Oh boy have I gotten all kinds of worked up lately. I apologize in advance that you are the recipient of my anger, however, I think these are important topics for discussion.
First up, the issue that makes me extra cranky, especially when candidates of color are struggling to get their message out in such a crowded field. Part of my frustration is that some activists have poisoned the well about money in politics. I’m lukewarm on the issue, because I think we can look at politicians votes and decide if they’ve been unduly influenced by donations. For the same reason I don’t have problems with PAC money as a rule. But here we are with too many candidates and expectations that candidates shouldn’t raise money from wealthy people, or PACs. That leaves you and me to fund candidates at all levels. It seems counterintuitive to me.
I stand by these remarks that I made in a diary from a year ago,
The last decade we’ve seen an escalation of rhetoric about campaign contributions. With each new cycle it seems that some have narrowed the scope of what’s considered an appropriate donation. It’s bad to have wealthy people donate to someone’s campaign, or people that work in Healthcare, or as in O’Rourke’s case, Oil & Gas. Or only individual donations, no PAC money, unless you make an exception for certain PACs for your campaign because you have their support.
My questions about these unwritten, arbitrary rules are who gets to decide what’s appropriate, and what’s not? How much wealth is too much? Does it include income AND assets? Is it ok if they’re wealthy but live in Nebraska, and not on one of the coasts? If someone works in the Insurance industry but perhaps they work for a car insurance company, are their donations welcome by Democrats? Why can’t a VP for a particular industry donate to a Democrat running for Senate or President, or House, or Mayor? Is it ok for those making <$50,000 but work for Exxon, or Pfizer, or United Health Group to donate to a Democrat? What if they work for Kaiser Permanente are they less bad than another health insurance company, so donations are welcome from those employees?
This past weekend Sher Watts Spooner wrote about some PACs that help women run for office.
I’ve also written about some PACs that helped some new candidates, and how important that money was likely very helpful to their victories. Of course I can’t find that diary now, but I think you get my point.
And for good measure, here’s the graphic that set me off:
Jiminy Cricket, that is A LOT OF MONEY being spent by Steyer and Bloomberg to buy a nomination. Hell, Bloomberg just entered the race, and now I have to listen to ads every time I watch a football game? Also, how the heck is Rep. Gabbard raising and spending that much money? I guess it’s better for her to run ads, than to actively campaign.
******
Next up in my rant-o-rama, this gem,
Eric Boehlert wrote on Daily Kos about the out of touch view of the support for impeachment in this country.
Today, more than twice as many Americans support the impeachment of a Republican president than supported the impeachment of a Democratic president two decades ago. Yet the press portrays the Trump impeachment as a political and public relations failure for Democrats. How does that work exactly? Note that it wasn't until July 1974, one month before President Richard Nixon resigned, that a plurality of Americans finally agreed that he should be forced from office. Today, a plurality already feels that way about Trump, yet the press shrugs.
This message from 538.com, along with similar messages from other media outlets, and pundits make me crazy. It sounds so cynical to to think they’re saying things like this to generate profit. But, it is sometimes difficult to think otherwise.
Democrats are passing bills, investigating the rampant corruption of this administration, and Speaker Pelosi herself is traveling the world to reassure our military and allies that our democracy is vital.
Democrats aren’t perfect, but we are not even in the same league as do-nothing, corrupt, and enabling republicans. Also, WE CANNOT LET THE REPUBLICANS OFF THE HOOK FOR THEIR CORRUPTION. When I say, “we” I mean all of us — voters, media, pundits — all of us. No doubt republicans are yucking it up in private when they read articles like this 538 one, or hear the same thing from any broadcast or print media. When their phone lines are silent because their constituents don’t call on them because of the cynicism they’ve created. Or when left wing protesters are blocking Speaker Pelosi’s office, instead of Leader McConnell’s office. Laughing and high fiving, that’s what they’re doing while Democrats work to make things better.
******
Tuesday we saw the departure from the primary field of my Senator, and the candidate of choice of many of the Villagers, Sen. Kamala Harris. Her departure hurts all of us. In the short term it likely means there won’t be a POC on the debate stage in a few weeks. At a higher level, her absence is another painful reminder of the unbelievable challenges women candidates face. I’m offended by Steyer’s comments about primarying her, let alone him buying his way onto the debate stage after stealing her campaign data.
That double standard is highlighted by this tweet,
I think it’s fair to say my rants will continue in the next 11 months. But I will also work to put aside my cynicism and write about actions that we can take to mitigate voter suppression, and harm done to vulnerable people.
Thanks for reading!
And now, a poll to see if my new posting time is ok, or if I should move it back. Don’t hold back, tell me how you really feel...I sincerely mean that.