Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

adiposity — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:02:06 GMT

"when did accepting $3 from each taxpayer become less egalitarian than accepting private money?"

The public financing does not consist of accepting "$3 from each taxpayer." Even if it did consist of that, those are only matching funds, which basically means they amount to a doubling of whatever a candidate can raise. This basically makes the public financing completely "even" between the candidates, but it has nothing to do with the wishes of the public.

The reason I say that it does not consist of accepting "$3 from each taxpayer," however, is because checking the box to donate $3 is optional, and even when checked, the money is not charged to the taxpayer! It is charged to the government. So, the portion of taxpayers who choose to check that box basically demand that the government finance public campaigns. I'm not sure this quite fits with your statement. In addition, even if not enough people check the box, the government will STILL do public financing. Huh...this really sounds like individual taxpayers donating to campaigns in small amounts.

A more accurate statement would be ""when did accepting ~$80,000,000 from the government become less egalitarian than accepting private money?" Because the checking of the box on a tax form does not make the funding any more voter driven than if the government just made grants to each party's candidate. Having the $3 "donation" on the tax form is nothing but a farce, since those who check it don't have to actually pay the $3 themselves. It makes it appear individuals are donating the money, but in reality they are not.

Obama's "small donations," which are a large part of his donations, are much more egalitarian than big, corporate donations which may or may not be doubled by matching funds. Now your other points about his larger donations are well taken. But don't let's pretend that matching funds are somehow "small donors." They are one big donor: the government.

-Dan

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

News and Notes — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:03:31 GMT

Obama is every bit as sneeky as he appears to be. Why didn't he just come out and say he wouldn't take the Federal money becuase he could make more on his own? Nobody would have cared about what he said a year and a half ago. This just shows he WAS naive, and now he is a smooth talking opportunist.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

bchungii — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:19:12 GMT

If political donations to Presidential candidates are capped at $2300, then what's the deal with several thousand dollar per plate fund raising events? Do the proceeds go to national parties? Where to the bucs from big donors go?

--Tom

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

brit@feb28.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:21:30 GMT

While #1 is a matter of opinion and #4 isn't even a prevailing myth, I'd like to note that #2 and #3 can be easily disproved by the numbers you cite.

Nobody has claimed that the "vast majority" of Obama's money comes from small donors and I haven't heard anyone suggest it, but the amounts and percentages you use in both #2 and #3 would suggest that, in fact, Obama makes FAR more money from small donors than any candidate in history. Let's look at the numbers: Obama's closest competition on this front is John Kerry, who raised about $86,395,000 from small donors (37% of about $233,500,000 total)

Obama has already raised more than $287,500,000, about $129,375,000 (45%) coming from small donors. That's a difference of $42,980,000 over John Kerry AND IT'S ONLY JULY. Even if Obama stopped raising money today, he would have raised 50% more money from small donors than his closest competition. That certainly IS unprecedented.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

abadreview — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:44:40 GMT

The bottom line is that Obama has, and will have, enough money on hand to utterly destroy John McCain in November. Romano, your distaste for Obama isn't the least bit discreet. When I read your columns, I feel like i'm being suckered by some FOX News errand boy/Alex P. Keaton. You can try to deny the significance of this movement all you want, it won't change the outcome of the election.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

chuckhasker@yahoo.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:46:50 GMT

Andrew that was a great article. I enjoyed reading it. Chuck Hasker

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lee226 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:59:51 GMT

Sooooooo, what's new he never said it was more democratic and even if it is not who cares?

The people are donating if they want to and the rest of it is common knowledge so what is the question here?

I do not see the reason for the article..do you happen to know if the ad McCain put on the wave is true? About the taxex...could you explain why McCain is lying, does he think us poor suckers cannot read and find out the truth?

The large mass of people who work hard and have no time to be on the web have little true info and the tidbits that appear in the ads are misleading...talk about that please!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

mk3872 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:19:46 GMT

You have GOT to be kidding me ... You get a couple of whining emails and you feel compelled to write this article? Have you EVER studied statistics? With the enormous donors and amount of $$ donated to Obama, OF COURSE that will lower the % of small donors, just by the nature of the numbers! Not everything is always equal. Some times McCain CAN do things that are not related to being a POW and may seem inappropriate. You do not need to apologize for stating those things and you do NOT need to claim that Obama does those things, too.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

K.H.C. — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:30:13 GMT

The narrative encouraged by the media is that Obama is somehow recalibrating and shifting to the center. Don't believe that. I must admit, I was buying that somehow he was sounding different in the past few weeks. I began to wonder if the Obama we knew has changed. But as I read The Audacity of Hope, I realised that he has been consistent all along in much of what he has been saying these past weeks, although he is choosing to emphasize certain ideas more than when the primaries were going on. What we get with Obama is a reasonable and thoughtful pragmatist not a captive of any ideology. Read his own writings and you realise its misleading to paint him as one or the other. It is a better indicator than voting record because very few bills in actually represent the candidate's position 100% because they actually have little control over the details of the bill or even its whole content. Read the book.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

News and Notes — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:25:33 GMT

People shouldn't have to buy and read someone's biography in order vote for them for President. Now that the primary is over, he is taking a centrist stance. Hillary had a centrist stance during the primary.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

speckelbelly — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:36:45 GMT

GO OBAMA GO!! I NEVER DONATED A DIME BEFORE. BEEN A DEMOCRATE FOR LIFE!

