McCain prides himself on transparency but closes fundraisers to media and public

[ballsalicious]

Source: AP

PHOENIX - John McCain prides himself on being a remarkably transparent presidential candidate, with rolling news conferences on his "Straight Talk Express" campaign bus and an open-door policy when it comes to the media.

Yet, the door closes tightly on the Republican's fundraisers.

News organizations for months have pressed McCain's campaign to at least allow a small group of reporters — called "poolers" in media-speak — into events where McCain typically makes a few remarks to the high-rollers donating to his White House bid.

The campaign has resisted with little to no explanation.

"There is no campaign in the history of presidential politics that is as accessible to the press as the McCain campaign. It is the prerogative of the campaign that fundraisers will remain closed," spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said Tuesday.



Read more: http://www.startribune.com/nation/19300519.html

[Quantess]

1. He really is a lot like Bush.

He says one thing and does the opposite, and thinks that people will fall for it.

[saigon68]

14. He Wants to hide the Corporate Criminals and Gangsters who Bribe

And pay him off to do their bidding.

The average smuck might be turned against him to see the largess of $20,000.00 a plate dinners of Fois gras and Caviar.

[gateley]

2. Rachel was just talking about this --

something about the 'cover charge' is like $80,000 -- EIGHTY THOUSAND dollars! She said he was skirting the laws/rules.

[Muttocracy]

10. I could buy a house with that! nt

[Yael]

3. I would tread lightly on this one

It was Obama's <sneer> San Fransisco </sneer> fundraiser that was "closed to the media and public" that launched Bittergate.

:eyes:

[gratuitous]

7. Yeah, and what about Obama's Portland appearance?

I mean, only 75,000 or so elites were invited to Waterfront Park for that one.

McCain's going the "private" fundraising route because the folks who are giving his campaign money like to keep their political philanthropy on the down low.

[Yael]

8. I think you forgot the sarcasm tag

Or at least hope you did.

Hard to tell these days.

:P

[liberal N proud]

4. That is the illusion of transparency

[Wapsie B]

5. They've kept * in a protective bubble, why not McCain?

I have to wonder what is being said in these fundraisers that they need to hide from public scrutiny? And yet his sheeple will not question this at all.

[Raejeanowl]

6. So What?

And I say this in sincerity on behalf of any candidate. Perhaps it is done out of respect or for the comfort level of the donors themselves? Since it all has to be reported anyway, what difference does it make?

Or is it really more a matter of getting the semi-private remarks on the public record that's the real issue?

[ballsalicious]

11. it's not transparent... that's what - he's a flippin' phoney

I don't disagree with what you say, it's only that his saying and doing are contrary... that's all.

[DavidMS]

9. What do you expect...

He is a Republican. Cognitive dissonance (or cretinism) is required to be a Republican.

I wonder if someone would have the foresight to record his remarks for posterity?

[creeksneakers2]

12. McCain has a scam with the RNC

and some state GOP parties in swing states that allows donors to legally give up to $70,100. That's far in excess of what Mr.Campaign Finance Reform told America should be the maximum allowable donation. The media has made too little of this.

[rasputin1952]

13. Maybe he doesn't want the media to outnumber the donors...

:D

How much can he draw, couldn't get the arena he wanted, so he settled for a double closet...he's beyond being a dud, he's history...:D

[Supersedeas]

15. and yet the Media Free Ride continues

[Magleetis]

16. He is just

another lying, cheating, dirty tricks repug. Simple

[jpak]

17. Fucking hypocrite

Same ol' backroom GOP crony politics - McSame...