John McCain can't raise campaign money, no one is donating to him. So, he's planning to enter the public finance system for the general election (this, after he just pulled out of the campaign finance system, after having gone in last fall) - and is trying to goad Obama into joining him. But, McCain isn't in a position to challenge anyone on campaign finance. McCain is a campaign finance criminal. It's not that complicated, but reporters can't seem to grasp it. Given McCain's criminality (breaking the public finance spending cap is a criminal offense publishable by up to 5 years in prison), it's the height of hypocrisy for McCain to challenge anyone on campaign finance these days:
"I have a record on reform; Senator Obama has rhetoric on reform," McCain said, adding that the current system "needs further reform."Okay, that doesn't change the fact that McCain is breaking the campaign finance laws by trying to scam the public financing system, which, of course, was not included in Jim Kuhnhenn's article for AP. Of course.
"I would be glad to join him on reform," McCain told reporters Friday in Lubbock, Texas. "That doesn't change the fact that he committed a year ago to public financing if I would. In direct contradiction to his rhetoric, he's now saying well, he may not do it."
The NY Times blog, The Caucus, acknowledged McCain had campaign finance issues of his own, noting:
[McCain] drew criticism earlier this year when he backed away from public financing for the primary elections.The reporter, Michael Cooper, apparently buys the McCain campaign's spin that he can unilaterally withdraw from the system. He can't , according to the (Republican) chair of the FEC.
Obama can't trust McCain's words on campaign finance - McCain was in, then he was out (illegally), now he looks like he's going back in again because he's incapable of raising a dime. McCain's actions on public financing during the primaries speaks louder than any of his words.
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