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Obama Camp Hits McCain, Demands Real Campaign Finance Standards
Signaling a very aggressive effort to outflank John McCain on the question of who's the genuine reformer in the race, the Obama camp is already trumpeting the DNC's decision to nix lobbyist and PAC contributions as proof of his superiority on campaign finance reform.
The Obama camp sends out this strongly worded statement from Obama himself...
"I've sent a strong signal in this campaign by refusing the contributions of registered federal lobbyists and PACs," Senator Obama said. "And today, I'm announcing that going forward, the Democratic National Committee will uphold the same standard and won't take another dime from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs. They do not fund my campaign. They will not fund our party. And they will not drown out the voices of the American people when I'm President of the United States."
Obama is openly asserting that the DNC's decision was made at his behest, an effort to project a sense that he's forcefully grabbing the party's levers of power and remaking it in his own reformist image. "John McCain has not adopted any such standards," the Obama campaign statement adds.
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June 5, 2008 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just sent the DNC $150 bucks last week & I've been contributing to the Obama campaign for months, but you know what, the DNC isn't going to get another dime out of me until the Senate Democratic leadership strips Holy Joe Lieberman of his chairmanship and his position in the caucus.
June 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's not the domain of the DNC. You're mixing your targets on this one.
Besides, Obama already has his sights on Joementum™. Have faith, Obama's proving to be more on top of this thing than I'd ever even dared to hope when this started.
June 5, 2008 1:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jack: It is pretty well known in D.C. that Joe will lose his chair come January. They are just waiting post election. He is toast.
June 5, 2008 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Indeed. Joe "Zell Miller" Lieberman's days are numbered.
I would really like to get inside the mind of that man. From a political perspective, what in the hell does he have to gain in supporting McCain? If the political winds were blowing in such a way that republican's were set to retake the senate and house in the fall, then it would make sense. But they aren't. So, he will find himself out of a job next year once the democratic leadership takes revenge on his turncoat ways and strips him of his chairmanship. He will find himself largely marginalized and the Nutmeg State will suffer as a result.
CT voters will rue the day they didn't support Lamont for Senate.
The good news is that CT voters will rue the day and kick his lame-duck ass out next senate election cycle.
June 5, 2008 2:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jozell Millieberman?!?
June 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
This gets him on TV and invitations to GOP+McCain events. TV time is its own reward, that's easy. At GOP events, the extol the principled, bipartisan, wisdom of the great sage Lieberman. There are no Democratic venues which will feed his ego that way, are there?
Ever since he started attacking Bill Clinton's morality, Joe has demonstrated that his priorities are:
1. Joe
2. Joe
3. Joe
4. Joe
5. Hadassah
6. Joe
7. Joe
8. Fox News
9. Israel
10. U.S.
11. Connecticut
12. Democratic Party
June 5, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're punishing the DNC and Obama because of Joe Lieberman? That makes no sense at all. No. Sense. At. All.
June 5, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sure it does. You put pressure wherever it might nudge someone in the right direction. In addition to contributing / not contributing, I write letters -- actual letters on paper -- to people like Reid & the DNC telling them why I'm contributing / not contributing. Sure, I'm only one voter & I don't have delusions about the effects of my small contributions, but progressives really need to hold the Dem leadership accountable in order to win our support. So, send a contribution, or write a letter saying why you're not sending a contribution. It will do you good. It's called democracy.
As for losing Lieberman to the Republicans for the next six months, even if it flipped the Senate, how bad would that be? It might even be good to have Republicans in leadership for the next few months.
June 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I've sent a strong signal in this campaign by refusing the contributions of registered federal lobbyists and PACs," Senator Obama said. "Of course I will be changing my name to Oilbama," the limpwristed one said, "since I proved I am in the pocket of Big Oil by voting for Dick Cheney's Big Oil Energy Bill unlike my rivals Hillary or McCain. I have proven I am in the pocket of the biggest, baddest, sleazyest, lobby in the world."
June 5, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are on the wrong site sweets. It is RNC you want, not here.
June 5, 2008 1:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey a new troll! Obviously we need BETTER new trolls!
June 5, 2008 1:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is the old troll, DemBillC, a.k.a., Dimbulb, a.k.a. Dimbecil.
June 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
My mistake as I am a fairly new and rather marginal non-troll!
June 5, 2008 1:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Firing Blanks, as usual.
June 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here ya go, dumb ass...
http://www.mccainsource.com/corruption?id=0006
June 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/factcheck/2008/01/08/fact_check_obamas_strong_recor.php
June 5, 2008 1:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
HI d-Imbecilic.
