I just read that it cost our President 414 million to run in 2008.
So I was wondering, if a candidate said I will give to the government every penny I raise for my campaign to pay down our national debt would you vote for him?
Mind you he wouldn't have them money to advertise, to slam whoever is running against him. He would just be quietly making our countries future a little better.
What do you all think?
I would like to say I would vote for him but I know without seeing his name, what he stood for, I would probably forget about him by the time I voted.
I can't imagine anyone doing it. It is just every time I see how much they spend on running I can't help but think what better purposes could that money be used for.
Tracy it really isn't about what they spend it on or where it comes from. It is just soooooo much money. This post is born of the what else could we use that money on, ya know? I assume I am not the only one who sees that much and thinks whoa that is a lot of money.
Good question, but do keep in mind, that money being spent on campaigns, is going into the economy.
All of the workers. Caterers, small towns they visit, printing companies. Advertising, Police, The rental of auditoriums, hotels, planes, buses, cars, city workers, rentals.. you see it goes on and on..
My husband was in the TV industry and the advertising industry for almost 20 years.. The overtime, was always appreciated.
The President raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $750 million in '08, I believe. This campaign it's expected for both candidates (R &D) to raise around $1 BILLION each for their campaigns.
I'd like to see a complete ban on campaign donations. Across the board. Have the federal govt. give each candidate a set amount of money, say $100k each (I believe this is done in England?), and put the focus on debates for candidates to impart their philosophies and beliefs. All other spending (attack commercials, print, robocalls and the like) must be kept under the $100k spending mark.
The amount of money donated to political campaigns is obscene, disgusting and dangerous, IMO. The Supreme Court should be ashamed of themselves for allowing undisclosed and secret campaign donations, unabated.
Added: it also makes our politicians beholden to corporate and special interests when they become elected (enter corporate fascism). Even Obama, and many of you know that I am a supporter.
Boy would that be refreshing!
That money wouldn't even pay the INTEREST on our national debt that would accrue during the election campaign!! Nice idea but first of all it would never happen and secondly..no one would vote for him because no one would know anything about him.
As Laurie said, this money isn't thrown away. It pays for goods and services, a lot of people and businesses. No, I wouldn't vote for a bone head based on this.
I wouldn't hold my breath for that situation.
oooh good question....
I like Perot when he said he would be President for NO PAY...as he didn't need it.
I would respect a candidate - man or W. - who did that. It would show me they were actually committed to our country and making it better.
Do I think Obama will do this? no.
Do I think any of the right side will do it? probably not.
Interesting concept....... of course, you know where that campaign money comes from... big business that thinks he will protect THEIR interests!
What's really scary is that $414 million would not even make a dent in our national debt. !!!!
If they dont accept public funds, they are eligible to recieve private donations from anyone, any pac, and corp, and entity or individual. Would you be more comfortable with that?
It would be great if someone did. Or like Cheryl mentioned Perot said he would work for free. I am not for socialism and I believe in keeping one's hard earned money, but something has got to give.
The campaign money does go back into the economy, but is it necessary to spend SO much? And why can't some of it go towards the debt?
400 mil wouldnt change a thing in our trillion(s) dollar debt.
I don't really care about that as much as there should be absolutely no money from Corporations, Unions etc.
But yes if a Candidate or specific party offered to take major pay cuts or salary freezes, that would make me really consider the individual
First of all... I think it's disgusting that any elected official spends so much money on advertising and campaigning. I feel that they should have a cap of $10,000 that they can write to THEMSELVES from their own bank. As it stands, the campaigner can write a check of any amount to themselves towards their fundraising... if this was stopped - NORMAL people who actually have a clue to what is going on could actually run for office positions. 98% of funds should be from the constituents and those who believe in the future of the person running, not from their own private millionaire bank accounts.
Advertising for your campaign should not require so much money. I feel all channels that run commercials should offer a short 20 second airing for EVERY candidate for free.
The true spirit of America is to have a community following because of your merits and values... not because you can pay people to be your community.