FOR THE FIRST TIME I DONATED $20.00 IN JUNE 2008! I FELT THAT IF WE THE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN,THEM WE NEED TO SUPPORT THAT! SO I DID!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

dlaurels — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:42:54 GMT

Well, this reporter certainly had to dig to make this story worth writing. I guess that is what happens when one presidential candidate pressures the press to report something they think will be interesting. Why is it that the press is so prone to working on stories given to them by the McCain campaign. It looks to me like certain press people are in bed with McCain as much as the lobbyists are. Another reason not to vote for McCain.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Bshi69 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:57:46 GMT

Well I just sent $5.00 and have sent 5-10 and yes even 25 and will send more cause ya know what?????????? WE NEED CHANGE and I'm not talkin bout the nickle and dime either

GO OBAMA

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lanegarland@msn.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:02:20 GMT

The problem with Mr. Romano's article is that he spends his time debunking so-called 'myths' that he himself exaggerates in order to have something to argue against. Each of the four has their own fallacies but for brevity, let's just have a look at No. 3. To be 'Completely Unprecedented', Obama's percentage of small donors need only be greater than that of former candidates - and last time I checked, 45 was greater than either 31 or 37. Romano pads his argument with the qualifier 'astronomical' as the expectation, which comes completely from his own imagination and I suppose, in his mind, justifies his argument. Unfortunately, no one in the real world has contended *astronomical* differences exist. And the last bit about Kerry possibly raising more from small donors with better technology is pure conjecture. There are similar problems with the other three points -- making the entire article much ado about nothing.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:02:27 GMT

Whatever it is, it is just a flood of money coming in to try to insure that those who have performed so poorly the last eight years do not get a chance to continue. Lassie herself could run and be nearly as smothered by dollars to become the first Collie, female to boot. Big, little and medium donors all want change and are paying to get it. Fortunately, we have a very talented candidate who is receiving it. Things are looking up.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

paulte — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:02:38 GMT

I read something in another article which might have some truth to it. Isn't it a little unusual for an African American candidate to be getting so much money in donations? Could it be that people who were hoping he would defeat Hillary (people on the right) have been sending him money? I know I thought about doing this myself but couldn't bring myself to actually do it. It seemed like a sin somehow given his liberal views. However, now that he has secured the nomination this should stop. And it does seem that his contributions have fallen off lately. A point to ponder.

Another thing is that he is taking a gamble with the decline of federal funds. Since a large number of his donors are small ones which makes the giving more difficult (no deep pockets), they may come to realize that they are actually subsidizing the loss of federal funds. $84.5M is a lot of money to forego. If Obama pulls in $21M a month for the next four months. That is just subsidizing the loss of federal funds so that these donors will have the benefit of giving even more in November! Huh? Another point to ponder.

Obama small donors, wake up and smell the coffee here! Mr goody two shoes wants you to subsidize his loss of federal funds! Stop donating to him!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

mcleodmn — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:11:46 GMT

Andrew RomanO'REILLY - Thank you for this glimpse into your feeble mind. Despite your obvious bias, the fundraising IS record breaking, unprecedented and, like it or not, a relection of the disdain for the republican party. The only breaking that the republicans can offer is McCain's hip.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

mctwatl — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:12:06 GMT

Your article makes one out and out mistake: One reception in Atlanta last night cost as "little" as $2,300 per person, or as much as $10,000, a far cry from the $28,500 you claim.

Additionally, I think to report on fund raising fairly, you have to tease apart the dollar totals from the number of donors to Obama's campaign. I'm sure most of the money comes from large gifts... big dollars add up more quickly than small sums. But I'd guess that the vast majority of his contributors are still the individuals making modest gifts.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

News and Notes — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:26:32 GMT

This was also true in the primary process, but the best fund raiser and best campaigner does not necessarily make the best president. Obama won't take responsibility for his rhetoric. He said he would work with the republican nominee so both accept Federal funds. Why didn't he come out and say he changed his mind, rather than call the entire Federal funding system broken? He is a smooth talking scapegoater

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

cnn357 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:39:47 GMT

its good to put this out there for those who think Obama is the second comming of christ

Dont get me wrong, I like him and he has my vote

but im under no illusions

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

spicegirl — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:42:01 GMT

Stumper you are looking very green with envy! What is rubbing the GOP is the fact that Obama is now beating them at their own game and doing so very effectively without the help of lobbyists. You are belittling the impact of small donors and the novel way Obama has been able to get these funds on a monthly basis. Whether you wish to believe this is but a trickle or a flood, the fact is these grassroots funds form the foundation of his finances and whatever else comes in is gravy. I am glad he had the foresight to see through the GOP and continue on the financial path that assisted him in winning the democratic primary. After all, his entire Internet supporters form the best type of public funding you could ever have in a general election. Go Obama! We will tighten our bellies and keep sending you that little bit each month, drip, drip, drippity, drop and the pool becomes a stream and the stream becomes a river of financial muscle that can take on those big farts that have been wrecking the economy.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

rjs784 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:43:27 GMT

WHO REALLY CARES? GAS IS $4+, PEOPLE ARE DYING IN IRAQ AND AFGANASTAN, WE ARE IN A RECESSION, PEOPLE DON'T HAVE HEALTH CARE, PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES, WE HAVE 12 MILLION ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, OUR DEFICIT IS HUGE! WHO REALLY CARES IF OBAMA CHANGED HIS MIND ABOUT WHERE HE GETS HIS MONEY FROM?. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN STUPID NOT TO. LET'S HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE ISSUES OF THIS COUNTRY!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:43:57 GMT

