Opting out

Today the Obama campaign opted out of the public financing system, the first time a presidential nominee has done so. This was, of course, the right decision to make.

The key to the Obama campaign, along with an extraordinary candidate, has been the grassroots nature of the support. 1.5 million people have contributed to the campaign so far, and 90% of those contributors have given under $100. No wonder he can opt out: the $84.1 million he would get from public financing is $10 million less than he raised in February and March alone.

If he was going to raise the money he needed from lobbyists, pacs, etc, opting-out would, of course, be wrong. In fact, it's the vast amounts of money that will be put behind John McCain's campaign — unofficially, of course, through the RNC and 527s — he is referring to when he calls the public financing system "broken". The Republicans and their allies will use money from deep-pocket supporters to try to swiftboat Obama. Obama, on the other hand, not only has demanded that 527s not support him — he wants such supporters to go through his campaign — he is not going to be funded by deep-pockets. As in the primaries, the money to win this campaign will come from people like me. So far, I've given $75 (three $25 donations) and bought 1 t-shirt. I'm a damn average supporter (oh, this website cost $9 to register and about a buck a month to host).

Yet again, Obama not only shows he's smart enough to do what is right for his campaign, he shows fearlessness. Unlike past Democratic candidates, he's calling his own shots. The Rs will try to make him out as someone who breaks his word because he once said he'd take public financing. He knew they'd attack him on this change, but he didn't let that stop him. He makes no apologies. He just announces his decision, explains why he's doing it, and gets on with the business at hand. It's his approach on all issues: he does what he believes is right, levels with the public and then moves forward.

After decades of weak-ass candidates running scared from the nasty Rs, it's incredibly refreshing, and energizing, to have Barack Obama standing tall at the head of our movement.

Howard Dean's gotta be proud.