Obama gets started - DNC will no longer accept money from lobbyists or PAC's; all Obama fundraisers will have at least one reporter

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is moving on two fronts to make transparency a linchpin of his campaign, opening his fundraisers to reporters and clamping down on the Democratic National Committee’s fundraising from Washington insiders.

The moves, announced on his second full day as the party’s de facto presidential nominee, are designed to drive a campaign message of change versus more of the same, aides said.

His likely opponent, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), closes his fundraisers to the press. Beginning last night, Obama will open all of his fundraisers to at least a pool reporter, who will share the information with the rest of the press corps.

Beginning Thursday, the DNC will no longer accept checks from federal lobbyists or political action committees, mirroring the strict standard Obama adopted for his presidential campaign.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/10871.html

[Peikko 1,575]

That's great as far as it goes but heck that doesn't go very far now does it? I want to see more than this as proof that he has a plan to make long term change in the structure of the way politics is performed. I mean, what kind of a sacrifice is this? Come on Barack, I am looking for more than cosmetics.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The DNC not taking PAC and lobbyist money is 'cosmetics'?

[Peikko 1,575]

Yes. That doesn't change anything substantially. We know he is willing to run a campaign on internet funding from small donations he has done that successfully but that doesn't automatically make it possible for every candidate to do the same thing. Are we going to change one broken system and replace it with another one that is flawed? Having to raise these enourmous sums individually to fund campaigns is the pariah in my opinion.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The DNC has relied heavily on lobbyist/PAC money to date. You're confusing Obama's own fund raising with that of the DNC's. This is a major change, and a major differentiator from the RNC. It's not cosmetic.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Awesome move. I hope the Republican Party under McCain's guidance will eventually do the same.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Awesome move. I hope the Republican Party under McCain's guidance will eventually do the same.

Agreed, that would set an excellent precedent.

As a matter of fact, with McCain's history of advocating campaign finance reform, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he followed suit!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Awesome move. I hope the Republican Party under McCain's guidance will eventually do the same.

Agreed, that would set an excellent precedent.

As a matter of fact, with McCain's history of advocating campaign finance reform, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he followed suit!

Yep. I think this is going to be a much different race than what we've seen before.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The DNC has relied heavily on lobbyist/PAC money to date. You're confusing Obama's own fund raising with that of the DNC's. This is a major change, and a major differentiator from the RNC. It's not cosmetic.

In terms of funding his campaign - sure. But is his idea of changing how Washington works limited just to getting elected or is it something he's going to carry through a term of office? IMO that's rather less clear.

I thought the bigger question here was the influence that special interest groups have over matters of public policy.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I thought the bigger question here was the influence that special interest groups have over matters of public policy.

They buy that influence. With money.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I thought the bigger question here was the influence that special interest groups have over matters of public policy.

They buy that influence. With money.

Exactly. I think this is an excellent move and a significant move.

Love that pic in your signature.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

If they're not taking the money - they're still involving these people in their campaigns (in advisory capacities, for example).

I also expect there will be some creative definition twisting down the chain on what actually qualifies as lobbying activity. That and (for example) money-laundering - I expect you'll see a rash of donations where corporate money is laundered through charities and/or non-profit groups.

A good start - I'll admit. But there's surely reason to be (a little) skeptical.

Edited June 5, 2008 by Number 6

[Peikko 1,575]

The problem is that this is not a policy measure - at least not in terms of a position the DNC is prepared to take in every election (not from what I understand anyway, but correct me if I am wrong). It's easy for Barack to do this because he is in a position where he doesn't need this funding. That is a far cry from making it into policy or changing anything fundamentally.

If this 'show piece' measure is all he comes up with, it isn't a convincing shift anywhere. Anyone can take a step that involves no personal sacrifice or hardship.

[almaty 19]

sister purple..just wondering, when did mccain ask the gop to do the same?

[Peikko 1,575]

I am sure he hasn't.

Again, where is the policy proposal here? If this is something that needs to be addressed then go ahead and address it, but to just say "well I am doing it now (from a position of not needing the funding) so that means I have implemented a sound strategy going forward" is just bull.

Edited June 5, 2008 by Purple_Hibiscus