Personally, I think the political party system is a disaster. Everyone is in bed with somebody or should I say something; I can’t be sure, given that corporations choose to extend their rights as a person in some instances and refuse responsibility by denying their own personhood in others.
So I’m interested in watching how John Edwards does running on public campaign financing. (The financing allows for gov’t matching of up to $250 from each individual donor, with campaign spending capped at $5o million). It’s an interesting approach. Edwards is trailing Hilary and Obama, so fundraising is not going to be easy for him. (In 2004, political spending topped $1.2 billion; wouldn’t it be great to free up those funds as donations to social causes that need a financial boost instead of padding political coffers? Yes, I do dream the impossible dream. ) Are the Democratic front runners willing to take stand on exorbitant political spending, donations that lead to lots of corporate pay backs once in office?
In further Edwardsian news, John Edwards took a calculated risk in participating in an “interview” by youth in an online forum. Edwards responded to tough questions with aplomb, garnering high marks by his Gen Y audience. He took part in a medium that allows for very little spin control. It was live and online, allowing for people to take the sound bytes viral.
I’d like to know how the questions were chosen? Who made the editorial decision? Did Edwards get to see the questions in advance or was he expected to respond on the fly? I look forward to seeing how the other candidates fare and if the quality of the questions holds constant.
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