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I wouldn't call it flip-flopping either
Obama pledged in March 2007 to pursue an agreement with the Republicans to participate in the public-financing system, which is designed to limit the influence of big money.
Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
An agreement was never reached. As my previous post states, McCain made an announcement on February 12 of this year, that he was rejecting public funding. Why is Obama obligated to keep his end of an agreement that McCain opted out of first (and as far as I can tell, was never actually made)?
Why isn't McCain the bad guy? He made clear that he wasn't going to enter into an agreement. Only yesterday, AFTER Obama made his announcement to reject public funding did McCain change his mind AGAIN and say he was going to take it.
Originally posted by jsobecky
What happened to doing good for it's own sake? We are always told that the US must set an example in matters of war and justice, regardless of what the enemy does. Why shouldn't we hold our leaders to the same standard?
Originally posted by jsobecky
What happened to doing good for it's own sake?
Why shouldn't we hold our leaders to the same standard?
In March 2007, McCain's campaign said the candidate would accept public money if the Democratic nominee did. Obama spokesman Bill Burton said his candidate would ``aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.''
By February 2008, the Obama campaign said public financing was only an ``option.'' Obama has refused to be pinned down on whether he'll participate, citing concerns about the effects of outside political groups that can raise millions and aren't controlled by campaigns.
``That's Washington double-speak,'' McCain responded. ``That's not transparency, nor is it keeping one's word to the American people.''
Originally posted by jsobecky
Let's put things into context here. You're making it sound like McCain reneged, and Obama was fouled.
Originally posted by jsobecky
I know I'm having trouble expressing myself on this topic. I hate finance.
McCain has accepted public financing. He confirmed this on Thursday.
Obama previously said he would consider the same restrictions, now says the system is broken and has opted out of public financing.
He is the first major party candidate to do this since 1976, the year new laws were enacted.
Now, whether the original pledge is important is an opinion.
It was Obama's lawyers who cut off discussions. Obama said he would play only if McCain agreed to further restrictions set by Obama.
In fact, Mr. Obama stopped short of making a flat promise to participate in the public financing system. Asked in a questionnaire whether he would take part if his opponents did the same, Mr. Obama wrote yes. But he added, “If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”
Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
he probably had no clue what he would be up against.
Originally posted by Hal9000
He has said that he nor the Democratic Party will no longer be accepting money from lobbyists, so he is still holding up that part of the promise.
Originally posted by FlyersFan
He has a couple hundred corporate 'bag men'.
You don't think they count?
Originally posted by Hal9000
is it fair that he accepts funds from lobbyists when Obama doesn't?
Will you hold your candidate of choice to those standards as well?
Originally posted by FlyersFan
He made a promise. (in the very least - an insinuation of a promise)
Originally posted by Hal9000
He has a couple hundred corporate 'bag men'.
Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
Originally posted by Hal9000
He has a couple hundred corporate 'bag men'.
I think that's your opinion.
Originally posted by Hal9000
so you don't mind them accepting money from lobbyists, just as long as they don't say they won't. Makes perfect sense.
McCain's Lobbyist Friends Rally 'Round Their Man
"Slick Barry".