June 5, 2008 1:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
DimBulbC. A true Republican troll.
June 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Kick Ass!!
June 5, 2008 1:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent, he has to start getting in front of these kinds of things. Mcbush has had a free ride because obama has had to deal with the clintons. It's good to see him start putting mcbush on the defensive. Awesome.
June 5, 2008 1:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just donate your money directly to the Big Oil companies, they will be sure to give it back to Oilbama to thank him for voting for Dick Cheney's Energy Bill. I am sure Big Oil will even match your gift.
June 5, 2008 1:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Delicious tears. Just fabulous. Nutty and yet sweet.
More please, more.
June 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Firing Blanks, as usual.
June 5, 2008 1:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here ya go, dumbass.....
http://www.mccainsource.com/corruption?id=0006
June 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here ya go, dumb ass.... I can keep this up all day...
http://www.mccainsource.com/corruption?id=0006
June 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
A more recent energy vote....
http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060801-statement_of_se_6/
June 5, 2008 1:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll be making my first DNC donation this morning.
June 5, 2008 1:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just did too. :)
June 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is two fold:
1)Ofcourse, this challenges McCain's ability for reform- challenging his Maverick shit
2)It tests McCain's influence or lack their of on GOP. While Obama is taking control of the DNC, much of RNC doesn't give a shit about McCain.
June 5, 2008 1:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great point. This will be very interesting, to see just how much they respond to this.
This is excellent--I think it's going to be fun to watch Obama now that he doesn't have to avoid hard hits because he opponent was part of the Democratic family!
June 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Plus it puts Obama on the offensive and McSame on the defensive, which is where both should be throughout the campaign.
June 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess it is a day we should be talking about-
Oilbama's buddy Rezco.
Obama has warped, and slezzy "bedfellows" and friends... Rezco, Wright, Farrakhen, Pfleger, Ayers, Meeks, Mechelle, etc. The list is endless...yet the American MSM (CBS,ABC, NBC, MSNBC)gives his passes. WHY? America you better start paying attention to exactly who and what Obama is and where he intends to take our country. If not, you better be prepared to "pay the piper" once he has lulled you into his dream world of "hope and CHANGE" and "yes I can"... Talk is cheap...his talk is dangerous!
June 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh my, you are a fountain of sweet tears today.
Please, another round of fresh tears for all my friends here.
June 5, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Word. His tears, they sustain all of us. Bless blank, for his pain, his whining. It feeds our soul. Thanks, blank!
June 5, 2008 1:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here ya go, dumbass....
http://www.mccainsource.com/corruption?id=0006
June 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
It can't get any worse than what it is right now, due to the real presidential lobbyist oilman George W. Bush.
June 6, 2008 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
The problem, is that he recieved dirty money from Razko for his "ethics campaign". He over-saw the distribution of the tax-payer money to help "his people" on the South Side of Chicago, which any idiot could see was never used for the public housing. Where did the money go?! Well, how funny Obama tried to donate his dirty money from Rezco to charity after the fact. That's the problem. Barack "Ethics" Obama is NO saint. Do some research instead of buying into his "hope". What a joke.
June 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
June 5, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Please leave. No one is reading nor listening.
June 5, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
That was for you "Blank".......bright name, by the way.
June 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here ya go, dumbass....
http://www.mccainsource.com/corruption?id=0006
June 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Blank, I think you would do well to take your own advice by doing some research yourself concern Rezko and Obama. Its better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
June 6, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
If money just isn't an option for you regarding donations, there are other ways to help. For easy access:
Thank you!
http://www.democrats.org/
Thank you!
PS: You can register via the above site if you have not already done so. :)
June 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oilbama’s Best Friend, Tony Rezko, Convicted Of Sixteen Terrible CrimesThe jury reached a verdict in the corruption trial of Chicago “slum landlord” Tony Rezko, the sleazy best friend of Barack Obama. Rezko was a prominent fundraiser for Obama back in the day, and even helped him buy his Hope Mansion in Chicago, and then they started dating, but Obama was too careerist commit to a gay relationship on the side. And that’s a good thing, because Tony won’t be around for trysts no mo’! He was convicted of “12 counts of wire and mail fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of aiding and abetting bribery.” But what’s the worst the judge could throw at him for such petty misdemeanors? Oh: “300 years in prison.” So what? Obama will pardon him in January, 2017, because why not?
June 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
There, there. Let it all out. All your sweet tears.
That's right. Snivel me a river.
June 5, 2008 1:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Firing Blanks, as usual.
