techPresident - If Obama Accepts Spending Limits.... - Comments

And another option

Dan Ancona — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:50:03 -0500

The DNC could become the main small-donor fundraising vehicle. Technically it wouldn't be that difficult: the main DNC site is already running the same social networking toolset that my.barack is based on. They might even be able to do some kind of bulk import. (after an opt-in, of course)

This would be exciting for a lot of reasons: for one, it could move lots of people into a potential long-term small-donation bloc for the DNC, which would be an outstanding gift to this country. This could also form the electronic nervous system for the ongoing movement, which could then be applied to other races down the ticket.

Of course it would present a huge challenge, in that many independent and Republican voters might feel uncomfortable giving the DNC money. But here in CA, Dem registration is finally growing faster than "Decline to State" (California-ese for independent) reg. So maybe things are turning around; people are realizing that they have to do more than vote, that they really need to join a party to do that, and that they may not be completely comfortable being a Dem, they definitely aren't Rs.

Another Possibility

Rasiej — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:32 -0500

With over 90 percent of Obama's donations under $100, another possibility is for him to announce that he will limit his donors to no more than $100.

This may provide enough cover to defend against the attacks that will come by not accepting the Federal dollars.

Andrew Rasiej

If Obama Accepts Spending Limits....

Zephyr Teachout — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:00:23 -0500

If he is the nominee, I hope Obama accepts the spending limits, but not for the reasons typically given. Giving money directs grassroots activity right now--it defines the bulk of the email messages from the campaign.

But without that ask, he'll have millions of people who can't give money but really want to act, so they'll have to do something: organize, strategize, canvass, go door to door, street canvass, research, make movies, make music, create sports teams? The campaign will want to direct some of it, but having put its toe in the water with the "supporter created video" of Will.i.am, and no longer having fundraising to fall back on, it may become more comfortable with citizen creativity. Limits on spending will force massive, exciting experimentation with the people formerly known as the "grassroots," and I'm very eager to see what happens.