Some Companies Have Their Thumb on the Level Playing Field

[Steely_Dan]

Some Companies Have Their Thumb on the Level Playing Field

Okay...I’ve been thinking about how insane the money is that has been raised by the top tier. When I look at all of the money that has poured in, I sometimes say to myself...This is downright disgusting! Something is broken here.

I mean, how could we look at some candidates with campaign chests in excess of $100M, while others, like Biden are struggling just to get to $600,000. And if it is true that it takes those millions of dollars to win a campaign, what does this say about the way we elect our leaders?

Doesn’t it occur to anyone that this money comes from somewhere? And if a majority of it is coming from corporations and lobbyists, can we count on those candidates to actually act on our behalf instead of feeding the beast? Isn’t this a part of the problem?

Of course, we all know the drill. But somehow, we may have forgotten that it’s the people that should be electing the President, not the media, lobbyists or corporations. I think some of those who support the top tier are sort of conveniently forgetting that their candidates with the big money will eventually have to oblige themselves to those contributors.

Let’s face it, it is those with the big money that can buy their way into the high stakes game in the first place. It’s almost as if the table has been rigged. You either anti-up the big bucks or you won’t be dealt any cards. In the end, we the people have no place at the table as we watch our grassroots candidates beg for quarters at the slot machines. Sad, but nevertheless true.

When I look at the list of contributors to the top tier candidates and how much has been raised, I can’t help but wonder if they can be trusted with my vote. On the other hand, when I see a candidate that has not taken money (or taken very little) from the lobbyists or corporations, I tend to trust them more. I trust that they will have MY best interest at heart.

I know that this issue has come up several times before. I’m just trying to bring it down to the basics. For me, it’s simple: Having the most money at the table doesn’t necessarily make you the best candidate. It just means that you have the most money.

These things have a tendency to take on a life of their own. When John Voter sees how much money a certain candidate has, they must be saying to themselves, “Wow, I need to get on the bandwagon here and contribute.” “After all, they wouldn’t have all that money if a lot of people didn’t believe in them.”

In addition, campaign money creates more campaign money. But we all know this. Money buys more ad time and more ad time results in more contributions. Like I said...pretty much a life of its own.

What does all of this mean and why is he telling me things I already know?

I just want you to think about how the playing field is not level for all of the contenders. In fact, it is so slanted that most think the bottom tier aren’t even contenders at all. But shouldn’t they be?

Joe Biden has talked on this issue throughout the campaign. Specifically about Campaign Finance Reform as a means of leveling the playing field. When asked why he hasn’t been able to raise the kind of money that the top tier has, he simply says: “That’s simple.” “It’s because the special interest groups know that they can’t count on me.”

For all of you out there that believe he is in the pockets of banks or credit card companies. Just ask yourself, if he is, then why isn’t he rolling in money like the other candidates.

The answer is simple: Because the special interest groups know that they can’t count on him. Joe Biden has NEVER met with a lobbyist in 35 years of service to our country. Some in the top tier can’t say that. That has to mean something. Perhaps it means that he will put our interests first. Wouldn’t that be refreshing?

-Paige

[gateley]

1. K&R -- Thanks!! nt

[Think82]

2. kickin

[Steely_Dan]

3. Kick

[livvy]

4. Off to the Greatest Page with thee! knr n/t

[1corona4u]

5. But here's the thing...

most supporters of said candidates, don't really care. They are too wrapped up in "picking the winner". If people would just be honest with themselves, they'd see it. Thing is, they may actually pick/support the eventual winner, but that doesn't mean that person IS a winner. I can't tell you how many times I have read comments where people refer to the amount of money a candidate has, as an indicator to their ability to win this election. That's totally ass backwards of you ask me.

In other words, I think some people, once they land on a candidate, just want to be "right" about who the eventual winner is. So much so, that they really don't care what their candidate is all about. Or, that they could be the completely wrong person for this place in time.

Kind of like picking the winner of a football game, before the game, only this has more serious consequences with a bad choice.

[CrispyQ]

7. Corona, I see that around me all the time.

I see fickleness in who they think they'll vote for based on the current polls. I simply don't understand why it is so much more important for them to vote for the winner than for who they think will be the best at the job. But sadly, that attitude is very prevalent.

:banghead: :crazy: :banghead: :crazy: :banghead:

[nyc 4 Biden]

6. k&r

I agree 100%. Hey I look at it this way, its not that Biden wouldn't take money from the special interests, like you said they don't want to waste their money on someone that won't be influenced.

It reminds me of when I go to the ballpark and want to get better seats. There are some ushers that will let me move up and some that won't, but none will turn down a $5 tip. I just have to know who will help me move down.