Bad government is mostly a cancer on a good country, and we have just had a double dose, two terms. We are simply buying a remedy and making sure that it dries up the cancer. Don't spare the dollars.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

tezuka27 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:59:28 GMT

So Andrew, at what point does a journalist throw out any semblance of even-handedness and integrity? I really do wish that there was some sort of magical "No Facts" fascist agenda state that you and all the other FoxNews wannabes could move to, so that the rest of us could get on with the task of rebuilding this great nation

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:00:36 GMT

We have been funble bummed into a number of holes the past eight years. War, bad war, wrong war, war without sufficient cause, war without provocation. Don't say the towers. Iraq did not do the towers. Iraq did not provoke us. They simply did not obey the orders that our president issued them, with no authority whatsoever to issue them. Hubris. Just hubris. The economy. God, the economy. The spending beyond all resources and accompanying tax cuts. It's like losing your job and then spending twice as much after that. No income, double spending. Going into the hole and depending on China's purchase of our treasury. China owns us because of cutting the government income with the tax cuts, and then spending money twice as fast, financed principally by China. Gratuitously alienating civilized Europe and calling it "Old Europe". Failing to mandate reduced gas mileage in car manufacture, then treating gas guzzling SUV's as "business trucks" to make them cheaper with income tax concessions so that family SUV's could burn gasoline in commercial quantities. Then going into the petroleum hole and as a remedy for the resulting high gasoline prices, going on bended knees to a Saudi King and begging him to send us more oil so that our gasoline can be cheaper. Nuts.

That's why we send money to anyone who is not the same as these people who did this. We will send a whole lot more before it is over. Especially if things get Rovish and Swift Boatish. The poor contributors will outbuy the rich contributors. How about that. Smoke that in your myth pipe.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

News and Notes — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:00:42 GMT

Lets just hope that after two terms of one of the worst presidents in history, we are not just funding the opposite. Neither candidate has earned my trust. McCain doesn't have his heart in the campaign, and he is still trying to pacify the republican radicals. Obama hasn't shown his ability to resolve our problems, he ran a liberal primary campaign, and his shifting to the center makes him seem less trustworthy. We need more substance, not Mile HIgh Stadium.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Chicago Todd — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:04:01 GMT

To combat the dumbed down MSM that seems to only find the race facinating and how the color of Barak's tie matches Hillary's skirt, instead of what their issues are and what their stances have been in the past, the money is needed to smear the other candidate and get the word out how great and awsome they are.

This is a double bonus for the dumbed down MSM because now they can just plagarized the political ads and print or spout them on TV so it requires very little effort on their part -- and no editor worth their salt would allow these prima donnas to actually back up their articles with facts and context. Nice paycheck if you can get it.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Nardwilly — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:07:28 GMT

These are myths in your head.

1. Obama did not say his decision was based on principle. He said it was based on winning.

2. Its not the percentage its the quantity. 1,500,000 total donors 45% is about 675,000. That is unprecendented.

3. I thought setting a record is the same as unprecedented. 50% more than Bush and 20% more than Kerry seems a significant increase. Where were HRC and McCain on this metric. Did they syrpass Bush and Kerry also?

4. If anybody beleived MOveOn and the AFL-CIO were going to fold their tent, they were uniformed. This would be a myth if anybody believed it.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

just jerry — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:07:35 GMT

The point is that Obama isn't what he saya he stands for. He pretends to be about a new kind of politics while acting just like any other old politician. His campaign is based on that lie, that is what is wrong and why this issue keeps coming up.

He may not be any more of a liar than any other politician, but he certainly pretends he is something that he isn't - He isn't any better than any other politician though he pretends he is.

We need politicians that are truly non-partisan and focused on resolving our problems, something John McCain has shown himself to be; so much so that democrats strongly considered him for a "unity" ticket in 2004, and he certanly has been strong enough to stand up to the president even if the president is a member of his own party, clearly he puts this nation first. The nation first.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lillea — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:07:56 GMT

Obama's new politics seem to take on the look of the African or Venezualan or Cuban politcs. No wonder they are new to us here in "The Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Chicago Todd — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:09:09 GMT

RE: News and Notes "Obama hasn't shown his ability to resolve our problems, he ran a liberal primary campaign, and his shifting to the center makes him seem less trustworthy." His intention on the FISA legislation and his comments on the Supreme Court ruling on gun control is not shifting to the center -- Obama has driven over the center line into on-coming GOP traffic and is hoping the progressives don't notice that he has sold out to playing to the right that will bury him with their attacks no matter what he does.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lillea — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:18:49 GMT

When Will Obama Stop Pretending To Support The Second Amendment And Admit He Has A Long Anti-Gun Rec‏ord??

http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2008/05/16/prnewswire200805160838PR_NEWS_USPR_____DC22657.html

