PIRCs and Perks

In the 1990s, the Clintons dealt with a barrage of attacks from Republicans.  As has been pointed out, they really feed the fuel of the Republican Party, both fairly and unfairly.  Too many of the attacks were pointless and meant simply to hurt them (politically and personally).

But - some of the attacks on the actions of the Clintons should be heeded.  For instance, donations to curry favor.  Marc Rich was pardoned and his ex-wife gave many large donations to the DNC and to the Clinton Presidential Library.  Meanwhile, after the pardon, former President Clinton wrote about why he pardoned him and then praised "Scooter" Libby.

Former Senator John Edwards correctly pointed out that money from PACs, lobbyists, etc will demand that you return their favors.  Senator Barack Obama feels the same and doesn't take money from PACs and has come out against lobbyists working in his White House as well as for strong ethics reform in both Illinois and the US Senate (major work in a 10+ year career).

And on the eve of Wyoming caucuses, it's important to call attention to this quote from former Senator and former Democratic candidate, Bill Bradley

I think Barack Obama has a much stronger chance of beating John McCain in the general election. I think Hillary is flawed in many ways, and particularly if you look at her husband's unwillingness to release the names of the people who contributed to his presidential library. And the reason that is important -- you know, are there favors attached to $500,000 or $1 million contributions? And what do I mean by favors? I mean, pardons that are granted; investigations that are squelched; contracts that are awarded; regulations that are delayed. (Source)

Meanwhile, we find out that the ALP, American Leadership Project, has raised money from several top donors.  Many had maxed out to Clinton (and donated to her various campaigns/PACs over the years), some had lobbying ties to Big Tobacco and Technology firms, ties to Governor Tom Ridge (of Homeland Security fame),  and all were outspoken Clinton fans and not at all Obama fans (of the few folks who had given to more than one candidate - NONE had given to Obama).

There was a tie to the large donations to the DNC that got miraculously transferred under McAuliffe to the re-elect and donations from someone involved in the gift-scandal of 2000.

So to repeat the Senator's words, "And what do I mean by favors? I mean, pardons that are granted; investigations that are squelched; contracts that are awarded; regulations that are delayed."

Pardons
Investigations
Regulations
Contracts

After all of the fundraising ties in Arkansas, all of the fundraising needed for 2 White House runs and a mega-Presidential Library - there were two US Senate runs and a White House run.  Lots of money is and was needed and all along, debts (financial and personal) have been accrued.  Senator Obama raised 55 million dollars - from me, my girlfriend, my friends, my barber, and my postman.  

They say you gotta dance with the girl who brung ya.  Tell me this: What number on the dance card are the American people?  The music only plays for so long.