The Price of Power - Or Not

In December of 2003, with the Iowa caucuses looming and little money in the campaign bank account, John Kerry loaned himself six million dollars. That was a lot back then. At least he went on to become the party's nominee. This cycle, candidates have raised and spent obscene amounts of money, and a few have dipped into their "personal fortunes" to fund their races. Mitt Romney, who dropped out today, is estimated to have invested nearly 50 million dollars of his own money in the race, and to no avail. Yesterday, Hillary Clinton reported loaning her campaign five million dollars, and some sources suggest that the Clintons may be prepared to invest up to twenty million in the race. Yet, with Obama coming on strong, the outcome for her is uncertain.

Forget age and birth place requirements. To become President, it appears one must also be a millionaire. Even those (viable) candidates who did not loan their campaigns huge chunks of cash have significant family treasure. There's nothing wrong with rich people running for office. I do wonder about how folks manage to accrue personal fortunes while serving in Congress. (I guess you marry Teresa.) While I am not interested in having a President who has been unsuccessful in their own business or professional life, I think that we would all be a lot better off if the doors to power were not coin operated.

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YouTube-Phobic GOP Candidate Bailing on Debate

I can't find this anywhere on the web, but an article entitled, "Republicans Shy Away From Proposed YouTube Debate" from the New York Daily News is neatly tucked on the back page of today's Telegraph. According to the article, Giuliani has already bailed, citing scheduling conflicts, and Mitt Romney said, "I think the presidency ought to beheld at a higher level than having to answer questions from a snowman." (Telegraph, July 27, 2007, page, 8A). Apparently, they don't think it's dignified enough for them.

It looks to me as if the Republican frontrunners are afraid of an itsy-bitsy YouTube video. So much for looking fear in the face and not blinking. It's pretty clear to whom the GOP candidates think they are not beholding- You and Me. Bunch of chickens. (No offense to chickens intended.)

And to think, I just taught myself to YouTube...

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