Obama and McCain -- Stop the ads and give the money to charity
Filed under: Budgets, Debt, Charity, Recession
Radio, TV, infomercials, and phone calls--stop already. This election has been the longest one I can remember; it has gone on and on. At this point, hasn't everyone made up their mind? I made mine up shortly after the primaries. Will another ad or two make a difference?
Apparently the candidates think so. Obama spent a fortune last week renting time on every major station for his infomercial. He plans to release another ad today showing McCain's ties to Cheney. McCain, who doesn't have the war chest of money like Obama, went on Saturday Night Live to increase his reach. By far, the best part of the McCain campaign is Tina Fey's rendition of Sarah Palin.
The ads are endless. That is all you see on TV and if you try to escape in your car, they are on the radio. I try to hide in the house, but folks are coming to the door and calling me on the phone. At this point, I will vote for anyone who doesn't call me with a recorded message.
It raises the question whether this is the best way to do things. With so many folks struggling in this bleak economy, couldn't the political money be put to use helping people? It would be an interesting campaign if every dollar spent had to be matched with a charitable donation. Just think how many folks this could help.
I could enjoy the ads then, knowing that every dollar spent actually helped someone else. I would give more to the campaigns knowing that the money was put to good use. I can't wait until Tuesday is over.
Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-03-2008 @ 5:29PM
Catherine said...
I agree. I just had 3 calls in the last 10 minutes. At this point I am ready to stay home tomorrow (I won't) I think that all the money that has been wasted on advertising during this election is horrible. Think what that money could do for the people that the politians say they want to help.
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11-03-2008 @ 5:39PM
Ann-Marie said...
I agree with this wholeheartedly! I have reached the point where I think it is a grave injustice and misuse of money when I hear reports of the amount of money spent on campaigning in this election. I just keep thinking of how much those millions of dollars could help with healthcare or schools, or foreclosures, or medicare or just about anything and everything that both candidates say they are running to take care of for the American people. It just seems a real waste and shame.
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11-03-2008 @ 6:02PM
Tara said...
I agree too!!!
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11-03-2008 @ 9:58PM
EdC said...
Talk about deep pockets. Obama has had his own channel on Dish Network running his ads. Sure thats lots of coverage, but anyone got any idea what that must cost. Probably more than you or I will ever see in our lifetime.
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11-03-2008 @ 10:55PM
MsStu said...
Seriously! We are a nation in debt--- I would respect both parties more if they posted one ad that stated money raised for their campaign would go to reduce our national debt! Can we start a fund for that???
Last, I am SO TIRED of SEEING and HEARING OBAMA!!!
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11-03-2008 @ 11:18PM
Laura said...
I gave to the Obama campaign because I want to see him elected president. Campaign money is for campaigns. Anyone who disagrees with that should refrain from giving and should instead give their money to another cause. Or, they could do as I do and devote resources to both, for one should not exclude the other. I wonder how many of those complaining here ever consider charitable causes beyond bemoaning how much campaigns cost. How many of you give to food banks and homeless shelters, and how many of you don't because you consider a helping hand "socialism?" Could the money spent by the campaigns do some good for others? I believe it can and it will when Barack Obama is elected tomorrow.
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