They Like the Cash Money

The latest numbers from the Presidential money race are in and McCain is sneaking up on Obama in the money race- bringing in just 400,000 less than Obama in the last month or so. There's more discussion on Obama's 'flip-flop' on public financing. As I've already noted, I'm indifferent about it. If the name of the game is to get to the White House, use every single advantage you can get. If the name of the game is to make a point about the campaign financing system and change the way elections are run in this country then who cares about public financing?

I think the pendulum is starting to swing towards McCain. I think it's a story that the media is doing its best to ignore, but you can print all the 15 point shock leads in the polls, but I think by the Conventions, the gap is going to close and this race is going to go down to the wire. I really and honestly think that energy policy could be the wedge issue the GOP could win on. The environmental movement's anathema towards offshore drilling and nuclear reactors conceals the fact that such moves are common sense moves that, if handled correctly can provide a transition to a truly Green technology-economy. The Left should be pointing that out, but it's too busy trying to shout down McCain to present its own plan.

But I also think that it's a mistake to underestimate Obama in this as well. I think Obama played the game correctly during the primaries and I think he'll do it again in the general. The name of the game is electoral votes and Obama has staffed up in all 50 states and is looking at polls that put him in reach in Virginia and Georgia. Whether he'll flip 'em is an open question, but still- that's what it's all about. National polls don't mean a damn thing at the end of the day. And there are running mates to think about.

And a round or two might go to McCain before this is done- but for right now: who cares about public financing? Obama changed the model and uses small donors- he's not a candidate with corporate sponsorship or anything. And the money'll keep up. It always does.