What I've Learned from Obama's Campaign: Money does matter

[Mike 03]

I was just flat out wrong earlier this year when I argued that money would make no difference in this campaign.

Not only does it make a difference, but Obama's campaign has been so powefully grassroots and transparent that it is obvious not only how buy why it does make a difference.

Money does not just go to run TV ads, but to mobilize these unparralleled, quality ground campaigns.

This is a whole new way of winning elections, thanks to Obama, his people and Howard Dean.

So, I take back anything negative I ever said about the function of money in this election.

It does matter.

I'm so proud of this man I basically have had tears in my eyes all the time for the last two weeks.

Give, Baby, Give.
Please.

[rucky]

1. I was thinking, how classy it would be for President Obama

to pass public financing and restore the Fairness Doctrine, after beating the Pugs at their own game.

[texastoast]

2. Too bad it does

We would be much better off if the cream of the crop thinkers and visionaries did not have to do the campaign finance dance. Until we take all money out of politics, it will continue to be this struggle.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. I wish it didn't. That money would go to so much good in so many ways -

I always wonder how those that are struggling can square the money pissed away on all of the politics. But it is the current reality and I agree - it has allowed Obama to get out his message, run his campaign, and fight the shit that gets thrown at him.

[RoyGBiv]

4. Small quibble ...

This isn't entirely new. Democrats just haven't been very good at it for awhile.

And, in previous eras, it was handled more by local organizations who raised their own funds. In today's world, that model doesn't function well either.

But, yes, money matters ... for precisely the reasons you state. It's not just about advertising, as some believe, or scratching the backs of important people per se. It's about running the machine.

Obama and the DNC have an awesome machine ... again ... finally.

[supernova]

5. The best thing is

that all the individual contributions from people dials way down on the PAC and Lobbyiest noise machine that candidates previously thought that had to shake $$$ from. Then the candidate can respond to individual voters, not industry reps and PR people.