June 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://fromtheleft.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/mccain-calls-his-wife-a-cunt/
June 5, 2008 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think my jaw just dropped to the floor! This a revolutionary change to Democratic party and one that will almost certainly guarantee our success until Washington is truly changed or at least until the RNC follows our example.
June 5, 2008 1:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Joseph, I was amazed too. And what a brave move. That is why I am pushing donations. McCain will just keep taking and taking, never questioning where it comes from, look at his abuse with FEC rules during primaries.
June 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ooooooooh, he's good!!!!! ;)
June 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is indeed a revolutionary change to Democratic party, nominate a scumbag like Oilbama with criminal known associates.
June 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Firing Blanks, as usual.
June 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
And in that spirit of kindness, you may go to:
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/joincampaign
June 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
The pathos of your desperation is matched only by the sweetness of your tears.
More tears please. Fill the bathtub.
June 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/factcheck/2008/01/08/fact_check_obamas_strong_recor.php
June 5, 2008 1:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am still waiting for someone to explain to me why Barack Obama represents “change” and “hope” for a new future. The White House is currently occupied by an inexperienced man–a nice man–of limited accomplishment who used cocaine as a young adult. And the best answer the Democrats now offer is an inexperienced man who used cocaine as a young adult? That is change?
June 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here is your answer.
https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/joincampaign
June 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're comments aren't worth the paper I'm writing this on.... oh, wait....
June 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course you are. You are waiting for an explanation. You are willing to engage in a reasonable dialogue. That's why your venting your spleen. Nobody understands your desperation.
More tears please.
June 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Firing Blanks, as usual.
June 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
This could be a good political move for BHO, but we need to be careful about "not throwing the baby out with the bathwater."
PAC money, especially labor PAC money, is vital for House races. It is very hard for good challengers to raise enough money to challenge incumbents without it.
And yes, before you attack me, I do realize that this is the DNC BHO is talking about not the DCCC, but it could be a slippery slope nonetheless.
June 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
This won't affect the DSCC or DCCC. At least that's my understanding. That being said, it's going to force the people to get involved. And if you are putting your money (however small) into the pot, methinks you will be more vested in the outcome and how our leaders run the country.
It's time for the apathy to stop and hold these kids accountable for their actions.
June 5, 2008 1:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I think we will all have to be more involved and more creative in our campaigning from here on out.
The bonus, candidates more bound to their constituents are directly answerable to them. And as you stated, hopefully less apathy in the electorate.
June 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a ballsy move and such moves have paid off supremely well for him thus far. It appears that the Party is trusting his Leadership on this issue. So am I.
June 5, 2008 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just joined the The Puma Party.
Party Unity My Ass
Just say Nobama.
June 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Keep crying. More snivel please. The bathtub is almost full.
Your hopelessness fills me with joy.
June 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Firing Blanks, as usual.
June 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
this troll is not nearly as amusing as gotalife. even by troll standards, that's pretty bad.
June 5, 2008 1:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Clinton is endorsing Obama on Friday/Saturday. Get a life or go mind f*** gotalife elsewhere.
June 5, 2008 1:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yaaaaawn.
Whuh? The trolls are still talking?
Wake me up when they stop.
June 5, 2008 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
STOP. FEEDING. THE. TROLLS
June 5, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
THANK YOU!
I've noticed that the good folks on the comment boards here at TPM have been slowly slipping and feeding more and more to the trolls... not a good thing to do.
June 5, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Question...could this be considered colusion between the DNC and Obama campaign? Isn't that illegal?
June 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Collusion" between a Party and it's nominee. No that's not illegal.
Parties aren't public entities. They're private organizations which can decide to do whatever the heck they want (thus the nutso nomination process we just went through).
June 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought with the new campaign laws any direct coordination between campaigns and national parites led to a whole mess of "campaign finance violations"...maybe I'm mistaken.
June 5, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
As I understand it, the DNC/RNC essentially becomes an arm of the candidate once they're the nominee. I don't understand by what measure a candidate and his party working together on a goal would be considered "collusion."
June 5, 2008 1:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that Obama apparently took on Lieberman yesterday.
I'm donating money to the DNC as well.
June 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
ZOMG, a Connecticut voter!
It's ALL YOUR FAULT!!!
June 5, 2008 2:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't blame her/him.
They're a cat. Cat's can't vote.
June 5, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lobbyists are going to have to find new ways to peddle their influence.
I know, how about actually knowing a topic and actually recommending something helpful for the American people? You know actually lobbying instead of handing out legalized bribes.
June 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, what is the lobbyist response to this. I wonder? Me thinks they may need a change of underwears....
