Over the past year, Obama and Romney and their respective parties have collectively raised almost $2 billion, making this year the most expensive presidential campaign to date. The different sources of money for each candidate highlights the big divide between the two candidates about various issues.
For example, Romney, who heavily stresses his business experience and economic plans, receives more than $18 million from employees of financial firms who also donate millions to super-PACs that support Romney's campaign. Wall Street has also invested more in Romney's campaign than any other election in history. He receives the most donations from wealthy supporters who donate the maximum amount ($2500). On the other hand, Obama has received around $14 million from the technology industry after his multiple visits to the Silicon Valley; employees of nursing homes, hospitals, and women's groups have been donating more to the Democrats, most likely due to his social views. Obama also receives donations from about 4 million small donors who contribute as little as a few dollars.
Super PACs mostly benefit the Republicans, spending nearly $302 million on ads endorsing Romney that they must disclose to the Federal Election Commission; Obama receives about $120 million in comparison. The Republicans are left with more cash (about $40 million more) in the final weeks of the election which may result in a surge of last-minute advertising by the Republican that may attract more voters and give him a slight advantage.
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2 comments:
It always makes me a little sad whenever I hear about how much money goes into campaigning. I suppose I understand why, but it's always in the back of my mind that our economy is in a terrible state, and we could be solving so many other domestic issues with all that cash, that it just seems unproductive.
It is interesting how millions of dollars go into campaigning these days. Though Governor Romney might receive more money than incumbent President Obama through Super PACs, Obama still receives quite a good amount of cash through his fundraisers, perhaps even surpassing Romney.
I agree with Eavan that it is surprising how much money can go into campaigning when the US is trillions of dollars in debt. However, it is debatable whether all that money could help our domestic issues. The problem with the current debt is that the government is spending much more than it is taking in. I feel that the first step is to balance the budget before any significant change can come about for the economy.
I am doubtful how useful a "last-minute surge" would help either candidate this late in the game. By now, I expect everybody to at least have some preference for Obama or Romney. Any Independents calling themselves Independents (as the ones in the article are) are most likely just trying to look neutral.
Regarding the statement that Romney has received more money from Wall Street than any candidate in history, I would like to know where you got that fact from. I am skeptical Romney received that much money or whether he would actually need to spend it all on this campaign this late in the race.
Honestly, money has always been an issue in the campaigns and the one with the most or least amount of money does not always win. Nor should money play a large part in this. Hopefully the ads will not be the deciding factor in the vote. As Benjamin Franklin said, "This will be the best security for maintaining our liberties. A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins."
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