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Millions of dollars in corporate contributions are propping up the conventions later this month and next, but that's not the money Bob Barr wants you to worry about.
Barr, the Libertarian Party nominee for president, issued an outraged press release Wednesday morning, complaining about the federal subsidies that Republicans and Democrats alike are taking for the conventions. It's a lot of cash, actually -- $16 million each for operating expenses and $50 million each for security costs (most of which, if the 2004 conventions are any guide, will go to posting Transportation Security Administration workers at all the entrances to the arenas so they can confiscate umbrellas from delegates and reporters).
This is right up Barr's alley. "My party has already held its convention without a single taxpayer dollar in its support," Barr said. "But what can be more obnoxious than forcing taxpayers to underwrite other people's political opinions?" Libertarians don't always like it when the government pays for roads; you know they won't like it when the government's paying for their major-party competition.
What's interesting about the release, though, is the way Barr goes after John McCain more than Barack Obama. "Why is Sen. John McCain, supposed maverick and reformer, going along with the raid? How is he any different than any of the other people who fill Washington clamoring for a bailout?" Barr asks. "You'd think someone who postures as an opponent of special interests and government pork wouldn't expect the taxpayers to subsidize his own very special interest political campaign." (OK, to be fair, he also says it's not surprising that Obama's party is "trying to pry more money out of government" because Democrats always do that.)
If Barr is going to become the Ralph Nader of the right in 2008, it'll be because of attacks like this. The more Barr calls McCain a phony on government spending, the more chance he has of stealing some of the small-government conservative vote from him. In states like Georgia (where Barr's from), Alaska and Montana, all of which Obama claims he's targeting, that could help Democrats. That's not what Barr's trying to do, of course, but unless millions of Americans suddenly wake up and realize they, too, would like to get the government out of private industry's way, Barr is much likelier to help elect Obama than he is to be the first Libertarian president.
BOOKS
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Obama's first book, a memoir focused on personal issues of race, identity, and community.
By Barack Obama
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
Obama's second book, in which he shares his personal views on faith and values and offers a vision of the future that involves restoring a government that has fallen out of touch with the people.
By Barack Obama
10 reasons there's a bright future for journalism
An optimistic take on what's coming, both for news outlets and news consumers.
By Mark Glaser, Salon
Obama: From Promise to Power
In this compelling book, a Chicago Tribune reporter draws on interviews with Obama, his family, friends, and rivals, as well as his own extensive coverage since Obama's days in the Illinois Senate, to offer a nuanced look at a man of idealism and ambition intent on making history.
By David Mendell
SPEECHES
July 28, 2004: Obama's first national prime-time speech
In this speech, Barack Obama urges America to remember its unity, pledging that "out of this long political darkness a brighter day will come."
August 28, 2008: Obama's acceptance of the Democratic Party's presidential nomination
In this speech, Obama lays into John McCain, describing him as "anything but independent."
November 5th, 2008: Obama's victory speech
In this speech, Obama tells his ecstatic supporters, and the entire nation, that "change has come to America."
January 20, 2009: Obama's inaugural address
The new president calls upon the nation to face its challenges head on, with determination, strength and a commitment to ensuring the delivery of freedom to future generations.
SALON STORIES
How would Barack Obama handle foreign policy?
The presidential contender on dealing with Iran, fighting AIDS in Africa and restoring America's standing in the world.
By Walter Shapiro, Salon
Chicago is Barack Obama's kind of town
The city has a unique history of launching the careers of powerful black politicians -- which is part of the reason Obama moved there.
By Edward McClelland, Salon
American revolutionary
In his acceptance speech, Barack Obama stood up for Democratic values, took the fight to McCain -- and proved that the United States is still capable of reinventing itself.
By Walter Shapiro, Salon
Barack Obama's epic win
The culmination of a brilliant campaign, Obama's unequivocal defeat of John McCain marks a political and generational transformation.
By Walter Shapiro, Salon
Barack Obama, honeymoon killer?
The Clintonites in his Cabinet, forgiveness for Lieberman, the creeping signs of centrism -- progressives aren't ready to panic, yet.
By Mike Madden, Salon
"A new era of responsibility"
Mixing straight talk about dire times with lofty rhetoric about hope and determination, Obama repudiates Bush and vows to get to work.
By Mike Madden, Salon
OTHER STORIES
The Conciliator
Where is Barack Obama coming from?
By Larissa MacFarquhar, The New Yorker
Time's "Person of the Year" coverage of Obama
A strangely fascinating database of Obama-formation, including everything from "6 Degrees of Obama" to a collection of Obama-themed art from Flickr.
Time
The presidency of Barack Obama
This New York Times megapage is the last word on Barack Obama, including everything from his personal biography to his current political stance on detainees and Africa.
The New York Times
Pres. Obama Touches Down in Florida's Heartland
McCain Looks to Block Net Neutrality, Appease Telecom Donors