“A Broken System: Obama rejects public financing”

Barack Obama for President!

Ever since Sen. Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States, I did my research and found that I respected everything that this man has done – policy decisions, community organizing, campaign style, and demeanor as a politician. His story is truly like no other and like he said, “no other place is my story even possible.” Obama is constantly proving people wrong and breaking barriers with no sign of looking back. Although Sen. Obama is a well-groomed politician, he is making some mistakes along the way, just as any national candidate would. Nevertheless, I continue to fully endorse Obama for President and will volunteer, fund-raise, and do anything to assure he is elected this upcoming November.

Certainly, as an Obama supporter, I want him to make as little mistakes as possible during the general election, and I am sure he expects that the Republicans will attack him for every “little” detail because let’s face it, you actually should do that if you are trying to win the Presidency. Something that shows how much Obama wants to win Presidency is by rejecting public financing for election. But, what kind of backfire will happen and did Obama really take back his original word? As you read this, please realize that I am an Obama supporter, but have dreams of being a political analyst, so I have to remain as “objective” as possible while I read different articles.

Barack Obama became the first President since the Watergate era to reject public financing for a general election. Generally, this means that Obama rejected taxpayer financing for his general-election campaign, allowing him to spend a limitless amount against Rep. Nominee John McCain, who opted to use public financing, meaning he can only spend $84.1 million.  Regardless of Obama’s mediocre fundraising in May ($22 million), he will undoubtedly raise the most money in the history of Presidential elections, allowing him to control his election as much as possible. Quite honestly, I have no problem with Obama rejecting public financing. In fact, I am in favor of him not financing taxpayers for the purpose of his election, but I believe this is now something else that the Republican strategists will speak about. This could add to the idea that he is a “flip flopper,” which is obviously not a good thing.

So, if I am an adamant Obama supporter and even support the idea of rejecting public financing, then what is the problem? Generally, I do not have one, except that this may negatively effect him and will only lead people to believe that “he only cares about winning and not keeping his word.” Of course, Presidential candidates care about winning, but they also want to appear as if they will keep their word, especially with issues so pivotal as public financing.

From what I read in many articles, people are calling Obama a hypocrite because in January 2007, he criticized Hillary Clinton for opting out of public financing and in February, he said that if the Republican opponent uses public financing, then he would agree to a “fundraising truce.” I hurried to search for any rules and regulations for the purpose of Obama changing his opinion (which he has every right to do), but I can mainly find one — this is a man who wants to win the Presidency, and he is not taking any prisoners and for that, I cannot blame him. He understands what he set out to do and will accomplish this goal. Obama is one hell of a politician and I am sure that he was aware of the backfire this could potentially cause.

Sen. McCain painted Sen. Obama as a phony reformer, saying he talks about new politics but takes the low road when it suits him. According to McCain, “he has completely reversed himself and gone back, not on his word to me, but the commitment he made to the American people.” Sadly enough, this statement could be interpreted as true if issues like this come around. 

Interesting Note: “The McCain campaign said they will consider opting out as well.” They better make up their mind soon because regardless, they will look like morons for publicly criticizing Obama, then changing their mind. How can you criticize someone for changing their mind and then turn around and do the same thing?” This is why I love politics.

In an email sent out by the Obama campaign, Sen. Obama explains why he decided to change his opinion on public financing, which he brings up very good points. One that particularly comes to mind is “the system as it exists today is broken, and we face opponents who’ve become masters at gaming this broken system.” In addition, I agree with Obama when he expresses that his campaign stlye has been a form of  “parallel public financing,” because of majority of the donations coming from people contributing less than $200, far below the maximum.

I am NOT in favor of the public financing system because it really is “broken” and hurts incredible fundraisers, like Sen. Obama. Luckily, I do not believe this decision will influence voters, negatively or positively, because it is a confusing concept. Obama is a great politician and an even better man. I love his message, his fund-raising abilities, and his campaign! Let us all work together in making sure that Obama is elected the next President. First, as Obama supporters, we have to admit some of the mistakes have been made during his candidacy. We shall not take the time to point out the imperfections of the McCain campaign — that will take a lifetime. Simply put, we are not doing Sen. Obama any justice by making it appear as if this candidacy is somehow perfect.

Barack Obama for President!