June 5, 2008 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lobbyists will recognize the changed environment and adjust. For instance, new ethics rules have already changed a lot about how this town operates. Only food on a toothpick, etc... which basically means a lot of underpaid, increasingly starving young staffers.
However, the flipside is that lobbyists who can claim "personal friendships" with leading congresspersons will become even more powerful since they are able to play outside these rules to some extent.
June 5, 2008 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmm...wow, Government not beholden to Lobbyists. Responding to the needs and interests of the people. What an INCREDIBLE concept!
June 5, 2008 2:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think our founders were smart dudes!
Undoubtedly, Obama agrees with me!!
;-)
June 5, 2008 2:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Carol, btw, it was a pleasure tag-teaming with you on Nobama yesterday. :)
June 5, 2008 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
NoBama! What a basket case, eh? :)
June 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another thought here is when Barack speaks or does a smack down...there is no fuzz or muddle...
When he speaks and his actions are clear and to the point. He knows how to address issues and to frame distinctions! He will fulfill the mantra of..."Not this time..Never again"!
Just gotta say...on to November and to JANUARY 20, 2009!
June 5, 2008 2:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Too funny. I just finished writing and posting a piece on the GE , CFR and and redefining the political majority in America
Have a boo (see link below). Welcome a discussion.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/06/its-the-lobby-money-stupid-the.php
June 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
As I said in my post, I know BHO is not talking about the DCCC.
However, given the enthusiasm for this proposal, I fear a slippery slope where it will be something the DCCC has to adopt. And, I just wanted to point out that PAC money, especially labor PAC money-- which, by the way, I do not believe is tainted money for Democrats-- is a crucial part of how Democrats defeat incumbent House members.
Furthermore, I don't believe that PAC is a dirty word. Money that comes from SEIU's PAC, the Humane Society's PAC, Senator Durbin's Leadership PAC (for example) is not all bad. Is it?
June 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are a lot, lot more PACs than those out there though, and a lot exist solely for corporate and other political interests to make sure a candidate knows which side of their bread is buttered.
June 5, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent. Showing leadership backbone already.
I have to say it is refreshing to have a Dem leader who stands up for what they believe and has the skills to get the rest of the party to fall in line.
You know, this guy would make a good President. Maybe he should give it a go. ;)
Not all PACs & lobbyists are bad but you have to draw the line and not pick and choose because there is always grey area.
June 5, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly.
June 5, 2008 2:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
No more PAC or Lobbiest money! Now that's what I call change we can believe in. I just Gave the DNC
my contribution. Hope many more will join me.
June 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
"But that's not a change I can believe in!" --John McCain.
June 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
That news GREATLY GLADDENS my heart about Barack Obama!
June 5, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
According to Politico, MoveOn is somehow an exception. They have members donating through MoveOn rather that directly to Obama so "Obama knows where it came from".
McCain is already point to the "HyPACracy" of such an exemption.
Now since donations are not going to MoveOn and then MoveOn cutting a big check but rather Obama is getting individual donations basically on MoveOn stationary there is the loophole.
June 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
According to Politico, MoveOn is somehow an exception. They have members donating through MoveOn rather that directly to Obama so "Obama knows where it came from".
McCain is already pointing to the "HyPACracy" of such an exemption.
Now since donations are not going to MoveOn and then MoveOn cutting a big check but rather Obama is getting individual donations basically on MoveOn stationary - there is the loophole.
June 5, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I couldn't be happier with this direction. It's a major weakness for McCain, and it's good politics. Many crises have been caused by the practice of letting lobbyists write legislation.
June 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's get things cleared up a bit. I remember the AG's national meeting here in Austin where $25K got you Karl Rove for 15 minutes, and $100K got you to Ranger status with Bush. In order to have any face time at all with Bush (before he became President) required a large donation; they had a price list for "face time" and I am not kidding. Tom DeLay's "PAC", and Abramhoff's "lobbying" have been exposed for the criminal operations they were. MoveOn is just not in that league.
I am worried, however, that many lower level Democrats will miss the money, and graft, so Obama is truly trying to change things, even taking some risks.
BP
June 5, 2008 10:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Think revolving door.
Lieberman's probably trying to build up his marketability outside the Republ...sorry, "Democrat" Party as a lobbyist, perhaps, for AIPAC or some such organization.
The guy sent out an e-mail today that mentioned the "Democrat Party." Lieberman did.
The fact that he hasn't hopped on board with the Republicans says to me that the GOP isn't something, you know, you want to be associated with anymore...
T.
June 5, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink