Since when did a viability as a candidate equate to how much money one can raise? OK, Obama can raise money, does that mean he can govern? All we hear nowadays is how great a fundraiser Obama is and how Clinton has sewn up the election because of her fundraising prowess. So, they can raise money and they have the support of the rich, famous and powerful, all those who subvert the public interest - usually.
Democrats can now fundraise with the Republicans. To me, this is bad news. It means (as Michael Moore's premise in Sicko discusses) we are all being subverted so the rich and powerful and corporations take over our elections. For this we receive substandard health care, a war without an end, stolen elections (at least the appearance), global warming, etc. This is terrible news for the democrats, whom I always considered the party of the people, until say - the 1980's. The proper stance for a democrat is publicly financed elections. Period. Nothing else will do. It is probably the most important issue facing America today (outside of tragic humanitarian issues that we face or have caused).
In 2004 when Governor Dean began raising lots of money there was a different feel to it. There was a sense the candidacy would change things, move America in a different direction (don't get me wrong the candidacy had problems, not the least of which was race). I do not get that sense from Obama, though I heard him speak on publicly financing elections and he supports the idea. I guess, he would say it is a means to an end. But, when does the "means" start to taint the end. As for Hillary I wrote her off a long time ago.
She hasn't represented the people since the stunt she pulled around the time of the Iraq war. Remember this? She asked her supporters should she vote for the authorization for the war in 2002? The calls were 70-30 percent against voting for the authorization. She voted for it anyway. Her rationalization? She thought those who supported the war authorization didn't call in to voice their opinion as much as those who opposed. As if the warmongers in this country weren't heard enough during that time or as it were - our time.Who can decide upon these bunch of corporate democrats? Who doesn't like Kucinich, but he does not stand a shot. Dodd? Richardson? It seems it is a three person race. Clinton, Obama and ???? no, not Edwards although I would like to see it. The wildcard is Gore. See this interesting poll if you have not already. Gore outpaced Clinton 32% to 26% when asked if Gore were to enter the race would you switch your support from the candidate you are currently supporting to him?
Count me in as one of those people.
