The One Truly Disgusting Fact from Last Night

[ylwjacket]

I heard that Obama spent something liked $700M on his election. Republicans are saying that the next election needs to be thought of as a $1B affair.

God, we could do a lot of good in this country with $2B beyond electioneering and campaigning.

This is a system that has to change.

[statdoc]

Just remember, that money is spent to create jobs. Advertising companies, radio, TV, printing, catering, secretarial, phone, electricity, gas, etc. These campaigns are, in essence, temporary huge national companies, reaching into literally every city and town in the USA. Whatever money they spend is put into the economy; it isn't simply vaporized.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by statdoc

Just remember, that money is spent to create jobs. Advertising companies, radio, TV, printing, catering, secretarial, phone, electricity, gas, etc. These campaigns are, in essence, temporary huge national companies, reaching into literally every city and town in the USA. Whatever money they spend is put into the economy; it isn't simply vaporized.

Yes,

And I would expect most of the jobs to be USA-based too --- which is always a good thing these days...

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by statdoc

Just remember, that money is spent to create jobs. Advertising companies, radio, TV, printing, catering, secretarial, phone, electricity, gas, etc. These campaigns are, in essence, temporary huge national companies, reaching into literally every city and town in the USA. Whatever money they spend is put into the economy; it isn't simply vaporized.

That is a good point, but I do think it is crazy that the candidates will have to raise that much of money to be able to compete. Seems a little much. Makes Palin's $150k on clothes seem like a drop in the bucket. Actually, a 0.00021% drop in the bucket.

Anyone think their should be a cap on the amount a candidate can spend?

[statdoc]

Originally Posted by FSETH

Anyone think their should be a cap on the amount a candidate can spend?

There IS a cap, if the candidates participate in the Federal system. As you recall, McCain and Obama both promised to do so, but then Obama changed his mind. McCain was stuck with less money if he chose to honor his promise. That he did so was one of the factors in his defeat.

[MrLabGuy]

Originally Posted by statdoc

There IS a cap, if the candidates participate in the Federal system. As you recall, McCain and Obama both promised to do so, but then Obama changed his mind. McCain was stuck with less money if he chose to honor his promise. That he did so was one of the factors in his defeat.

Truth is McCain did not have the machine in place to keep up with Obama if he opted out of the public financing option.

That said I believe ALL presidential elections should be financed by the public to remove special interests and keep a level playing field. Truth is we pay for it in the end anyway and then some.

[Eric5273]

Originally Posted by MrLabGuy

That said I believe ALL presidential elections should be financed by the public to remove special interests and keep a level playing field. Truth is we pay for it in the end anyway and then some.

If that were to happen, we would see the emergence of some third parties as real contenders.

[NOVAX5]

His campaign paid $8/hr to GMU kids to hand out flyers.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by NOVAX5

His campaign paid $8/hr to GMU kids to hand out flyers.

GMU = George Mason University? I assume you're kidding but I don't understand...

[alewifebp]

Exactly. If Obama had kept his promise, well, he would have lost. They had to outspend the Republicans by such a large margin.

However, Mr. Obama, since you are so much for a "spread the wealth" platform, why didn't you share some of that money you raised and gave it to the less fortunate party?