New York Times: White House Opens Door to Big Donors, and Lobbyists Slip In
It is curious to see this article in the New York Times, believed by some to be a shill for the Obama Administration.
It is almost humorous, and certainly telling to see an example of the President complaining about special interests at a highbrow dinner of contributors.
“At the same time, she and her husband, Dwight, have donated heavily to the president’s re-election effort: Mr. Bush gave $35,800 on the day of his wife’s White House meeting last year, and Ms. Bush contributed the same amount a month later. In November, they hosted a $17,900-a-plate fund-raiser at their home, where Mr. Obama complained that the nation’s capital should be more “responsive to the needs of people, not the needs of special interests.”“That is probably the biggest piece of business that remains unfinished,” the president said, as about 45 guests dined under a backyard tent.
Let’s face it. It is not news that money gains access to power in America. If it is your guy doing it, you say “everybody does it”. If it is the other guy doing it, you “point a finger”. Not only does the NYT seem to be pointing a finger, but here they mention President NIXON and Solyndra in the same paragraph!
Although those in office invariably deny it, the notion that access is available at a price is a well-founded reality of Washington. Memorably, President Nixon was caught on tape remarking that $250,000 should be the minimum donation for an ambassadorship. The Clinton White House offered major donors coffees with the president or sleepovers in the Lincoln Bedroom. More recently, Republicans in Congress have raised questions about whether Democratic donors who invested in the solar energy company Solyndra and other troubled firms influenced the administration’s support of those businesses, pointing to White House visits and other official contacts. The administration denies there was any wrongdoing.
What does this mean? Dunno for sure, but a couple of things come to mind. 1. The Times is becoming a balanced news organization? Unlikely. 2. Even they are beginning to regard this administration with doubt. And 3. They see Romney as a safe alternative.
While that will alarm hard core conservatives it will hearten those who believe that anybody but Obama is a good choice. It also means that the administration is done if it loses the support of the Main Stream Media, which might actually be happening.
Read the rest of the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/us/politics/white-house-doors-open-for-big-donors.html?
