The American People vs the Lobbyists and PACs

Obama takes control of DNC
Won't allow lobbyist or PAC money

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Barack Obama, campaigning on a platform of bringing change to Washington, announced today that the Democratic National Committee will no longer accept contributions from registered lobbyists or political action committees.

Seeking to underscore a contrast with Republican John McCain, whose campaign has suffered departures by several top advisors because of their ties to lobbying, Obama said that as the Democratic Party's nominee he will make sure that "special interests" are not allowed to derail healthcare reform and other policies initiatives.

"We will not take a dime from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs," he said. "They will not fund our campaign, they will not run our party, they will not drown out the voices of the American people."

Not that anyone needs anymore 'contrasts' between John McCain and Barack Obama -- boring/articulate, hateful and unstable/courteous and respectful, wrong on Iraq/predicted exactly what would happen, warmonger/reasoned diplomat, etc., -- But another profound difference between them has now become front and center of the debate; McCain and his campaign are dominated by lobbyists and special interests while Barack Obama has now ordered the DNC not to accept 'a dime ' from them!

There was a time when John McCain had some dignity when it came to dealing with the 'special interest' campaign money. He was probably just clinging onto Wisconsin's great Senator, Russ Feingold, trying to look like a 'maverick' back then.

Barack Obama is shutting the lobbyists and PACs out of the process. It will be individual donors, those who have individual votes and $2,300 limits, that will be driving Obama's bus.

Now on the other hand, Republicans like John McCain on his 'Straight Talk Express' and his 112 lobbyists who work on his campaign? They represent corporate lobbyists and special interest PACs; and not the American people.

Of course, McCain could prove me wrong and follow Barack's lead. He wouldn't have anyone left to work on his campaign but he'd stop looking like such a hypocrite if he did.