Greetings!
We’re still 16 months out from the Presidential election, but it sure didn’t look like it last week. There’s no shortage of things to talk about concerning the Republican debates, but I was more struck by the contrast between the primary candidates on the Democratic side. Put the specifics of policy aside and just look at Hillary’s and Bernie’s approach to fundraising… who better represents the political process you want to see?
Scenario 1- Hillary squeezed Portland in between similar events at the homes of supporters in Park City, UT, and Atherton, CA. She hit the ground on Wednesday and headed for the home of Win McCormack and Carol Butler, described as “democratic insiders” who had supported Obama and worked for Wyden and Bonamici. 140 people were expected to attend “Conversation with Hillary”, a two-hour, invitation-only event that cost $2700 per ticket. None of these 140 people were reporters, who were sequestered at another home in the Dunthorpe neighborhood during the event.
Scenario 2- Bernie squeezed Portland in after a similar event in Seattle that drew 15,000 people. He was scheduled for the 12,800-seat Memorial Coliseum, but changed to the 20,000-seat Moda Center days before the event when it became apparent that Memorial Coliseum would be swamped. In the end even Moda couldn’t contain the crowd; 8000 people gathered in overflow areas outside for a total of 28,000 at the event. Reporters’ coverage is still focused on the size and enthusiasm of the crowd, but they were able to report some policy points because they were actually allowed inside to listen.
Again, let’s keep policy out of the picture. The gulf between Republicans and Democrats may be vast, but the gulf between Hillary’s and Bernie’s fundraising styles is even larger and more fundamental. It’s the difference between a government run by insiders who purport to know what’s best for us, and a government run by the people and in our interests.
Openness, transparency, accountability, responsiveness… these are qualities Americans have always valued in government, and I believe our disillusionment today stems from the fact that they’re qualities now only given lip service, when the politician in question isn’t too embarrassed to mention them. Last week this gap was on display on just the Democratic side, but wait until the general election gets closer. We’ll be lucky if we still have an example of a politician, any politician, going to the common people for their money.
But when that general election does arrive, ask yourself the question we should all be asking every day… how should government be run? I hope there’ll be someone to vote for that represents the right answer to that question.
Take Care and Make a Great Day!
