Three Dollars for Obama

In the U.S. the reelection campaign has begun in earnest. And what does it revolve around? Money — not for the citizens, but for the campaigners. One thing is already clear: It will be the most expensive election campaign in history.

Yesterday Barack Obama emailed me twice in quick succession — indeed, it was the same email, once with the subject line, “We have our opponents,” and once with, “Now we know.” How true. Since the day before yesterday, it has been a given that the millionaire Mitt Romney will run against the president. Barack’s explanation of what that means is short and to the point: “He will lavish tax breaks on millionaires, delay the withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan, phase out investment in renewable energy and make it even harder for students to afford a college education. In addition, he wants to take away a woman’s right to choose, and rescind Planned Parenthood’s government funding.”*

Barack’s description of society’s throwback to the ‘50s is accurate. There is much at stake — indeed, the outcome of the election will set the country’s direction for decades. He writes and says this at each campaign stop. And I believe he is absolutely right. He closes with the appeal, “I need you on my side,”* for which I truly respect him. Oh, and then I would like to donate another three dollars or maybe more. Of course, no problem.

Money Dictates the Election Campaign

In conclusion, money will play a decisive role in this election campaign. The Republicans want to raise $600 million dollars and Obama’s team wants to match the $750 million collected in 2008. The president and Romney are now holding an almost constant string of fundraising galas. Each of these events is expected to raise $1 million. Perhaps my three dollars are not so imperative. In any case, it will be the most expensive election in U.S. history, if not in world history. And since it will all be privately financed, both campaigns will probably forgo any federal grants. That’s something, at least.

Unlike in 2008, however, for each campaign there are also so-called SuperPACs, political support committees which collect extra money to advertise for the candidates. Theoretically they are not allowed to arrange things directly with the SuperPACs, but nobody can really control them so the rule is meaningless. So far, the Republican SuperPACs have received an unbelievable amount of donations and could even beat the pants off Obama’s supporters. This could become a problem for the president. As seen during the primary campaign, Mitt Romney and his rich friends out-competed the opposition with an onslaught of negative clips on TV. Perhaps I should donate five dollars to Obama…

*Editor’s Note: This quotation, accurately translated, could not be verified.