In 2003, Obama Voted In Support Of Legislation That "Would Have Banned Most Of The Privately Held Hunting Shotguns, Target Rifles, And Black Powder Rifles" In Illinois. "[I]n 2003, Obama voted in support of SB1195, which, if passed, would have banned most of the privately held hunting shotguns, target rifles, and black powder rifles in the state. If the ban was enacted, law enforcement officials would have been authorized to forcibly enter private homes to confiscate newly banned firearms." (Illinois State Rifle Association, "ISRA Blasts Candidate Obama On His Record Of Hostility Toward L aw-Abiding Firearm Owners," Press Release, 8/24/04)

-- SB 1195 Caused Furor; Would Have Banned Shotguns, Muzzleloaders. "The gun furor basically revolves around Senate Bill 1195, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Antonio Munoz. It would ban shotguns with a bore of .50 caliber or more, the net result, according to numerous interpretations, being to outlaw a variety of shotguns, and even muzzleloaders." (Lew Freedman, Op-Ed, "Hunters Need Not Worry--Yet," Chicago Tribune, 4/19/03)

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lillea — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:21:37 GMT

Obama's ties to Socialists.

http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php?t=540211

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

News and Notes — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:22:53 GMT

The Democratic elites pushed Obama through to the nomination without looking back. The fact he is not what they were expecting is their own fault. We don't know who Obama is, and McCain is not what he was. Who can really get us out of this mess?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

mcleodmn — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:24:30 GMT

1. Primary - Stay to the left

2. General - Move slightly to the right. Capture center.

3. White House - Move center the left.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lillea — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:27:35 GMT

Would somebody tell the "dip sticks" in DC that there is oil off the coast of Texas????

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lillea — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:33:48 GMT

The next time you hear a politician use the

word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about

whether you want the 'politicians' spending

YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,

but one advertising agency did a good job of

putting that figure into some perspective in

one of its releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number, what does it mean?

A. Well, if you are one of 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you each gets $516,528.

B. Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or, if you are a family of four, your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington, D.C... HELLO!!! ... Are all your calculators broken??

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lillea — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:35:03 GMT

Obama's Economic Plan

Tax his land,

Tax his wage,

Tax his bed in which he lays.

Tax his tractor,

Tax his mule,

Teach him taxes are the rule.

Tax his cow,

Tax his goat,

Tax his pants,

Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,

Tax his shirts,

Tax his work,

Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,

Tax his drink,

Tax him if he tries to think.

Tax his booze,

Tax his beers,

If he cries,

Tax his tears.

Tax his bills,

Tax his gas,

Tax his notes,

Tax his cash.

Tax him good and let him know

That after taxes, he has no dough.

If he hollers,

Tax him more,

Tax him until he's good and sore.

Tax his coffin,

Tax his grave,

Tax the sod in which he lays.

Put these words upon his tomb,

'Taxes drove me to my doom!'

And when he's gone,

We won't relax,

We'll still be after the inheritance TAX!!

Accounts Receivable Tax

Building Permit Tax

CDL License Tax

Cigarette Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Dog License Tax

Federal Income T ax

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

Fishing License Tax

Food License Tax

Fuel Permit Tax

Gasoline Tax

Hunting License Tax

Inheritance Tax

Inventory Tax

IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),

IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),

Liquor Tax,

Luxury Tax,

Marriage License Tax,

Medicare Tax,

Property Tax,

Real Estate Tax,

Service charge taxes,

Social Security Tax,

Road Usage Tax (Truckers),

Sales Taxes,

Recreational Vehicle Tax,

School Tax,

State Income Tax,

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),

Telephone Federal Excise Tax,

Telephone Federal Universal Service Fe e Tax,

Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,

Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,

Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,

Telephone State and Local Tax,

Telephone Usage Charge Tax,

Utility Tax,

Vehicle License Registration Tax,

Vehicle Sales Tax,

Watercraft Registration Tax,

Well Permit Tax,

Workers Compensation Tax. STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,

And our nation was the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

mcleodmn — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:36:58 GMT

lillea - So how many dollars a second is the war in Iraq costing us?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

LDS2484 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:44:10 GMT

Obama's small donors may make up only 45% of his fundraising, but he's also raised alot more funds. How much more money has he received in increments of $200 or less than Kerry or Bush?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

dragonfly777 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:10:07 GMT

I gave a couple of donations to Hillary. Now Obama spams the shvt out of my email trying to get me to buy his crap shirt and give him money. Just because I gave to Hillary does not make me want to give to WInd Man...I had tried to unsuscribe, but the Obama site keeps jerking me around...Now the joker is on my spam list! NO! means NO!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

sundancepdx — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:33:29 GMT

the only point here that you showed to be a myth was the first one. I think you should change your title to the ONE myth about Obama's money machine...not sure what you were trying to say, but it looks like another hoax of an article, and more spin from the people we count on to give us CLEARLY STATED facts.

thanks for this

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:38:19 GMT

Mc Cain drools.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:39:51 GMT

And his teeth are starting to whistle. Old. Old.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:42:43 GMT

