first time in my adult life." Tonight, however, Dan Abrams showed footage he uncovered of a Fox News interview with John McCain on March 13, 2008, in which McCain said, "I didn't really love America until I was deprived of her company."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/19/watch-mccain-didnt-love-a_n_108...
MY GOD...so when OUR GUY "flips" it's OKAY? I'd like to know where the 84-5 million that he'd have gotten goes now? Is that money saved? HA, HA...okay, he's raising tons of money and this hurts McCain (not a bad thing) but given the other current news about DEMS caving on FISA I am struggling to find the HOPE Obama spouts off about constantly. Our DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY is polluted and should be called on this latest piece of shite! NO MORE MONEY for any of them...all switch to INDEPENDENT and get the attention of folks who will run on term limits (then accept them) and work for THE PEOPLE...course I'm nearing 70 and don't expect to live to see it happen...
When he said he'd bring a gun I guess the Republics didn't realize he was going to bring a big gun!!! Go Obama!
Devotion to Obama is fine; the mindless devotion to Obama evinced here is troubling.
He lied.
No, he didn't lie and bring us into an illegal, disastrous war. Nor did he lie and take away our civil liberties, or give more power to the oil companies, or tarnish our image and betray our values by allowing torture.
But he did lie. I don't think we remedy the failings of the Bush years by repeating the same errors for a different candidate.
I'll be more wary of giving him money and unconditional support. This action doesn't mesh well with the rhetoric, that's for sure.
Gosh there seems to be alot of Obama haters on this thread. Too bad they can't make intelligent arguments. Nothing like making a complete fool of yourself. Sheesh.
“Today, Barack Obama has revealed himself to be just another typical politician who will do and say whatever is most expedient for Barack Obama,” Says McCain.
AND WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU EXPECT, McCAIN? You think he's gonna do whatever is expedient for YOU?
If ya can't take the heat, Shut Up and get out of the kitchen!
P.D. @ 12:
Me too!!!
Hahaha!
To change the broken system you FIRST have to win.
And to win you have to play INTELLIGENT! Hahaha
And since when peoples donations aren't public financing?
Colin @ 124:
Oh my. He lied. I am so shocked. GIVE ME A BREAK
obama campaign is lying like shit about the small donations. he's going to be in jacksonville today and i can't see him because it costs $300 - $2300 per ticket. screw that. take the public financing so your supporters can come see your ass.
mike tysons @ 129:
Yeah, isn't that just terrible. He's playing our game. Not fair. Boo hoo.
Obama's decision is disappointing, but at least he is not taking money from PACs and special interest groups. Most if not all of his money comes from the American people via the Internet.
And I love how John McBush is "deeply disturbed" by Obama's decision. The only reason he wants public financing is because Obama will out-raise him 4-1.
I am not a Republican by any means, but why does Obama get a pass on this blog for continuing the money contest that presidential elections have become? Critisism should be even handed, regardless of the letter behinds someone's name.
It's funny how it's ok for Obama to flip and be praised about it. He's starting to show his true side as a devious politician and is the reason I'm still voting for Hillary this fall. With her I knew what type of person I was voting for. This talk is a wast of time anyway because as soon as they drop the first bombs on Iran his campaign is over.
john @ 117:
yes, I have the nerve to quote somebody.... no matter how unscrupulous they are... if what they are saying is important and correct. Look, I hate Joe Scarborough... but, like I said before, once in a blue moon one of these blowhards are right about something and the fact that you are all blindly dismissing it based on AD HOMINEM attacks demonstrates that you are JUST LIKE the same brainless toadies who unflinchingly defend Bush's policies by using character assassinations to discredit detractors.
This is why the system is screwed..... mindless pricks who will ignore the truth if it's disadvantageous for whatever cause they support. The sycophancy expressed here by Obama "supporters" is shameful and I'm starting to question how helpful this type of support is when it turns our party into a meaner, leaner version of the soulless republicans.
WAKE UP and look in the mirror. Turn back while you still can. Some of you are so obsessed with winning that you've already sacrificed your integrity. So much for "change".... Different party/president/administration, same ol' shit....
Litabell @ 127:
Another AD HOMINEM attack. That is a right-wing tactic, damnit! What is it about what we're saying that you disagree with? How about instead of attacking us personally and saying we can't make intelligent arguments and make complete fools of ourselves (without offering any examples of why you think such), you actually respond to the point that remains unresolved: WHY DIDN'T OBAMA FRAME THIS IN A POSITIVE MANNER, AND CANDIDLY EXPLAIN HIS REASONING FOR DOING SO, INSTEAD OF ASSURING US IT IS OKAY IF HE BACKTRACKS ON SOMETHING HE SAID BECAUSE WE CAN ALL BE SURE THAT THE REPUBLICANS WILL PLAY UNFAIRLY.
Don't get me wrong. I know McSame and the neocon cronies are crooked and don't play fairly. But, shit, is that grounds that WE shouldn't have to? How can you people get off espousing "change" and "hope" when you justify your own shortcomings and compromised scruples based upon the poor behavior of your opponent.
Way to set the bar high, guys..... We'll win this election, but it's clear this mentality is what will lose us the war against American hubris and Washington's permanent campaign madness.
dumbfounded @ 135:
No wonder you call your self dumbfounded. You are going to vote for Hillary. What will that prove?
