With the start of the Pennsylvania Democratic Primary just hours away, I’ve found myself in a reflective state, looking back at what has really been accomplished by the two candidates over the past six weeks.
Of all of the tours had by both candidates around the state, I can’t think that of one new policy idea that was completely rolled out. Furthermore, even after all of the debate and media coverage, I still can’t find myself in a position where I can tell you why one candidate is better than the other.
From what I’ve seen, there are a lot of people who have found themselves in the same position and these are people who live in Pennsylvania.
It’s quite clear that this hasn’t gone unnoticed by the candidate’s campaigns either. Instead of going after statements that were made by either candidate in Pennsylvania, most of the attack ads are focusing on something that has been drawn out too long already – special interest dollars.
Here is a quick video summary:
When the race is between three Senators, as much people might hate it, special interest money is going to come up. All of the candidates have received money from a PAC or PAC affiliated donor at some point. All of the candidates have met with lobbyists, and yes, I guarantee you all of the candidates are friends with at least a handful of DC “power lobbyists.”
Aside from the special interest attack ads, the other attack seems to be on universal health care. What’s funny about these attacks is that they are going after each others plans, when in reality none of them will ever be implemented.
All candidates, Democrats and Republicans, make big plans for when they get elected, in terms of implementing different policies. However, the reality is that the majority of those plans never make it through the legislature.
Just as an example, take President Bush’s 2004 Social Security plans. Even when Republicans had control, they weren’t able to pass one of his biggest campaign pushes.
People shouldn’t be surprised to find that the same will probably hold true if a Democrat is elected, even with a Democratic majority in the House.
These plans, while they might sound good in their initial proposals will never make it through the bodies as they appear now. Each member of Congress wants their stamp on it and will do what they can to make sure it’s there.
This is where almost all legislation seems to fail.
I guess that’s why I’ve found it so odd that this is how the Democrats chose to wind down their races leading into the election.
Instead of driving hard key issue, like the economy, or going after Senator McCain more aggressively, they’ve chosen the path that only highlights both of their weaknesses against each other, instead of showing their viability against Senator McCain.
But, from a Republican perspective – this is great. They’re going to have their donor based maxed and polarized before they even have a presumed nominee. That’s something that even one of Howard Deans spin-cycle emails cant downplay.
Just look at what CNN.com is reporting on their front page today:
Obama has outspent his rival in Pennsylvania, thanks in part to his hefty fundraising.
He raised $41 million in March, compared with Clinton’s $20 million, according to the latest campaign finance report.
In March, Obama spent about $31 million on his presidential campaign, compared with Clinton’s $22 million.
I don’t see any way that Obama or Clinton can raise that much money without their donors reaching the FEC limits.
The Republicans should really start taking advantage of this… soon.
I haven’t seen all that many mail pieces of phone calls going from the McCain camp, or the RNC talking about how we’re at an advantage here.
When a party has been beaten down over the last 8 years, this is positive news that will make people want to make an investment in the GOP.
But you can’t get money if you don’t ask… so hopefully they’ll start soon.
