Congress Hard At Work Fundraising As Economy Collapses (VIDEO)

Via Crooks and Liars comes this extraordinary video report from the American News Project's Harry Hanbury. In it, Hanbury spends a day trooping around Washington, DC in an attempt to attend every single political fundraiser occurring that day. As you might expect, very few people choose to talk to him, and the whole thing more or less becomes an exercise in watching a man get asked to vacate various premises -- in one notable case, at the threat of being "chased by security." (Not detained, "chased!")

[WATCH.]

As C&L's Nicole Belle astutely notes, the irony is that the president has taken criticism on "whether it was appropriate for President Barack Obama to travel to Los Angeles this week, when his 'business' should be on the economy, the implication being that Obama was not capable of multi-tasking." I think that if any member of Congress is struck by inspiration on how to solve the economy whilst flesh-pressing at Charlie Palmer's Steakhouse, they ought to come clean, if only to boost the restaurant's Zagat's rating.

Also, if the video leaves you with the impression that every single host and hostess in Washington DC is well-practiced in the "non-denial denial," well, it's sad, but true.

FOR MORE:
While Rome Burns...The REAL Congressional Business [Crooks and Liars]

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Comments

[Joan Lockwood]

This is a great story and no surprise. I watched it quickly with MySpeed (www.enounce.com) at three times the speed, improving the enjoyment.

[Pjbf]

Nothing new here but great to see it revealed, albeit way late in the "game." I only hope that these jerks (all) and the system that coddles them come under even more scrutiny. Unlikely--will only happen through alternative (uninvited) media. Unfortunately for Merika, the 5th estate, as postured through corporate-owned media, is headed out to pasture looking for the tall grass of early-retirement benefits.

[mendelcrosses]

The whole sense of fund faising is that the public raises fund to pursuit public interest,especially in political terms. So why do they all feel bent on keeping it secret?

Its meant to be public knowledge and thats why the law required that they disclose both contributors and amounts. Yet ,its a "No Comment " response everywhere­,particula­rly with the wingnutters.

Seriously,thats scary,it basically says,the American public arent entitled to know what is happening in America

[roblabrousse]

You know if everything was business as usual why were most of these people so visibly uncomfortable when the interviewer and cameramen arrived? Why did everyone for the most part seem uncomfortable? Even a little guilty? Especially that guy that was going to call security? It was just a fundraiser right?

[underoath]

If anything it was funny!

[ELGUAPO77]

THESE GUYS SPEND MORE TIME FUNDRAISING THAN ANYTHING ELSE. NO WONDER OUR COUNTRY IS FALLING APART LITERALLY. THE GLOLBAL ELITE HAVE TOTAL CONTROL OF OUR CAPITOL. IT'S REALLY DISGUSTING. IF THESE REPRESENTATIVES SPENT HALF TYHE TIME DOING THEIR JOB THAN FUNDRAISINF MAYBE WE WOULD NOT BE IN THIS GLOBAL CRISIS.

[plaidsportcoat]

Oh, now you want tips? 10% or 20%?
Boy, the ambience is really wearing off on all of you!

[RobDoub]

Cantor was absolutely right when he told this reporter that fund-raising is a necessary part of the job. This was a non-story. There is no reason for a reporter to be welcome at any of these events, and there is no reason for any politician to NOT be there.
Anyone opposed is welcome to try to figure out a public financing law that works - sounds like these politicians, at least, would welcome it!
This was a hit piece without a target.

[2008CaliforniaFan]

A ' hit piece '...? I want only ONE question asked.....
Why and HOW (which Cantor voted for ) did Cantor's Wifes bank get their 256 million..?
Were there strings attached..? I've never heard him explain the details.

[RobDoub]

Fair question, but since ALL congresspeople go to fundraisers, I don't know how you can decide that Cantor's attendance is a crime. Your point is unrelated to the article and the video. But I too would like to hear the answer to the question you raised.

[liberalrebuttal]

In the words of the Great Chester Cheeto;

"Hmmmmph!"

[Kindheart]

They have yet to propose any new ideas to remedy the economic crisis. They are too busy saying no or campaigning for funds.

[westreal]

This was a great piece.

[TJCole]

"Washington runs on legalized bribery...!"

[westreal]

How right you are

[DAdvocate123]

Oh Stop...Obama is still fundraising.

[RedKnuckles]

Who isn't? That's the point.

[jazabelz]

And Palin and Cantor and Jindal and Sanford, etc., etc. aren't? I guess your point is that Democrats shouldn't be fundraising, but it's okay for Republicans?

[mrgoodbar]

Ah, now I know why they had no time to read the stimulus bill!

[RedKnuckles]

Bingo. Money is the top priority, not the fate of the nation.

[itolduso]

Does anyone know how many of those political contributions came from firms that received TARP funds?