MyDD :: Obama changing Washington already

Obama changing Washington already

by Dracomicron, Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:00:19 AM EST

Barack Obama, now the Democratic party nominee, is adjusting the party rules to fit his own campaign's standards of integrity, populism, and transparency.

Beginning last night, Obama will open all of his fundraisers to at least a pool reporter who will share the information with the rest of the press corps.

Beginning today, the DNC will no longer accept checks from federal lobbyists or political action committees, mirroring the strict standard Obama adopted for his presidential campaign.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/10871.html

These are excellent moves on Obama's part. Not only does this remove the ability of the Republicans to attack him on DNC rules when the DNC will be helping him get elected, but by opening up fundraisers to the press, he highlights McCain's secret Bush fundraisers.

More importantly, I think this is a psychological move for Obama. As we all remember, he got into a little trouble at a private fundraiser when he said something without thinking. With reporters always there, I think Obama will keep his mind on the prize.

Look at this, folks, Obama's already changing Washington, and he ain't even president yet!

Tags: DNC, Barack Obama, John McCain (all tags)

Permalink :: 76 Comments :: Post a Comment

Very good to hear (2.00 / 7)

about this.

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:03:25 AM EST

Re: Very good to hear (none / 0)

Absolutely. And he should start pressing McCain to do the same.

"Now John McCain, who's been in Washington since 1983, has said he, too, wants things to change. His change? Keep American soldiers in Bush's war in Iraq. Keep Bush's reckless fiscal policy and his deficits. Keep not providing healthcare. And keep having the Republican party be bought and paid for by lobbyists and special interest groups."

Etc etc etc. I'm sure he can put it better.

John McCain: Healthcare for Kids? In America? No way

by bosdcla14 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:35:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Very good to hear (2.00 / 2)

Wow. He's already doing it:

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsm emo.com/2008/06/obama_camp_hits_mccain_d emands.php

John McCain: Healthcare for Kids? In America? No way

by bosdcla14 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:54:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Nice (none / 0)

He works fast.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 04:15:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 6)

I noted yesterday the DNC site didn't have the same disclaimers on contributions that I am accustomed to see at Obama's site and wondered how long that was going to last. He doesn't waste any time.

It's interesting to note also that in his speech Tuesday night he was in no way bashful in speaking for 'this party' when describing the kind of campaign he was expecting to wage and I thought that was a positive indication. He may not be president yet but he's been the leader of the party for almost two days already.

by Shaun Appleby on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:05:07 AM EST

Yeah (2.00 / 7)

This guy doesn't screw around. What's interesting is that the party leaders aren't wasting any time coalescing behind him.

It might be a change election, but some things don't change: the goal of party unity is one of them.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:06:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeah (2.00 / 4)

Frankly, at this stage, I think the 'party leaders' are happy to have him. He's got a six point lead in the recent CBS polling against McCain, too. Not a bad start, all things considered.

by Shaun Appleby on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:28:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

And he collared Lieberman yesterday. (2.00 / 3)

It's going to be quite the revelation to have a Democratic candidate who will take no shit from anyone. I'm grinning.

by McNasty on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:05:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And he collared Lieberman yesterday. (2.00 / 1)

"We don't take no prisoners!"

"We don't take no shit from nobody!"

by nwgates on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 02:22:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And he collared Lieberman yesterday. (none / 0)

We don't take NO for an answer!

John McCain hates terrorists, except the ones that hate women. Those are just swell.

by terra on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:01:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The amazing thing about this (2.00 / 6)

In the past, this would have been akin to unilateral disarmament. It would have been political suicide.

But now, this is like trading in a handgun for a rocket launcher. Millions of small donations funding political campaigns. Millions of voices heard through their donations. It's the way it should be, and the credit is not just Obama's. Yes Obama gets credit for deciding to play the game the right way. But credit also goes to everyone out there that - those making small donations - allowing Obama to make the right call.

It isn't just Obama who is changing Washington, it is everyone who has decided they have had enough with lobbyists and decided to become more invested in their and their children's futures. Listen to Obama - he often says it isn't about him it is about us. This is not false humility in Obama - I believe that this is the truth as he sees it.

