Under the headline "Obama mines gold out west," here are some jewels from a posting we found on CNN's website by its White House Producer Lesa Jansen about the president's journeys last week:
1. Wednesday fundraiser in Los Angeles - "Most tickets for this event sold for $250, though some went as high as $500. But the big money comes later in the evening when the president stays for dinner with 80 high rolling donors paying $35,800 each for the pleasure of his company . . . "
2. Thursday fundraisers, first in Corona Del Mar, then in San Francisco - "One hundred twenty five supporters will join the president for a meal paying the hefty price of $2500 a ticket. Later Mr. Obama will make his way up the coast to San Francisco. There he will meet with an intimate group of 20 supporters, each paying $35,800 for the privilege."
3. Later Thursday - "It's dinner for the president with 70 supporters at a private San Francisco residence, each diner paying the max of $35,800 each."
4. Friday, Washington State - "After a quick tour and speech (of a Boeing plant), he will head off to more fundraisers. There's a luncheon in Medina, Washington, for 65 supporters each paying $17,900. And finally, a big reception at the Westin in Bellevue for about 450 people, each paying a minimum of $1000 per ticket."
We realize the name of the game in politics is fundraising - and that Barack Obama is not the only one engaged in such activities - but isn't it unseemly for the president of the United States to go on a little tour like this and raise $8.5 million in three days?
Just what do these people expect for their $35,800 "intimate" dinners. Must have been some fine chow served at these soirees. But, somehow, it is hard to swallow that all these diners wanted was a hot meal and a glass of wine.
Again, we know the other side is doing exactly the same thing. But don't you think this sort of "grease the palm " behavior is beneath people who want to lead the free world?
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
