Alright everyone here it is. By now I’m sure most of you are a little tired of the ‘08 presidential election coverage and advertisements. So, I found on the Federal Election Commission’s website that the candidates have raised $416.2 million dollars(not sure if that is current). According to NPR more than half of that money goes straight to the media and into the pockets of the likes of Rupert Murdock, Ted Turner, Michael Eisner, etc.
My question to you is: What better ways could the candidates spend this money while still pursuing their political goals?
I ask this because I get frustrated when I hear about the millions of dollars they waste every four years in an attempt to get elected. There has to be a better way, along with the potential to do some good in this world. Whether it is fighting hunger, disaster relief, etc.
Your thoughts please.
mongo
2 responses so far ↓
1 william // Dec 27, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Good post, I can think of a few right off.
Using that money to actually do good instead of advertise would efficiently get both done, guaranteed.
How would this look as a headline
“Candidate X gave $10 million to the New York City Homeless shelters in an effort to feed all on Christmas.”
- Article would go on to mention something about X running for candidacy.
OR
“Candidate X puts money where mouth is… $10 million dollars.”
OR
“Candidate X thinks everyone should have free health care, so X paid the premiums for 1 year for 10,000 people out of own pocket for those who can’t afford it.”
I could go on and on.
These things would make the news, and the person doing it wouldn’t even have to pay for the publicity.
I just don’t understand what some of these people are thinking - why they think they actually have a chance.
Lots of wasted money, the things i mention above would give an advantage that cannot be created by some silver tongued marketing device.
2 mongo // Dec 27, 2007 at 6:17 pm
The candidate would still be paying, whether it is charitable contributions of money or time. But why not use the media for what they do best? Covering news is their job and the candidates would get plenty of coverage on primetime news.
A person in power should lead by example. Not that I think politicians aren’t a bunch of power hungry dirty rats, but they have the potential to do some good with all that money.
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