Now that Dubya has filed his candidacy for re-election (I use that term loosely, as he wasn’t technically elected-perhaps he should just file with the Supreme Court and avoid the middleman), it’s time to keep an even sharper eye on his activities.
The Washington Post reports that he is not accepting federal matching funds for his campaign, which means he is not bound by spending limits. And as we all know, office is won by cash, not votes.
What to look for:
Republican sources said Bush will use his money advantage to run heavy positive advertising as soon as the Democratic nominee is clear, and perhaps even before. The Democrat is likely to be low on funds after the primaries, so Bush’s advisers expect the opposition message to be funded by liberal groups. Sources said the GOP can attack those groups as special interests in some ads, while offering a warm portrayal of Bush in others.
Your mission: keep an eye on who is supplying the vast sums of cash that Bush will be spending. What companies and individuals are paying for his continued destruction of American values of freedom? I’m sure that those campaign contributions will be well and truly compensated for in the next round of tax cuts for the rich and immunity from prosecution for their CEOs.
Also, take note of the constant hypocrisy from the Bush camp, such as:
“The American people will decide whether or not I deserve a second term,” Bush said as he left the White House for Camp David. “In the meantime, I am focusing my attention today on helping people find work. And that’s where I’m going to be for a while. I want this economy to be robust and strong so that our fellow Americans who are looking for a job can find a job.”
OK, note the operative word “today.” I can only assume that he meant Friday. Because if he means that he is not campaigning, he’s a bigger liar than the previous occupant of the White House. A few paragraphs lower:
Rove laid firm campaign plans months ago and has been steering presidential travel to crucial states.
In other words, this campaign has been in existence for a long time.
My friend Eric pointed out last night that the Republicans constantly complained that Clinton was never off the campaign trail. They complained about Clinton an awful lot. But they learned to emulate him.
