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Yes, he can

Barack Obama spins his way out of public financing of his campaign

Barack Obama spins with the very best. The latest evidence? It arrived on Thursday in the form of a Web cast, the Democratic presidential nominee explaining why he will break a pledge and opt out of public financing for the fall election. He reasoned (disingenuously) that he was doing so for the American people, refusing to participate in a ''broken'' system, suggesting that his huge army of donors represents an improved brand of reform.

The Illinois senator deserves credit for his innovative fund-raising, his campaign reporting that 93 percent of his 3 million contributions have been $200 or less. When you're seeking the presidency, campaign money makes a big difference, and Obama may raise as much as three times the $84 million available through public financing to John McCain.

Difficult to swallow is the sheer expediency. When Obama earlier fanned the impression that he was eager to use the public money, he hardly lamented the broken system. He did contend that public financing was a good thing because it diminished the time candidates spent at fund-raisers and allowed more time for debate. Now the candidate of change will be the first to reject public money (the system launched in 1976, following the Watergate scandal that brought down Richard Nixon).

Worst of all was Obama's lame contention that the Republicans made him to do it. He described Republicans as masters at ''gaming'' the system, routing political money into independent groups that generate attack ads. No question, Republicans play hardball. Still, Democrats are likely in this election year to collect more independent money than Republicans, and the likes of MoveOn.org know how to punch.

Again, Barack Obama knew all about ''swift-boating'' when he talked about ''aggressively'' pursuing an agreement with the Republican presidential nominee ''to preserve a publicly financed general election.'' What he didn't know was how much money he would raise, and thus, today the aggressive spin.

Barack Obama spins with the very best. The latest evidence? It arrived on Thursday in the form of a Web cast, the Democratic presidential nominee explaining why he will break a pledge and opt out of public financing for the fall election. He reasoned (disingenuously) that he was doing so for the American people, refusing to participate in a ''broken'' system, suggesting that his huge army of donors represents an improved brand of reform.

Get the full article here.


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