Bottom line is the rules need to be changed. We need campaign finance reform. Its been said before, but I agree that we should get rid of these polls too. The inevitability factor limits our choices and who is really pulling the strings anyway.

I'm not saying I'm sure the top tier can be bought I'm just saying I trust Biden won't be. Not to mention I believe he's the most qualified to lead us and most likely to defeat the GOP.

There's still time don't believe the hype. BIDEN '08!

:)

[lyonn]

18. Your first paragraph says it all

Some seem to think that if a candidate has lots of $$ that smarter people than themselves must be backing them because they are winners - ugh

[CrispyQ]

8. Nicely stated.

Here's a snip from a recent Will Pitt rant:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2509430

c) Super-quick truth about your country today: Santa Clara 1886 SCOTUS ruling creating corporate personhood + 1947 Truman Doctrine edict establishing permanent wartime economy + 1976 Buckley SCOTUS ruling saying millions in campaign bribery is free speech = super-citizens with 14th Amendment rights became enriched by a war-economy six decades along now (Vietman lasted 20 years, wars cost trillions, so someone got mega-paid for 365 x 20 days, and that was their profit-taking party, kinda what Iraq is, too) took all that free-speaking dough and bought the whole government bag and baggage, and then made sure their hired whores-on-the-Hill deregulated the rules for media ownership, and then those super-citizens bought out the news you never hear...etc...etc...etc...

===

That's what we're up against. And from your post: "When asked why he hasn’t been able to raise the kind of money that the top tier has, he simply says: 'That’s simple. It’s because the special interest groups know that they can’t count on me.'"

Joe sees it & Joe wants to fix it.

k&r

[Steely_Dan]

9. Thanks...Great Post

Watching him in the video where he makes that statement is inspiring.

-P

[gateley]

10. Kick so those who are "looking at Biden" get a chance to see this. Thanks again! nt

[Steely_Dan]

11. Kick

[jillan]

12. Another great post by Paige!

[philly_bob]

13. Biden has never met with a lobbyist in 35 years?

Frankly, that strains credibility.

Meeting with representatives of groups of constituents is kind of a politician's job. Liberal groups and professions like doctors and firefighters have lobbyists, too.

And how can we explain his votes on the infamous Bankruptcy Act except that he was responding to the Delaware banking & credit card lobbyists? He's too smart to believe the Bankruptcy Act was good for consumers.

All that said, I like Biden, and I flip-flop between him and Edwards for my favorite, having given up on Kucinich's quixotic effort.

The OP does raise the interesting question of why Biden is underfunded while the top tier candidates are rolling in money. Who are Delaware banks giving their money to?

[Steely_Dan]

14. Thanks for your response...

Perhaps, it is more accurate to say that he does not take money from lobbyists...I will give you that.

However, I'm a little confused by your last question. I suppose that you are saying that the banks are giving their money to the top tier? Not sure.

If nothing else, it might be good to take a look at Joe Biden's net worth. From my research, Mr. Biden is downright poor compared to his fellow Senators. He has not used his position in the Senate (even though he is considered one of the most powerful men on the Hill) to line his pockets or to garner great wealth.

All that said, I do not think that Joe Biden is a perfect man. And I don't agree with all of his votes. I try to look at his overall record covering some 35 years. There is little doubt, at least in my mind, that Senator Biden has done a tremendous amount of good on behalf of the American people.

-Paige

[Steely_Dan]

15. Thanks for your response...

Perhaps, it is more accurate to say that he does not take money from lobbyists...I will give you that.

However, I'm a little confused by your last question. I suppose that you are saying that the banks are giving their money to the top tier? Not sure.

If nothing else, it might be good to take a look at Joe Biden's net worth. From my research, Mr. Biden is downright poor compared to his fellow Senators. He has not used his position in the Senate (even though he is considered one of the most powerful men on the Hill) to line his pockets or to garner great wealth.

All that said, I do not think that Joe Biden is a perfect man. And I don't agree with all of his votes. I try to look at his overall record covering some 35 years. There is little doubt, at least in my mind, that Senator Biden has done a tremendous amount of good on behalf of the American people.

-Paige

[philly_bob]

16. Cool. I was just wondering whom the banks are $upporting, if not Biden?

I don't know. I'd love to see a listing of Democratic primary donations by industry. Maybe some kind soul will give us a link. I'm not enough of a political junkie to know the sources.

Paige, we generally agree on the worthiness and integrity of Biden, even in a field of other good Democratic candidates.

[Steely_Dan]

17. I'll See What I Can Come Up With...

on that link. It was posted somewhere last week.

What encourages me is that all of us here want the same thing...we want the adults to start running the country.

-Paige