Mc Cain is going to have to learn how to never use words with the letter "s" because his teeth are starting to whistle.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

sebr01stl — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:40:16 GMT

What is Romano's beef with Obama's desire to get public fudning through the internet rather than through those who checked the box on the tax forms?? This is the second article I've seen him write on this subject. It's not like McCain isn't getting huge private donors, while "patting himself on the back for opting into the public funds," just as Andrew, himself, pointed out. It's not like McCain isn't a perennial flip flopper from his 200 stances, if you want to talk about trusting a candidate, honesty, and being able to take someone at his word. He can argue Obama's "principles" until he's blue in the face; the fact remains that McCain would've done the same thing with the public financng if he thought he could benefit from it (instead, he needs the limitless funds from the RNC, unable to raise so much on his own), and reversed himself on the decision to opt in or out, more than once, leading from the primaries into the GE; and, he's supposed to be the reform candidate with campaign finance as his signature issue! What's the deal in singling Obama out, if his is truly the "most democratic" fund-raising campaign thus far "in American political history"? Obama never argued that it was MORE democratic than public financing, as Romano implies, only that it was free of the loopholes that allows all the soft money. He pressured moveon.org on their ad and they dropped it. Keeping the money with him that would go to the DNC, keeps the fund-rasing in line with his message, something that, when asked of McCain, he said that he "could not referee those (527) groups." The third point falls flat, in that the numbers Andrew Romano listed still places Obama aheasd of any other candidate in the percentage of funds received from small donors? Isn't that what "unprecendented" means? Now he wans to quibble that the margin isn't large enough ("astronomical")? And there's a difference between TAKING money from PACs and them raising money for GOTV efforts, which, technically speaking, doesn't endorse any one candidate - it just registers people to vote. Romano's articles cease to be informative. They're just blatant anti-Obama propoganda, and quite in step with the love fest the MSM has with McCain.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

jkrause1234 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:14:39 GMT

This is one of the most biased articles I've ever read anywhere. I'm not sure why they wrote it, but seriously, who cares. Obama and McCain are politicians. There is nothing else to say. The only difference worth arguing is in their policy issues. Pointing out minute discrepancies of only one candidate is, technically speaking, pretty biased. Of course you won't agree with him all the time and of course he says things that will make him look good. What do you expect!!??? Are you that naive???!!! If you are, maybe you shouldn't have been hired for the job you should bipartisanly represent. Barack Obama and McCain are both politicians so get over it. Move on and talk about something worth all of our time.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

valark — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:07:35 GMT

"What is Romano's beef with Obama's desire to get public fudning through the internet rather than through those who checked the box on the tax forms?? This is the second article I've seen him write on this subject. "

It is because the reasoning given, not the action. He explains it very clearly.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lb078 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:32:56 GMT

"ducked his promise"? obama LIED. can you not take the measure of a man based on his word? obama made a promise based on his circumstances at the time, then he realized that it wouldn't be to his benefit. did he own up to it like a man? no, he broke his word.

this romano guy is a clown. all of his articles are biased. the only reason to read what he writes is for the good laugh i get from imagining how serious he takes himself. clown.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

cuppa jo — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:57:04 GMT

Obama's new phrase..."I've explained it clearly"...along with "I've always been consistent"...He says these things and his supporters don't even question it, they just accept it. How sad for them....

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

mobaxter — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:20:07 GMT

OBAMA donation and spending Money is a concern.

But OBAMA as maded false statements.

Even Liars ../??????/>>>>>>>>......... We want the fact and nothing but the facts.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Boopme — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:06:19 GMT

You know, I am sick of you Republicans and (non racist) lol, people talking about “Obama lied”. You are all hypocrites. Here you voted for a President that lied to you daily. Not only him but his whole administration. You turned right around and elected him AGAIN. Our country is in turmoil, the entire world hates us, constantly trying to blow up our entities all over the world and you are talking about Obama lying because maybe he's had second thoughts. WHEW!!! You have some nerve. Where were all of your concerns with the truth when Bush lied about WMD. Where were all your concerns when he put us in a war in IRAQ when he and his entire intelligence group knew Osama bin Laden was in Afganistan/Pakistan and still know this. WHO IS THE LIAR. Again, I am sick of the MEDIA and you people knick picking every word that comes out of Obama's mouth to make him be a flip flop. McCain has flip flopped so much over important issues he could sell shoes on the side (flipflops). There is only a blimp when McCain (misspeaks) and it turns out to be an out and out lie, not intentional but because he can't remember what he says from one day to the next. If McCain wins this election, I don't want to hear a word when our next 4 yrs. is more of the same or worse just because you are afraid of change or color. WHATEVER!!!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lb078 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:28:50 GMT

boopme....republicans? what are you talking about? i didn't vote for bush. i was talking about being a man...a person. no one is perfect, but if someone (especially a presidential candidate) makes a promise, then breaks that promise when it doesn't benefit him any more, what kind of man does that make him?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Boopme — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:36:52 GMT

It changes his name to John McCain

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

paulte — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:40:09 GMT

I just hope America wakes up to the reality that Obama is not qualified to be President. The latest polling shows that a majority of white people (52%) are against him. The main problem is that he is clueless on foreign and military policy. He's also a chameleon. First he's for public funding, then he's against it. First he's for gun control, then he's against it to be with the Court. He' s trying to stick to his 16 month withdrawal from Iraq without ever going over there to see what's on the ground. That is an unrealistic timetable which he'll have to change. "Change" is his mantra. Change on the issues is what he does best!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Boopme — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:43:36 GMT

