Money, money, money (and Obama's incredible contribution to American democracy)

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Like it or not, it's what drives American politics.

You want the completely public financing of campaigns, or a strict (and low) limit on campaign spending? -- fine. But that's just not the way it is right now.

And right now, money matters. A lot. And in a country of 300 million-plus, with campaigns that go on and on, with both primary and general elections on which to spend, it makes sense that money matters. After all, it costs a lot to get the message out to so many prospective voters. Campaign finance reform may be desirable goal -- and I'm all for it, if done properly -- but there may be no way around the centrality of money to the American political process.

And so it is rather impressive -- is it not? -- that Obama raised $55 million last month, a new record. Clinton did well, too, taking in $35 million (and she was done extremely well since Tuesday's primaries), but Obama at this point is far more than a candidate. He is the leader of a movement that is mobilizing Americans seemingly like never before. Consider these numbers (via Ben Smith of The Politico, linked above):

* Contributors: 727,972
* First Time Contributors: 385,101
* Total Contributors — Campaign to Date: 1,069,333

Online Fundraising:

* More than $45 million raised online in February
* More than 90% of online donations were $100 or less
* More than 50% of online donations were $25 or less
* More than 75% of online donors in February were first-time online donors
* More than a third of those new online donors in February went on to engage in volunteer activity on My.BarackObama.com (planning their own offline events, making phone calls from home, joining local grassroots volunteer groups)

The number of contributors, including first-time contributors, is impressive enough. But consider that last number. The donors to Obama's campaign aren't just giving money, voting, and walking away. They're choosing to be active participants in Obama's campaign and in the movement of which he is the leader. For them, democracy isn't just about voting, it's about getting involved in a meaningful way in the political process, about giving of themselves and their time, about making a commitment and sticking to it.

Is that not a large part of what Obama is all about as a presidential candidate? He is genuinely inspirational, but it isn't all hollow rhetoric, as his opponents, McCain and Clinton alike, have suggested. Apart from the substance -- and there is a lot there, listen to his speeches or read up on his policy positions -- there is the mobilization all across America of thousands and thousands of donors and thousands and thousands of volunteers. Rising up to strengthen America's democracy, they have been inspired by Obama, by his campaign, by what he stands for, and yes, by his brilliant speeches, by his call for change, by his leadership.

There's nothing hollow about that.