Obama Not Providing All of His Spending Details

Do I think $150k on clothes for Sarah Palin is ok? No, probably not. What I do think is an issue, is that if Palin were dressing in clothes from Wal-Mart they would attack her and call her a hick, or red-neck. So, making a big one-time investment for clothes, probably not a big deal but, not smart from a PR perspective. Keep in mind, that fashion magazines, and entertainment outfits are covering Palin in a way that has not happened in the past, so you could argue that it is an investment in her image as a candidate.

There are still a few issues, first, Obama did not disclose all of his expenses in his latest filing.

The report filed late Monday shows dozens of payments to credit card companies that were not accompanied by a specific explanation of what the money was spent on. As much as $1.2 million in credit card charges in July, August and September did not contain detailed information of hotels, airfare and campaign expenditures.

So, rather than be critized, they'll just go ahead and not disclose. Even worse, Michelle stayed at the Waldorf-Astoria and had a nice little $447 snack - steamed lobsters, caviar and champagne. Why isn't that all over the news? Joe Biden has funnelled over $2M to family members in the past. Why isn't that a major breaking story?

Last, but not least, take a look at this from Feb 20th, one point of view on "Why we need Obama." (The title is Obama will work for campaign spending limits.)

I propose a meaningful agreement in good faith that results in real spending limits. The candidates will have to commit to discouraging cheating by their supporters; to refusing fundraising help to outside groups; and to limiting their own parties to legal forms of involvement. And the agreement may have to address the amounts that Senator McCain, the presumptive nominee of his party, will spend for the general election while the Democratic primary contest continues.

We can have such an agreement this year, and it could hold up. I am committed to seeking such an agreement if that commitment is matched by Senator McCain. When the time comes, we will talk and our commitment will be tested.

I almost fell out of my chair when I read that.

Here is another. John Gifford gave $2,300 to Edwards, then $2,300 to Obama. Jeremy Bernard also gave $250 to Obama from the same address. Now, the strange part is that the Obama campaign paid $30,000 to B&G Associates at the same address for consulting & fundraising. Why give $2,300 to Edwards, and $2,300 to Obama, only to get $30k back from Obama? 847 N. Orlando Avenue is a house, in West Hollywood. Here is their website. So Obama paid Jeremy and Rufus $30k, and they live together in West Hollywood. I'm hopeful for them that Prop 8 doesn't pass, so they can have a life long committment and maybe adopt a child. The story is here.

In Response To: McCain on Palin's "Slush Fund"