And the really cool part about it is how it truly is trading in a handgun for a rocket launcher. To wit, McCain surrounded by his cadre of lobbyists is going to raise half of what Obama is going to raise. It isn't even going to be close.

by johnnyappleseed on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 01:08:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I like the analogy (2.00 / 2)

"Trading in a handgun for a rocket launcher."

A rocket of truth, justice, and the American way you mean.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 01:26:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The amazing thing about this (2.00 / 3)

I second that. Excellent comment.

Obama/Adam West or Bruce Campbell or Lucy Lawless '08

by Purple with Green Stipes and Pink Polka Dots Dem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 01:38:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The amazing thing about this (2.00 / 3)

"this is like trading in a handgun for a rocket launcher"

excellent analogy to go with the brilliant observation my friend

IOU A MOJO

"How long have I been at this, like five weeks?" -Simple Sarah 08'

by wellinformed on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:43:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The amazing thing about this (none / 0)

I'll paid off your IOU.....I mojo'd for you.

by sedagive on Fri Jun 06, 2008 at 12:28:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

Hillary had diclaimers on her site too, :)

by alyssa chaos on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:07:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 3)

I'm sure she did, most are required by FEC regulation, I was referring specifically to the one regarding federally registered lobbyist and PAC donations which is not an FEC mandated restriction.

by Shaun Appleby on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:21:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 2)

Kudos to Obama for both of these moves, which are long overdue.

John McCain: Extending SCHIP would be an "unfunded liability."

by Fuzzy Dunlop on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:06:04 AM EST

Thanks for posting this (2.00 / 5)

I'll head over to the DNC and give them $25.

by GreenHills on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:08:47 AM EST

Re: Just gave them 25.00 also (2.00 / 1)

and attached a note - letting them know why I had finally decided to open my fairly empty wallet.
Change brought them my change. ;)

Anthropologists for human diversity; opposing McCain perversity

by NeciVelez on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 05:07:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 4)

super cool. glad to see some positive action taking place.

by alyssa chaos on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:10:04 AM EST

In more ways than one. (2.00 / 8)

He's putting Joementum in his place as well:

Furthermore, during a Senate vote Wednesday, Obama dragged Lieberman by the hand to a far corner of the Senate chamber and engaged in what appeared to reporters in the gallery as an intense, three-minute conversation.

While it was unclear what the two were discussing, the body language suggested that Obama was trying to convince Lieberman of something and his stance appeared slightly intimidating.

Using forceful, but not angry, hand gestures, Obama literally backed up Lieberman against the wall, leaned in very close at times, and appeared to be trying to dominate the conversation, as the two talked over each other in a few instances.

Still, Obama and Lieberman seemed to be trying to keep the back-and-forth congenial as they both patted each other on the back during and after the exchange.

Afterwards, Obama smiled and pointed up at reporters peering over the edge of the press gallery for a better glimpse of their interaction.

Obama loyalists were quick to express their frustration with Lieberman's decision and warned that if he continues to take a lead role in attacking Obama it could complicate his professional relationship with the Caucus.

-- Roll Call via Huffpo.

by Same As It Ever Was on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:14:21 AM EST

I have to wonder (2.00 / 1)

Lieberman is a vicious little quisling of a man, but if Obama could somehow crowbar him out of McCain's camp, it would be a huge coup... or rather, it would be the negation of McCain's coup.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:31:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I have to wonder (2.00 / 3)

I'd imagine Obama would settle for Lieberman shutting his pie hole.

by Same As It Ever Was on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:38:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I have to wonder (2.00 / 1)

He was probably confronting him with facts like:

a. We are going to have gains in the senate majority so

b. We wont need your support for the majority so

c. If you want to keep you status shut the hell up and stop attacking the party.

Taking command early, brilliant

"You might well think that. I couldn't possibly comment"

by xenontab on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 12:57:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That seems likely (none / 0)

I understood why Lieberman was for McCain. He's good on the guy's most important issue, and the Democrats basically turned in the other direction on him.

That said, he shouldn't expect us to continue to humor his novelty status if he's going to be sleeping with the enemy.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 01:02:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I have to wonder (2.00 / 1)

He probably added a sharp jab about how he went to CT prior to the 2004 primary and campaigned for Lieberman, nor did he participate in Lamont activities.

