Dangit, how come we have to vote with our checkbooks again?

I mean is a true democracy really compatible with a blatant plutocracy?

Does this bother anyone else??

why don't they put it towards New Orleans or providing assistance to Iraq war vets or feeding the poor? Actually DOING something like this will bring publicity that will pay for itself.

$170 million can be used to buy a whole lot more than cookies and punch and other supplies for campaign events. it's sad to think that it's going to be squandered and all of these people are going to wait until they're elected to start actually doing something.

Adrienne, of course it bothers most of us. But bear in mind that our current President started this bypassing of public financing and "M.C. Rove" assumed that "highest bidder fundraising" (among other "innovations") would ensure a permanent GOP majority. Now the tables are turned. Our candidates are getting the big bucks from the "marketplace", and it's not just the presidential candidates. Turns out that ideas and policies DO matter.

In a closer to ideal democratic world, I'd much prefer a 100% public-financed campaign, but too many people believe freedom of speech includes the freedom to purchase the loudest megaphone to drown out all other competing views. However, I'm not in favor of unilateral disarmament on this. This is Karma.

Why is Hillary not showing her tax records? What is she hiding? Where did the 5 million come from? maybe money laundering? She has way too many skeletons in her closet and she owes too many favors to lobbyists. Her 10 top donors who donated millions are anonymous. This is a huge red flag.... Vote Obama!