It also makes him human. Unlike all of you that are looking for any reason NOT to vote for Obama. If you don't want to vote for Obama just state your reason, your real reason. Don't use the term "flip flop", especially since the other candidate has flipflopped on so MANY occasions and you overlook it. Why, is it because of his age that nobody calls McCain on it?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

News and Notes — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:51:20 GMT

It was naive of Obama to suggest last year he was going to work with the republican candidate to accept Federal funding. It is irresponsible to say the reason he isn't taking Federal funding is because the system is broken. He is a relative unknown on the national scene, and his lack of experience and arrogance are concerning. He is a brilliant orator, politician, and fundraiser. However, voting for him is rolling the dice. McCain is not any better, just different. The DNC really screwed us this time

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

athena3 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:00:28 GMT

Federal law does not require candidates list the donors giving $200 or less. Obama pulling in about $31 million in small and secret donations during 2007.

You fail to mention that one concern about significant amounts of small donations made online is the potential for foreign and illegal donations. As I recall, Mr. Obama's website allows donors to choose addresses from 227 countries, including Iran, Iraq, Zimbabwe and Yemem.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lb078 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:03:21 GMT

so what is my real reason? i already asked what kind of respect you could have for a man who can't keep his word on a simple issue. apparently being honest, trustworthy, and having integrity aren't enough?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Nins — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:29:47 GMT

Athena3 writes that Obama's website "allows donors to chose an address from 227 countries, including Iran, Iraq, Zimbabwe and Yemen." THIS IS NOT TRUE. In the donation area of Obama's website there is only ONE country listed, and that is the USA.

It is amazing how much the McCain supporters blatantly lie. I have never seen anything like it.

Yes, Obama did change his mind about taking public funding. He did this because the RNC has hundreds of millions of dollars to spend on John McCain. The DNC had only 4 million dollars when Obama made this decision; the DNC could not even afford to pay for the convention. Therefore, it was sink or swim. If Obama accepted public funding (thereby limiting himself to $84 million plus the DNC's money), McCain would have had been able to outspend Obama by four to one. It was sink or swim, and Obama made the right choice. He's gonna swim. And he's gonna smoke the old man in this race.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Loden Green — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:35:36 GMT

It's amazing how the media has so blatantly jumped on the John McCain bandwagon. Every MSM story on Obama now has negative connotations while the MCain stories are mostly positive (or ar least filled with apologies and explanations for McCain's policy changes and"flip flops," etc.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:39:52 GMT

Money in gigantic quantities has helped the Republicans keep a stranglehold on public office. Lack of money has hindered the Democrats during the same era. A lot of the Republican money was used by groups dedicated to smearing the reputation of Democratic candidates, the most glaring example of which was "swift boating". Probably the worst deed of all was smearing Senator Mc Clelan, a war hero amputee who dared to defy the Republican mantra.

It is such a pleasure to see Republicans whine about Democrats collecting money to run for office against underfunded Republicans and try to make it seem a scandal that a candidate would have gigantic quantities of money to run for office.

The way that the money is being collected by democrats also chills the Republican heart when it implies that there are so many people apparently serious enough to send whatever small amount that they can afford. It makes them look like a horde of angered voters, and that is probably just what it is.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

lb078 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:42:41 GMT

come on? are you really suprised they're painting obama in a negative light? the man can't even keep his word on something as simple as campaign financing. what else is he willing to sacrafice if it will benefit him? even Nins admitted he's not a man of his word, though she tried to put a shine on it.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:45:54 GMT

The rest of the world knows that when the United States makes a big worldwide mistake with its awesome power, they can be practically ruined by even being in the vicinity. It is refreshing, if it is true, that people from around the world can contribute campaign money to an American candidate for president, however small the country and however humble the contributors might be. I like the idea that when we get a decent president in office people from all over the globe can take pride in having helped to select someone other than a careless moron to exercise our worldwide weight. I doubt seriously if any of this money is going to the candidate of the party presently in power.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

COOKIE 56 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:50:14 GMT

ALL THE HATE AND BIAS OBAMA HAS GOTTEN FROM HIS FELLOW AMERICAN AND THE RACISM THAT IS OUT THERE . ALL THE LIES AND OUT OUT LIES THAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT HIM . HE STILL BELEIVE THAT AMERICA WILL TRUST HIM WITH RESPECT AS A CANDIDATE WHO IS OUT THERE WHO WANTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENT. I GIVE ALL MY RESPECT. WHY IS THAT HE IS BEING TREATED THIS WAY . MCCAIN IS NOBODY SPECIAL HE IS AN AMERICAN JUST LIKE OBAMA OR ME BORN IN AMERICA A CITIZEN WHO HAS THE RIGHTTO BECOME PRESIDENT IF ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE, BUT EVEN HIS WIFE IS TREATED LIKE SHE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE FIRST LADY BUT CINDY MCCAIN DOES. SOMETHING STILL IS WRONG WITHTHIS COUNTRY WE ARE ALL SUPPOSE TO BE EQUAL NOT YET. I HOPE THAT EVERYONE IS LOOKING AT THIS WITH EYES WIDE OPEN MINE ARE. NOW THOSE OF US THAT WANT OBAMA TO BE PRESIDENT BE READY TO GET OUT THERE . HOW EVER YOU FIND ALL THESE MYTHS OF OBAMA'S MONEY MACHINE TO BE A PROBLEM I AM SURE YOU WILL KEEP LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE TO TORN HIM DOWN ABOUT JUST CALL SEAN HANNITY AND THE CABLE CHANNELS ,PUBLIC AND ALL THE MEDIAYOU CAN GET TOGETHER FIND ALL KINDS OF THINGS TO KEEP HAMMERING ABOUT HIM BECAUSE YOU PEOPLE ARE ALL AGAINST THIS PERSON . OBAMA IS NO WIMPY HE CAN TAKE A HIT BUT THIS WE ARE HIM TO END .WE HOPE TO THE WHITE HOUSE OBAMA08

