Bush Fund-Raisers Among Overnight Guests

AP ^ | 3/10/04

[Miss Marple]

I see your point. If it weren't this, it would be something else, though. The media has gone into full DNC mode, and it is to be expected.

Don't lose heart. I am convinced the more the public sees of Kerry, the more they will dislike him.

[lepton]

It is the press's attempt to draw moral equivalency between the last two administrations.

Unfortunately, they do that with pretty much anything that sounds vaguely like something Clinton did. It is impossible to completely avoid this comparison - but what can be done is to be aware of it, and to have the facts at hand to refute it.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Bush: Thank you for your support in the past. Please be our guests at the White House for an evening and stay the night.

clintoon: If you will donate $50,000 to the DNC, you can spend a night in the White House.

A subtle but distinct difference that will be completely lost on the left.

[lysie]

One Democratic fund-raiser, who spoke only on condition of anonymity, said he regularly solicited contributions from Washington lobbyists who understood the money might gain them the rarest contact of all -- unfiltered access to the president.

Donations got lobbyists invited to coffees with Clinton

Big difference!

[ravingnutter]

Lincoln Bedroom Sleepover for Gore Benefactor Surrounded by Questionable Coincidences

President[Clinton]Had Big Role in Setting Donor Perks

The Smoking Gun Memo in Clinton's handwriting, which reads:

"Yes, pursue all 3 and promptly -- and get other names of the 100,000 or more," Clinton wrote, apparently seeking names of people who had given $100,000 or more to the Democrats. Clinton went on: "Ready to start overnights right away -- give me the top 10 list back, along with the 100."

[sphinx]

A subtle but distinct difference that will be completely lost on the left.

The RNC has historically run its major donor programs as "membership clubs." You join the Eagles, Team 100, etc. and are eligible to participate in a program. This will consist of several meetings a year. The president, of course, is likely to be a guest at some of these functions, which are social in nature and generally involve rather large numbers of people. Think upscale Lincoln Day dinners. However, the RNC never says, "Send us $50,000 or $100,000 for a meeting with the president." And the RNC would never dream of renting out the Lincoln Bedroom.

[AppyPappy]

True but there goes the moral high ground on this issue.

You mean the Democrats I assume.

[johniegrad]

My position is well outlined in subsequent posts.

[AppyPappy]

The press will now use this type of issue to try to attack the president's character after giving the last administration a pass on it. Why provide any ammunition for the enemy?

Because they don't need ammunition. They can spin anything. You are playing the game to avoid losing and wondering why you aren't winning. The key is to attack, not constantly defend.

[MississippiMan]

I respectfully disagree.

Yeah, there's a difference, but the PERCEIVED moral high ground has been lost. The media will see to that. Republicans are held to entirely different standards, and must conduct themselves accordingly or pay the price.

MM

[cyncooper]

The friends of President Bush are clearly of long standing, not contributors he meets one day and they get to spend the night the next, ala Clinton.

I hope the difference is clear

The Clinton fundraising scheme was planned in a memo proposing they solicit contributions by rewarding donors with an overnight in the Lincoln bedroom and Clinton's own handwritten note on the memo said "start overnights right away".

See the diff?

Hope so.

[cyncooper]

Bush hosts long time friends and officials.

The Clinton WH used an overnight stay as a reward for donations.

Completely different.

[cyncooper]

What do you find interesting about it?

[cyncooper]

You mean honorable presidents are not allowed to host overnight guests?

Beam me up!

[mrsmith]

The AP reporter is SHARON THEIMER.

Doesn't sound at all damaging. We won't be hearing this subject brought up again LOL!

[cyncooper]

There is no problem with posting the article. The article was posted and the only comment the poster made was "interesting", implying there was something "to" the equivalence being drawn in the piece.

All fine and well, but there is no problem with asking the poster to clarify his motivation in posting it, even as the rest of us correctly put facts into perspective.

[HenryLeeII]

True but there goes the moral high ground on this issue.

Not really. I know the media simpletons will spin it that way, but don't forget that Xlinton was selling access to the White House for stated prices (i.e. the teas with photo-ops, overnight in the Lincoln Bedroom, etc.). With Bush it appears more that its long-term friends, party associates, etc., that are also donors/fundraisers in addition to the relationship.

[Stone Mountain]

I don't want to read liberal propaganda here.

Well, I agree with mgist. Ignoring stories that we don't agree with won't make them go away. FR is a place that people can go to get a conservative perspective on any news story, not just stories that trumpet the conservative viewpoint. Know thy enemy.