DEEP POCKETS

Jan 25, 2007

One of the most famous, or infamous, depending on your point of view, characters in the Watergate scandal was Deep Throat. So far, the most scandalous aspect of the upcoming 2008 election is deep dockets.

Several prominent Democrats are off to an early start in the presidential race. Among them is my personal favorite, Barack (he’s a Kenyan, he’s a Kansan, he’s all American) Obama. Like John Kennedy, he may not be 100% ready for the oval office yet, but this lengthy campaign will season him somewhat, and there’s just something about him that you gotta love. He is truly inspirational.

Most of the chatter, however, is about front-runner Hillary Clinton, ahead in the early polls by more than 20 points. Interestingly enough, though, what most people are chattering about has less to do with her ability to raise American hopes than it has to do with her ability to raise money. The “deep pockets” of the Clinton machine are legendary. In talking about it, a number of political commentators have unwittingly exposed a deep crack in American politics: the gap between the voting democracy we are taught to expect and the silent-bid auction we have been forced to accept.

Without even a blink, savvy political observers like Hardball's Chris Mathews take it as a given that the ability to raise tens of millions of dollars is probably the determining factor in this or any other race. Never mind character, experience, campaign promises, or even the “it” factor, as important in politics as it is in movies; a candidate’s connection to major contributors gives him or her the best chance of being elected. When that's how the system functions, it is dysfunctional.

This dysfunctional system is the maze of corruption and incompetence that has led to our current administration. The only way out is through publicly funded elections: shortened campaigns, equal amounts of public funds and air time for all candidates, and, of course, no other funds whatsoever. It wouldn't be an end to all corruption, of course, but it would be a good beginning.

Cynics are quick to say it can’t be done. I say it must be done. It is our only chance.

a foot on either side

Bartley B