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

DUMPLIN — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:50:48 GMT

OBAMA IS NO SAINT, HE ONLY LIKES TO PORTRAY HIMSELF AS ONE. HE WILL ALLOW HIS CAMPAIGN TO DIG UP MONEY WHILE PUBLICLY TURNING HIS NOSE UP AND PRETENDING TO BE ABOVE SUCH THINGS. OBAMA IS AS DECEITFUL AND DISINGENUOUS AS ANY OTHER LIBERAL IN WASHINGTON. THE THOUGHT OF HIM BEING PRESIDENT SCARES ME RIGHT DOWN TO MY SOCKS.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:53:17 GMT

That old saw that ends with, "but you can't fool all of the people all of the time", is back. This nation has suffered from the election of the wrong president twice in a row. The first time he got in on "fooling all of the people some of the time". The second time he got in on "fooling some of the people all of the time". But now, "all of the people" are mad as hell and will vote that way in November, against the idea of being fooled by the same outfit again. They are sending money in in millions of driblets to make it happen, champing at the bit to follow it up with a vote as soon as the polls open in November.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:56:22 GMT

What in the world went wrong with your caps lock keys? You seem to think that we need hearing aids for our eyes.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

pissed-off — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:14:45 GMT

no what that show's is Obama know's how to generate fund's for campaign he is trying to win and get every one involved

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

LuLuBelle — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:46:44 GMT

You forgot to mention that a lot of Obama's funds are coming form overseas and NOT from American voters whichi is illegal.

Here is an article on that subject. Why is this kept so secret?

==================================

Obama's internet campaign started out innocently enough with basic e-mail networking, lists saved from previous party campaigns and from supporters who visited any of the Obama campaign web sites.

Small contributions came in from these sources and the internet campaign staff were more than pleased by the results.

Then, about two months into the campaign the daily contribution intake multiplied.

Where was it coming from?

One of the web site security monitors began to notice the bulk of the contributions were clearly coming in from overseas internet service providers and at the rate and frequency of transmission it was clear these donations were "programmed" by a very sophisticated user.

While the security people were not able to track most of the sources due to firewalls and other blocking devices put on these contributions they were able to collate the number of contributions that were coming in seemingly from individuals but the funds were from only a few credit card accounts and bank electronic funds transfers.

The internet service providers (ISP) they were able to trace were from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries. One of the banks used for fund transfers was also located in Saudi Arabia.

Another concentrated group of donations was traced to a Chinese ISP with a similar pattern of limited credit card charges.

It became clear that these donations were very likely coming from sources other than American voters. This was discussed at length within the campaign and the decision was made that none of these donations violated campaign financing laws.

It was also decided that it was not the responsibility of the campaign to audit these millions of contributions as to the actual source (specific credit card number or bank transfer account numbers) to insure that none of these internet contributors exceeded the legal maximum donation on a

cumulative basis of many small donations. They also found the record keeping was not complete enough to do it anyway.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

SPORTLOCK09 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:22:34 GMT

Isnt it wonderful to even see Obama voters flip flopping now? For 4-5 months during the primaries all we heard about was Obama is for change and is not the same ole same ole. He's above all of that. NOW, read on. All I see is everyone of you hypocrite Obama followers flip flopping and making excuses for him completely turning away from his change in politics stance. What does it take for you people to see the light? And no if you haven't figured it out yet, the light is clearly not not Obamination.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

SPORTLOCK09 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:25:57 GMT

Why isnt this article called 4 MORE lies from the Obama campaign? When Hilary spoke of sniper fire was it a lie or a myth? Someone please take the tit out of Obama's mouth and let him be accountable for all of his 200+ myths for once.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

SPORTLOCK09 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:47:35 GMT

And why is the ads on the side more important then the post on this topic?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

MarieMcD — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:36:40 GMT

My hope for Americans is they will take the time to research each presidential nominee's actual words, both written and spoken, in their entirrety on every policy and issue. This takes time and work but it will liberate them from the ongoing cynicism and bias of journalists and the media.

I am astounded that as Senator Obama emerges as a successful and viable candidate on his 'audacity of h ope' and vote for change platrom, all media becomes more strident and agressive in the name of 'journalism' in its attempts to shroud him in their pessimistic depressing cloth of politics as usual.

Like McCain, the media assumes that to all Americans, Hope is scarier than skepticism and failed policies.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

SPORTLOCK09 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:51:38 GMT

A vote for Obama is a vote for change. A change in the answer he gave yesterday, the day before, last week, last month, see the pattern yet. And I definately believe he will change tomorrow. Change I can believe in!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

SPORTLOCK09 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:01:28 GMT

ANOTHER change..........

