Public Campaign Financing

Paul68 · Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 58

With Obamas recent decision to opt out of the public financing of his campaign, a slew of observations have popped up on the net.

The main thrust seems to be that it's a move against the "527" political groups well known to be responsible for some of the sleaziest political manuevers, and who are free from the usual rules, and raise ungodly amounts of cash, which if the rules are examined, does not seem to have been the intent of the laws regarding pubic funding.

Others seem to think it's only because Obama stands to gain more from his own efforts at cash raising than he would from public funding, and instead focus on his earlier statements that he fully supports it. He has however made clear although he supports public campaign funding, he also wants it reformed to make such 527 groups unable to operate as they have.

Is it a bad move? Just pandering to idealisms? A genuine shot across the bow of politics as usual in keeping with his calls for change? An easy op cause he's already loaded and cant lose as far as funding goes?

**Skeptical** · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:41 am Post subject:

I hardly think that Obama has purely altruistic motives here, Paul. He is swimming in cash so he can appear to take the high road here without actually hurting himself. Somehow, I can't help but see this as a classic case of misdirection. It gives the impression that Obama is doing something when, in fact, he isn't addressing the tough issues for which he has no real solutions.

This gambit may play well inside the Beltway -- but, at the moment, I'm betting the American public doesn't much care about campaign financing.
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“...If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about answers." -- Thomas Pynchon

**dr wu23** · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Posts: 2150 Location: Indiana

I think all funding should be open and public only in small amounts.....no PACS at all.
PACS and lobbying is part of the problem with a corrupt Congress. I'd also get rid of all political parties.....period....make then illegal. If you want to run for office tell me why and who you are but don't insult us with party politics and sh-t.
I'd also limit the amount of money one could spend on campaigns and require free air time to all legitimate candidates . This would help to level the playing field for those with less personal wealth.
I'm sick and tired of rich assholes beiong elected President. I'd rather vote/elect for a poor asshole for a change.
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"Some say the valley has always been haunted ever since River ran.
The rippling waters fast as the colors conceal the Green Man."
Roy Harpur from The Green Man

**Carol Nistri** · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Posts: 3216

boy I wouldnt want to be this guy if hes sincere about changing washington and its evil ways,hes got to work from the bottom up and its all bottom.