Arrrgh... This is not a good thing.... I understand it, the reasoning behind it and all of that... Still not a good thing.. I hope the RNC doesn't manage to make to many p.r. points off it..... Obama is correct in saying the publically financed elections process is broke... His bailing out of it though, doesn't fix it and I believe McCain's choice to use public funds for his campaign will gain him some ground over it.... Very troubling turn of events.....JD
Anyone remember,
“READ MY LIPS, NO NEW TAXES”
Look, I am not voting for McCain, but burying our heads in the sand and participating in blind hero worship will not make things better. Obama's hands are very dirty on Campaign financing. Go to http://opensecrets.org/ and look at his top contributors, look at the industry breakdown of his contributions and look at his PAC's, the Hope fund, contributions during the primary (A remarkable list of Super delegates). Then go to http://whitehouseforsale.org/ and examine his contributions by bundlers. Keep in mind Hillary has split a lot of bundlers off from him, due to the primary. I bet those bundler numbers are going to increase even more now that the general is underway. Voting for a different guy won't help fix the system. Educating yourself as a citizen and getting involved in groups that fit back is the only way to fix it.
Jack Damage @ 139:
Anyone with a brain knows McBush would do the same thing if he could raise more money. America is not as stupid as one would believe. This will blow over like everything else. Unless you watch FOX news.
sher @ 141:
THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT!!!
Beware of justifying your hubris by equivocation and citing how low your opponent will go as a free pass to get down and dirty. If you want to get down in the gunk w/ the neocons and claim it's all fair because they are so unfair, have at it... but YOU ARE STILL WRONG!
Sher@141;
I hope your right............. I know you are right about McBush's strategy if he thought he could rake in the casah if he did that too.. And I'll concede that the seeming gnatlike attention span of the overall populace and need for the media to always find the next big thing, tends to support your statement... We'll see. It ain't a deal breaker for me, but it does tend to make Obama look a bit weak on principles, at least at the moment, and I know the RNC will work it for whatever they can gain from it.....JD
Jack Damage @ 143:
What do you want? Some one a little WEAK on principals and lose the election? Did that not happen to Gore and Kerry. And now we are in IRAQ. This is not Disneyland. This is politics. No one is perfect.
sher @ 144:
Hmmmm.... Have we found a new campaign slogan? Tell Obama's people to stop the printing presses. It's time to start churning out a new bumper sticker! I can feel the inspiration oozing from every inch of my body.
"No one is perfect." = words that set the tone for progressive change if I've ever heard them before.
::rolls eyes::
Again, you're no better than Bush. Or, in fact, you sound a lot like Billary when they knocked Obama for "making speeches and inspiring people with a hopeful message." How dare you chastise supporters who are trying to get us all to acknowledge it was a mistake that shouldn't be repeated/supported. You know, we've had experienced with refusing to admit your wrong or your candidate is wrong... first, Bush and *everything* about *any* policy he advocates, then Hillary and her position on Iraq, and now Obama supporters equivocating on the grounds that the ends justify the means.
Take that Machiavellian shite elsewhere, man! I didn't sign on for your status quo pragmatism! If you set the bar low, you're going to get the same ol' shit *every* time. Why do you people call yourself "supporters" when you're just enablers who are unwittingly sabotaging your own cause?
CW @ 145:
CW - you are right. O'bama is wrong for changing his mind - or lying. Now what?
sher @ 146:
Hmmm... well, him changing his mind is NOT what bothers me. His justification for doing it is what is so troubling (i.e., imo "two wrongs make a right" is what he is saying, whether you want to admit it or not).
In any case, lets say you were to agree that "Obama is wrong for justifying the change in thinking as an 'eye for an eye' / 'two wrongs make it right' type of thing. Now what?"
To that I answer, we must figure out *WHY* Obama and his campaign took such a juvenile position, we must determine *WHO* advanced this position (was it him, an advisor, a team that came up with the strategy), and we must brainstorm ways to ensure this RIDICULOUS tit-for-tat vindictiveness has *NO* place in his campaign.
You need to believe! He can run a clean campaign, win over the people with a message of hope and change (without sullying his hands with the muck and disgusting filth of conventional politics), and it could usher in a new era of American politics where ideological warfare takes a backseat to pragmatic responsibility. Or, we can settle for "same ol' same ol'" because this is politics and not Disneyland.
It's clear from the sampling of very vocal "supporters" found here who think the ends justify the means (and engage in the very same distortions and gamesmanship that neocon hucksters do)... no, it's undeniable Barack and his movement are probably just another wolf in sheeps clothing.
There is nobody who would want to see himself proved wrong more than me, but a lot of you people have soured me on what I found to be a very uplifting, affirming message of hope and new politics, free of ridiculous us vs. them politics. Saying you are justified in breaking your word because your opponent is a jerk hardly qualifies has ground-breaking in my book. The more you "supporters" defend this position, the more you lessen the veracity of your claim that you represent change and a type of politics that transcends the partisanship of the past.
I was on Huff Post and accidentally hit a link to a couple of articles on ABC about the opt out. I almost vomited. Seriously, I have never seen such vile, disrespectful, disgusting (and way off topic) comments. The MSM has truly hit rock bottom, and those articles show the lack of journalistic standards. I was overwhelmed with disgust, so I donated to Obama again.
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