Obama says lets keep families out of it.

Change.......

Obama has his kids on National tv talking about their fathers candidacy.

AFTERWARDS.......

Says it was a mistake and he will never do it again.

NOW I ask you..........

This is the umpteenth time he has stated he has made a mistake or a misjudgement.

CAN we afford these mistakes dealing with rogue semi nuclear terrorist countries at the expense of our military that Obama has never served in for a 4 yr term?

WILL it be a mistake to meet with these terrorist countries as Obama has stated he wanted to do when EVERYONE else says that this is naive?

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

olderwiser — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:08:40 GMT

What we have is a man who admits his mistakes, unlike our president who has made so many and admitted none. We need the one who admits his mistakes and goes on properly from there instead of compounding all of them because he is too stubborn to admit them.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

SPORTLOCK09 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:28:41 GMT

Olderwiser,

1st of all, once again, comparing Obama to GWB is a tad weird because he is not running against bush whom is the worst president I have seen in my adult life.

Secondly,

If he were truly admitting his mistakes he would be stating he made promises and statements without looking into the facts beforehand and is changing his mind based off of these findings.

Unfortunately if he is dealing in foreign affairs these other countris will NOT be as forgiving as the American liberal media for these mistakes as you call them( Reps call it pandering) What kind of termoil will these continued mistakes put our country in after 4 years of mis-votes,mis-takes,mis-interpretation,mis-communication?

Great speaker though! Does that qualify someone to be the president?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

auntidi — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:07:10 GMT

I remember way back in the Primary season, On Hardball with Chris he was asked about campaign financing and he mentioned way back then that he felt that his organiziation was in a very real sense public financing. Fueled by voters rather than pacs or lobbyists. Voters who support Obama have a real sense that they are the driving the bus in this sense. There is a true sense of pride among Obama supporters that they are having such an impact on this election. We feel that everytime we click that donate button for Obama that we are investing in our future. Its a true bottom up campaign that Obama has, not a top down one. The real power rests with us, and we know that we the people are the voice that Obama will listen to, not moneyed interests. So in this sense I truly applaud Obama for his great organization.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

athena3 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:29:30 GMT

Regard Nins calling me a liar regarding Obama's website allowing donations from foreign countries.

Go to: http://www.nysun.com/national/secret-money-floods-campaigns/71113/

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

athena3 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:58:32 GMT

Also in response to Nins' comment, go to:

http://rezkowatch.blogspot.com/2008/06/more-about-obama-style-campaign-reform.html

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

athena3 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:22:52 GMT

Also in response to Nins' comment regarding Obama's donation page, go to the following website which has a snapshot of the foreign donation page. The page may have been modified by the Obama campaign at this point.

http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2008/05/obamas-donation-website-accepts-illegal.html

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

Kim in Pasadena — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:31:29 GMT

Some people don't think any American living abroad should be allowed to donate any money to a Presidential campaign (see comment from Athena3). Some people think that some people who work for certain types of employers should be excluded. I think this is just sour grapes caused because Senator Obama has an organic grass-roots movement at his back (that is constantly growing exponentially much to the fear of so many G. Gordon-Liddy-type Republicans, because how can they possibly "control" so many of us?). Also, folks, our Government is "Of the People, By the People and For the People" and that language does not exclude an American simply because they are currently working in Europe, or SERVING in Iraq or Afghanistan.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

KenTpa — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:25:00 GMT

athena3

You mean to say that because there is a dropdown box that allows a US CITIZEN to pick the country they maybe in, you conflate this a something odious. Ummm....no, the dropdown box was probably a standard template that contains all countries. It was probably something the web designer didn't think about.

AND..if you scroll to the bottom of the page, The donor has to enter their US passport number. All of this information is then passed on to the FEC.

Your tinfoil hat is on too tight.

re: Four Myths of Obama's Money Machine

efialtis — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:42:21 GMT

Why is the system so broken?

It used to be, that if you wanted to get elected, you could do so. You didn't have to be rich. When we are in a recession, and we are in financial troubles with gas prices so high and taxes going up and the deficit going up, and salaries going down, and crime going up with freedoms going away, and wars going on, etc, etc, etc. WHY does it take MILLIONS AND MILLIONS to get elected? Isn't that a WASTE of good money? We have people who need healthcare, we have people in New Orleans that still don't have their houses rebuilt, we still have poor and homeless... Wouldn't the 85 MILLION dollars be better spent doing something GOOD?

Obama and McCaine both pose PROBLEMS if elected. Obama's politics are so very far left that he really isn't a Democrat...he is something LEFT of their philosophy...

McCaine is not a Republican, as he has voted more in line with the Democrat philosophy the past several years...

So what we have are two candidates running on opposing tickets that don't really represent the philosophies of the parties they represent.

Then, with all that money they raise, and waste, they know exactly who got them elected...you cannot hide where all that money comes from in the current system...

Big Business A sends 200 employees to a dinner at 28,000 per plate...who is the donor? The Big Business or the people it sends...Obama knows the answer...

We need a complete overhaul of the system...we need to be able to get third parties into the mix, we need help in this or the system will be our downfall.