I'm sure Obama pointed out that he holds Lieberman's marker.

by Twin Planets on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:47:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

if Obama could somehow crowbar him out of McCain' (none / 0)

Screw Liebershitz. The Democratic Party is better off with him in Bush/McCain's pocket.

Anybody's vote is worth having. But not everybody's vote is worth campaigning for.

by Freespeechzone on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 01:39:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: In more ways than one. (none / 0)

I read that and was lost when it said that Joe didn't hear the speech but then came out and attacked the speech. Did I get that wrong or is Joe just that in the bag for McSame?

John McCain isn't evil. He's just wrong about a lot of things. Vote Obama!

by proseandpromise on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:39:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

won't take you guff!!!!!!! (2.00 / 3)

please let this guy be our president

"How long have I been at this, like five weeks?" -Simple Sarah 08'

by wellinformed on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:47:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (none / 0)

How long will it last before one of his "close colleagues" is found accepting money from lobbyists?

by Jaz on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:31:02 AM EST

Depends (2.00 / 2)

I'm sure many of his close friends accept money from lobbyists (especially his close friends who are Republican Senators), but the only time it would be a scandal is if his "close friends" claimed to follow his rules.

Nobody is blaming people who DO take money from lobbyists; some need it still. We all know that change takes time.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:34:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I always knew Kerry made a mistake with him (2.00 / 1)

But to this extent? I'm stunned.

Gobama!

by USArmyParatrooper on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:43:04 AM EST

Re: I always knew Kerry made a mistake with him (2.00 / 1)

...you mean, "I always knew Gore made a mistake" (by choosing Lieberman as his running mate). Kerry made other mistakes. :-)

by forbes on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:08:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Blah! Major brainfart (2.00 / 1)

Yeah, Edwards is A-OK in my book. I was thinking Gore but for some reason typed Kerry.

Gobama!

by USArmyParatrooper on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:37:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

Obama is building upon what Dr. Dean started.
Although appreciating what PAC's do..especially Unions..this is the people's Party now..
I am sure Pac's sympathetic to us will be doing a little 527 stuff. Look for 527's to become history when real campaign reform takes place over the next 4 years. Unions will be utilized full tilt i registration and other GOTV issues.

I picture Sen. Obama telling Joe..

"No more crap from you. I'm going to bust my ass to make sure we don't need you. Jist sayin'."

Now that the Primary is over watch DNC coffers fill.
I also believe that Obama will do what can legally be done to help Clinton with her enormous debt.

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:22:40 AM EST

Holy Cow (2.00 / 5)

I think this is my first rec list diary.

I thought for sure that my personal touch unity diary from yesterday would be, but this works. :)

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:29:03 AM EST

Re: Holy Cow (2.00 / 1)

considering how many people that lost their rec or rate abilities I would say be damn proud my friend

good diary

sorry i cannot rec :(

"How long have I been at this, like five weeks?" -Simple Sarah 08'

by wellinformed on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:50:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Not a problem (none / 0)

Looks like we're doing okay with recs on this one. Things should be getting better around here shortly.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 04:16:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (none / 0)

It'd be great, and a sign of good faith to the Clinton crowd, if he'd urge some primary reform while he's at it.

John McCain isn't evil. He's just wrong about a lot of things. Vote Obama!

by proseandpromise on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:36:32 AM EST

Not exactly pressing, though (2.00 / 1)

Primary reform, while nice, is an issue for 2012. I could see him sparing a minute or so on it at some point, but in the past, it's generally primary runner-ups that propose and push that sort of thing (Jesse Jackson got us proportional allocation, for example).

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:43:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 2)

To immediately discredit the process by which he was nominated would be silly...

by authority song on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:45:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

Sadly that's why the electoral college has ever been changed. The people with the clout to change it have won by exactly that method.

Obama's the type to actually propose changes whether they help him or not.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:50:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

The electoral college would be difficult to change. You need an amendment, which requires 3/4 of the states to ratify. Since the electoral college disproportionately gives more power to smaller, less populous states, I can't see being able to get 38 states on board for the proposal.

I used to defend the electoral college. I liked how it emphasized the roles of the states, but I've become less and less convinced of its benefit and usefulness. If it were abolished, it sure would dramatically change the whole process of campaigning now, wouldn't it?

