BS: Election Fundraising

Subject: BS: Election Fundraising
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Dec 20 - 03:19 PM

Am I the only one who doesn't understand?

Before and during a political election we get tons - hundreds?- of urgent requests for donations. "We need $79,000 by midnight- can you help?" "So and So is falling behind in funds- money is pouring in for the opponent. Help!" "Deadline is tomorrow night! Please contribute as much as you can!"

And on and on.

My question is: Why don't they specify what they need the money for? Why not say, "If you can help us, we will be able to purchase more airtime for So and So. Studies show that exposure on television helps convince people that our guy is the real thing- please help us reach our goal." Or "Most of our election workers are volunteers and we couldn't do without them, but there are other workers who need to be paid - we can't ask them to put in 14 hour days seven days a week without money to live on."

And so on. I know that I would contribute more often and to more causes if they would tell me what they will use it for.


Am I wrong?

Subject: RE: BS: Election Fundraising
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 28 Dec 20 - 04:04 PM

"Most of our election workers are volunteers and we couldn't do without them, but there are other workers who need to be paid - we can't ask them to put in 14 hour days seven days a week without money to live on."

That would need to be read out in a bleating voice-over to accompany pictures of sad-eyed, haggard election workers. It seems to work for rescuing donkeys.

I have to say that I don't receive many request for political contributions, which is just as well as they would be wasting their time, whichever party was asking and whatever reasons they were giving.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: Election Fundraising
From: Jos
Date: 28 Dec 20 - 04:14 PM

It is many years since I received a request for funds for a political party or candidate.
Maybe Ebbie has somehow got onto a list of likely soft touches, or should I say 'supporters'?

Subject: RE: BS: Election Fundraising
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Dec 20 - 04:49 PM

Is it possible that the both of yez don't realize that politics is a necessary part of our governments?

Lobbying for an ice rink or a footbridge on a trail or a performance center for the arts or passing an ordinance that all public buildings must be handicapped accessible - those are all politics. People TOGETHER create for ALL.

Politics is not a four-letter word. I agree that many people in politics become corrupted - would YOU be any better?- by 'power' and easy money but I continue to believe that most people go into politics with the sincere desire to make things better. The more that good people go into politics the better our policies will be.

I donate locally to people I know and respect, I donate to national figures as I watch their goals and achievements. And I make no apologies for it. I pity those who think that good things happen just by chance.

Subject: RE: BS: Election Fundraising
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Dec 20 - 07:38 AM

When politicians speak publicly they are advertising for their job.
If you are not habituated to it (as much) it comes as a a shock to hear US political adverts. The lack of veracity, the personal vituperation, they assumption the listener SHOULD.

US advertising 30 years ago shocked me in a similar way. They do it because it works. For all our supposed UK culture of deferring, we don't believe such crap in the same way.

Sure politicians are necessary, but mostly to keep each other in check, so - someone - explain how Trump remained in office?

Subject: RE: BS: Election Fundraising
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Dec 20 - 07:56 AM

Ebbie you've turned on like a light

We might save 5 billion by limiting all election ads and promotions by law. You know, a bit like the UK.

Doug, empathy is a good idea. So is honesty.

BELIEVE ME Politicians would love spending less time asking for money.
Some estimate it is 90% of their time.

Subject: RE: BS: Election Fundraising
From: gillymor
Date: 29 Dec 20 - 08:21 AM

Trump remained in office because he had a corrupt AG in William Barr who interpreted the Mueller Report in a way that was deferential to the old grifter and suppressed the more incriminating aspects of it in his summary and, more importantly, the Republican controlled senate had no interest in convicting him and thereby alienating his base and hurting their own reelection chances thus endangering their continuing control of the chamber. They wouldn't even let Bolton testify. The prospect of presidential pardons also kept some of the criminals involved silent.

When asked why there are so many crooks in congress Abe Lincoln responded that you can't dip clear water from a muddy stream.
Mortals are easily corrupted by wealth and power but a lot of the politicians you never hear about are honest, hard-working and have the interests of their constituents and the country in mind. I've done volunteer work for a few.

POST-election fund raising has been a real cash cow for twitler, from Nov. 3 until early December he's raised over 200 million, most of which he can legally use for future political aspirations but I have a feeling a lot of it will go to servicing the massive debts he has coming due in the next couple of years.

Subject: RE: BS: Election Fundraising
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 29 Dec 20 - 09:30 AM

Political parties should be granted support, commensurate with the number of candidates being put forward, to get their message out. Some of this can be given through public funding, by way of air time, free postage and the like. Limited amounts should come from party fundraising. Beyond that, there should be a cap on the amount that can be spent on elections. Otherwise, you are handing power to those rich enough to pay. The hopes and aspirations of thousands of small contributors will be as nothing compared with those of a billionaire party backer.

DC