Barack Obama supported public financing for presidential campaigns until he discovered how much money his exceptional oratorical ability could raise. He had publicly acknowledged public financing with its campaign spending limitation leveled the political financing field. Then he decided a lopsided field in his favor was worth sacrificing a small thing like integrity.

He further compromised his position with a half truth, the oldest gimmick in the political handbook. He cited the fact that 91 percent of his 1 1/2 million contributors gave an average of less than $88. Give me a break. A little arithmetic says about l,365,000 mesmerized contributors provided $120 million. I’ve heard reports that he spent over $200 million. That means 9 percent (135,000) of his total contributors provided over $80 million or an average of at least $600.

Are we supposed to believe no political baggage is involved, not even a few seven-digit donations? Can a man who would flagrantly sacrifice his integrity with such a lame excuse be trusted as president of the United States? Watch out if you’re tired of political ads on your TV. Democrats are expected to have two, three maybe even four times the money Republicans will have. Remember, you paid for it and you’re going to get your money’s worth. 

Clem Kuhl

Anderson