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:40:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

Actually the electoral college is on it's way out, and it won't take an amendment.

http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/04/ 08/news/illinois/doc47fb0108457b80058950 38.txt

Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland have all enacted this bill. Their EV total is 50. When 220 EV worth of states join in this effort the game is over for the Electoral College.

It looks like VT has it passed and waiting for the governor to sign.

No need for an amendment when you can garner 270 EVs for the popular vote winner.

by Why Not on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 06:35:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (none / 0)

In principal I agree with the popular vote idea. But I also live in Missouri, and realize that my state's views and opinions would mean much less under that system. Candidates would focus on the populous states and thus the government would reflect that. Maybe that is the way it should be, but as a Missourian it kind of bums me out to think about.

What do you think about setting at threshold of to receive 100% of the EVs? For example, what if someone had to get 60% to get all of the EV's, and if it was under they would get 80% or something like that. I bring up Missouri again as an example because it is a fairly divided state.

by Xris on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:02:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This man can LEAD (2.00 / 6)

If I had any doubts, they were erased yesterday when I read the report of him pulling Lieberman (a party elder) aside on the Senate floor.

by neonplaque on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:41:17 AM EST

Re: This man can LEAD (2.00 / 2)

The part I love is, all these GOP jackasses have been braying about how weak Obama is and how all he offers is hope and pretty words. What the hell can they do, say that he's being too mean??

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 02:07:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This man can LEAD (2.00 / 1)

Roll Call reports:

Furthermore, during a Senate vote Wednesday, Obama dragged Lieberman by the hand to a far corner of the Senate chamber and engaged in what appeared to reporters in the gallery as an intense, three-minute conversation.

While it was unclear what the two were discussing, the body language suggested that Obama was trying to convince Lieberman of something and his stance appeared slightly intimidating.

Using forceful, but not angry, hand gestures, Obama literally backed up Lieberman against the wall, leaned in very close at times, and appeared to be trying to dominate the conversation, as the two talked over each other in a few instances.

Priceless.

Mooseburgers? Careful Sarah. Moose bite back!

by spacemanspiff on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 02:38:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 5)

Lord.. First Lieberman and now the DNC.

I know people like to assert the Democrat party is our party, and that is true, but Obama has effectively taken charge of it from the moment of being handed the keys. There is no doubt who is leading this machine, a sea change may be coming.

Fuck yeah.

by notedgeways on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 12:18:23 PM EST

Yeah. Those who call him Obambi are in for (2.00 / 1)

quite a shock. LOL!

by Sopianae on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 12:24:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

by know..ya'll know I liles to toss in some appropriate music...so for this diary...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gCH1RYWl E4

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 12:29:02 PM EST

Can't listen to it at work... (none / 0)

...but the sentiment is sure right.

I'm damn proud of Democrats today.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 12:30:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I have a better one! (2.00 / 1)

Wouldn't it be nice if there were no rhetorical questions?

by Elsinora on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 02:09:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

Awesome. Thank-you from the bottom of my heart.

I look forward to the day (soon, I hope) that this kind of diary replaces the other variety on the rec list - and the others vanish FOREVER!

This guy is going to kick McCain's Ass! Period.

(,my friends...)

by xdem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 01:08:05 PM EST

Good move, Obama. (2.00 / 1)

Anybody's vote is worth having. But not everybody's vote is worth campaigning for.

by Freespeechzone on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 01:41:18 PM EST

Keep your eyes on the prize... (2.00 / 1)

oh yea.

by Silence Do Good on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:00:23 PM EST

Re: Obama changing Washington already (none / 0)

Just because the Democrats won't take the lobby money doesn't mean the Republicans won't.

More money for McCain and the RNC.

And that's bad news.

by stefystef on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:00:39 PM EST

Not to fear! (2.00 / 1)

Luckily, a wise politician foresaw that someday lobbyist money might be misused and created campaign finance laws to limit the amount that can be given to a political campaign from that source.

That politician's name was John Sydney McCain III.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:04:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

McCain and fundraising go together like a honey-mustard club sandwich and battery oil.

John McCain hates terrorists, except the ones that hate women. Those are just swell.

by terra on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:04:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Mmmm.... (none / 0)

Toasty.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:10:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Mmmm.... (2.00 / 1)

McCain's new campaign commercial:

WE LOVE THE PAC'S!!!

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:47:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

As Obama proved this primary, money will not be a problem for us.

