Obama Manages To Skirt Lobbyists, Barely

New York Times:

WASHINGTON - When President Obama arrives at the Mandarin Oriental hotel for a Democratic fund-raising reception on Thursday night, the new White House rules of political purity will be in order: No lobbyists allowed.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[rainbowblue]

Not all lobbyists are bad. There are lobbyists who fight for the public good, and those that represent industries that need to be heard (like solar and wind). For all the college students here screaming about evil lobbyists, I hope you don't volunteer or give money to your local PIRG organization. It lobbies.

We live in a democracy, that means EVERYONE has the right to be heard, including compainies we feel are bad. Some are going to argue money, and they have a point. Which is why one should volunteer or give money to their perfered advocate group. Or better yet, lobby for yourself by writing and calling your representatives. No amount of money can compare to thousands of letters on a Representative's desk.

Just remember this, never trust a politician, even Obama, to reduce the influence of lobbyists, because they can't. We can, by remember what they have done, and holding them accountable for their actions that favor their donators and not their constituents.

[lvdragonlady]

When are lobbyists and the companies/countries they work for going to be outlawed.
They are nothing but a bunch of bottom feeders that serve no useful purpose.

[kempis]

Unfortunately, until we have serious campaign finance reform and eliminate the need for politicians to raise millions of dollars to run for office, corruption will continue to be rampant in both parties.

[houseafire]

Auctioneer's voice:

"I got 50 on this fine specimen, do I hear 60... 60, 60, do I hear a 60...this is a genuine antique Senator here....55, I hear a bid of 55 from the back of the room....do I hear a 60, a 60?....going once, going twice, SOLD for 55 thousand to pharma incorporated"

[SangZe]

Gee, in just five months already things are back to business as usual. Congress has its hands in our pockets while it stuffs itself with lobbyist doodads. Obama promised something else. What a joke he's turning out to be. Public health care? Down the tubes with the rest of his pipe dreams. In this country, money talks, and only 1% or so of the population have that.

[Fabulousyogi]

Obama can't changed that.

[dillydawg]

Wow! your in a dark place.

[truthfulb]

I am also sickened by politicians playing the same game as usual. We need to vote those politicians that cater to the lobbyist out I don ot care what party they belong too. We can not get true change elceting the same old people. We need new blood young blood in office. Please people pay attention to those who are not voting for things that will help make your life better but grand stand and play games. I pray that we as Americans will wake up and recognize the power of our vote. All of this wiriting and complaining to your senator do not mean anything unless it is election time and by then the damage is done. Vote these people out. Stop looking to the POTUS to do it. He is one man and he will have to play the political game to get things done. It is our job to limit his excuses by putting in people that will work with him

[J-Rome]

Co-sign.

[FrozenNorthObserver]

this is very reminiscent of the ploy he used with his pledge "to pro sec ute all cr im es where they found them". To get out of that one they simply just refused to look for them. Pretty slick. Totally uneth ical but pretty slick.

[Icantbelieveher]

This story made me feel sick to my stomach -- not because President Obama won't meet with lobbyists, but because everyone else in our government will!

We're not going to get anything put through the senate that will benefit the American people! They are all bought and sold, and the ones that aren't don't number enough to outvote the ones that are!

[TheGuide]

They may have democrates in their pockets, but Obama is the one that counts.

[JohnIII]

Not really. He doesn't make law.

[FrozenNorthObserver]

no but he sure can ignore them, and has and is, just like the previous pres.