Letters to the Editor
-
Cashing In
I think Obama should go with the public funding, even though it'll cut him off from the small donor cash pipeline and probably save McCain from some serious embarrassment (just because the GOP's money tree has certainly been heavily pruned this season and in the 2006 elections). It's likely more important for Obama to stick to his word and trust in his abilities as a candidate, his campaign's organization and the enthusiasm and volunteerism of his supporters to help him out against McCain, rather than relying on a tidal wave of cash to shoot down McCain. I think Obama's a credible enough candidate to be able to beat McCain regardless of the amount of money pouring into his coffers. It would be worth it to gain the credibility of sticking to his word, versus the short-term rush of near-endless cash.
-
Obama is a hypocrite
too bad it took this long for anyone to even question him about it. Can anyone seriously think he's going to go with public financing now? The fact that he outspends Hillary 3-1 is the only reason he's made it this far.
-
are they practising politicians?
the mechanics of politics rewards immoral behavior. if you want a better outcome: a. put angels into the system, or b. put people into a better system.
haven't got angels? consider an amendment to the constitution, establishing democracy.
-
"new politics, honesty and transparency in politics, not the old politics"?
Why does this not suprise me?
I'm partial to Obama, but the man tends to believe his own rhetoric, which blindsides him. Now that he's raking in money, he may be considering his good-goverment stance. But people wouldn't be too surprised about that if they were go to Harper's Magazine and track down a Ken Silverstein artice called "Obama, Inc." that appeared in the November 2006 issue.
If Obama really believed in what's doing, he ought to keep his word, take the public money, but turn over his 1 million donor list to the DNC. Let the Democratic party raise the money for him.
A greater irony, still, is McCain, Capt. Clean on the "Straight Talk Express," also trying to wiggle out of his commitment.
And some people wonder why Ralph Nader is running.
-
"Are Barack Obama and John McCain hypocrites?"
Yes, and yes.
His Hopeness and the Maverick in Chief, pandering political low-lifes just trying to get into office?! Who could possibly have known?!
-
Obama and McCain
This is a huge joke. Obama and McCain will get plenty of exposure via debates. Of course the TV companies would like to see them get as much money as possible because much would be spent on TV ads.
It would be interesting if they could cooperate to bribe Ralph Nader to stay home. Cynical? But the bottom line is that these people are um. . politicians. Best is to vote for Obama and Republicans in Congress or McCain and Democrats in Congress. Then they don't get too far out of line.
-
Obama pledged to stick with spending limits...
after he is the nominee, that would mean AFTER the convention; in August. That's just a little over two months before the general election.
Should Hillary bow out after next Tuesday, what's to prevent Obama from continuing to run positive ads on the issues in the months before the convention, while the DNC runs ads against McCain?
He could easily agree to take public financing in September and October and run a very effective campaign.
I don't see it hurting Obama to stand by his pledge.
-
Oh Obama
How nice that we are treated to the real Obama at this stage in the game. Thanks media...you really got your guy in there at the expense of the American people -- much appreciated (Salon included).
All I can say is thank God I didn't succumb to his bull -- or media hype -- when deciding what to do with my vote. I would have never forgiven myself.
-
Hurts McCain more than Obama
I read Obama's statement about public financing and he left a few loopholes so I think he can get out relatively unscathed. On the other hand, McCain was a a sponsor of the financing reform so it stings more if he rejects it.
As to hypocrisy, as others have said, big surprise that politicians are going back on an ideal to get elected. Plus, if we judged everyone for hypocrisy than we all be forced to wear large H's on our chests. We all tend to interpret things to make sense in terms of our self-interest and then justify our impulses however we can. Human nature.
-
What about that other pledge?
All this talk of pledges, and no one is comparing it to the other very visible pledge taken by the Democratic candidates: Florida and Michigan. When those states defied the DNC, all the candidates understood that those delegates would not count towards the total. But because Clinton would be helped by seating F. and M., she sidesteps her earlier agreement and calls for their votes to count.
Given this context, how can anyone fault Obama for wanting to cross the t's and dot the i's on any agreement with a Republican candidate? If the rules are not clear, then any violation would just get swept under the carpet by the winning Republican like the problems in Florida in 2000. Obama is promising the Democrats he will not allow himself to be swiftboated and will not be a meek (and losing) candidate. That means he will do what it takes within the law to win the election.
Obama points to an agreement between Weld and Kerry in 1996, as a workable arrangement: any expenditure by an outside group was counted against the candidate's limit. Why is that so outrageous a model? And why is anyone faulting Obama for waiting until the primary is resolved before he works out with McCain what their pledge would mean? When countries agree in principle to a treaty or whatever, we give them the time to work out the details so it's enforceable. That's all Obama is asking for here.
-
Oh, man!
Too bad the media didn't honor their duty to act as watchdogs for the citizenry, rather than act as sycophants for these two men. The media's obsequious fawning and flattery have helped create one helluva sorry situation for the rest of us.
Thanks for enabling two hypocrites to get to the top of the GAME, because salon, you too, have played a part in this mess.