The DSCC and DCCC are not bound by these restrictions anyways, so the lobby money can go to them...

But, since we don't need it, I'd rather not!

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:42:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (none / 0)

The DSCC and DCCC are fairly firmly in the hands of Emanuel and Schumer who won't willingly give it up. Nor will "the big democratic donors" - remember the letter to Pelosi a couple of months back?

I have that readiness.

by Jess81 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 04:28:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

We still have work to do, then (none / 0)

No need to blame anyone. Things (most of the time) don't change overnight... even for Barack Obama.

In this avalanche, the pebbles get to vote.

That One/Another Fella '08

by Dracomicron on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 04:34:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

emanuel is not the head of the dccc anymore... (none / 0)

chris van hollen is. the congressional candidates i've talked to are very pleased by his leadership and direction. it's not at all helpful to punish the d-trip for its former committee chair...

"This is the time for resolve and steady leadership" -- Barack Obama

by bored now on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 06:20:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

Obama will have more money than he needs to whoop up on old Grampy. He doesn't need those lobbyist's money. Lot's of formerly cynical cheapskates such as myself are gonna max out their contributions.

As a matter of fact, I'm gonna quit putting money in the plate at church and instead send it to Obama where it might do some good for a change!

by xdem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 07:25:08 PM EST

Is this good for us in the long run? (none / 0)

I mean, this sounds nice for the 2008, but say the 2010 elections are tough, and we need lobbyist/PAC money, do we keep the rule? The truth is, the special interests are never going away. 2010 in congress may have less passion than this one.

by Lakrosse on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 07:29:25 PM EST

Chicago Politics take Washington! (1.00 / 2)

Lower and lower we sink.

by layer cake on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 07:35:17 PM EST

Re: Chicago Politics take Washington! (none / 0)

Would you mind explaining this, for those of us in the reality based community?

Or turn off your snarkolator.

Seriously, what kind of drooling idiot believes that ending PAC and lobbyist contributions is a lowering of standards.

Did you take your meds today?

No?

Then wipe off your chin, find your meds and don't come back until they've taken effect. You're embarrassing yourself.

by xynz on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:10:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Chicago Politics take Washington! (none / 0)

Your first comment was yesterday, go home McBlogger, tell Grand Pa John you did your duty and you want your free Centrum Silver with chocolate chips.

Capitalization is the difference between "I had to help my uncle Jack off a horse..." and "I had to help my uncle jack off a horse..."

by igottheblues on Fri Jun 06, 2008 at 12:59:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Good because as we know: (none / 0)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26456946@N0 3/2554145925/

McCain does Not support the troops

by hope monger on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 07:37:23 PM EST

Can you believe how arrogant the DCCC is (none / 0)

being? Chris Van Hollen better wake up!

John McCain wants you to be poor!

by nklein on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 07:58:26 PM EST

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

It's true what many of Obama's critics have said.
We don't know enough about Obama. This is a great start. I think Obama may be better than even we thought much to the discomfort of the McCain team.

by Politicalslave on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:34:38 PM EST

Re: Obama changing Washington already (2.00 / 1)

You weren't expecting this? You ain't seen nothin' yet. I always assumed he would rock the house and that he knew just how to do it, it was pretty clear that was his intention from the start. He was either going to succeed or fail dramatically. As it turns out he has so far succeeded.

Someone said up-thread something about 'trading in a handgun for a rocket launcher.' That's dead right and it applies to the electoral mandate as well as finance, that's the source of Obama's immediate power, you know, not just the stature of a newly minted nominee. What he has done, as risky and likely as it has been, is aptly described as 'phenomenal.' The ability he has demonstrated of mobilising, fund-raising and motivating turn-out is very empowering for him and his constituents. It certainly isn't overlooked by the whole industry he has vowed to reform. It's 'Follow me or get out of the way' from here on in, just wait until he gets elected.

I'm convinced if they saw where he was headed sooner they would have tried harder to stop him, it may already be too late.

by Shaun Appleby on Fri Jun 06, 2008 at 06:44:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Good (2.00 / 1)

It's a move towards transparency and accountability. No complaints here.

Lifelong Democrat, civil rights advocate, former volunteer for Dem candidates. Now Independent.

by BPK80 on Fri Jun 06, 2008 at 07:56:42 AM EST

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