For those who haven’t been following the campaign finance story the last few days, here’s a quick run-down. A number of voters have decided to test the McCain and Obama donation security protocol. Accordingly, they have attempted to make a number of “suspect” donations to both McCain and Obama. For instance, a certain John Galt made a donation to Barack Obama a few days ago. John Galt, as in the fictional Ayn Rand hero. So did a Mrs. Della Ware, residing at 12345 No Way. Other colorful donors included Bill Ayers, Saddam Hussein, and Tony Resko.
All of these went through without a hitch, when our experimenters tested Obama’s system. The money was withdrawn from their accounts and thus far, nothing has been done to put it back. Unsurprisingly, McCain’s mechanism threw these donations out. Now the Obama campaign claims that they do much of their screenings for donations after the fact, and that illegal contributions are refunded. There are at least three problems with this. One, the mechanism which allows these donations to be screened electronically (through verification of name, address, etc through the credit card company), AVS, comes standard in these packages.
Which is why the McCain campaign, poorly funded though it is, has little difficulty immediately rejecting these donations. Obama would have to INTENTIONALLY disable these settings, for donations that have mis-matching name and addresses to go through. Two, Obama is raking in multiple donations per second, according to the campaigns own information . In order to check all of these donations manually (remember, that not all of them will be blatantly fictitious) they would need a large staff continually monitoring this stuff. How large, I don’t know, but I feel relatively confident it would need to be enormous to avoid allowing fraudulent donations to slip through the cracks. This seems confirmed by the fact that FOUR days later, Osama Bin Ladin, Bill Ayers, and Saddam Hussein are STILL donors in good-standing. And three, it goes beyond these problems.
Today a reporter (!) attempted to donate to both campaigns using pre-paid cards. Same result. Obama’s mechanism accepted the donation; McCain’s rejected it. Pre-paid card info CANNOT be verified by a credit card company. Let me repeat that: pre-paid card info CANNOT be verified by a credit card company. In other words, short of extensive, and possibly illegal, research, wealthy donors can purchase dozens of pre-paid cards, with cash, give fake and miscellaneous information, and the Obama campaign has NO WAY to verify the information. Even if they’re vigorously screening the donor information after the fact. Because they DISABLED the standard security settings that would prevent donations from pre-paid cards.
Why, you ask, would the Obama campaign do something like this? Because, the penalty for accepting fraudulent donations is…drum-roll… returning the donations, and paying a small fee. Fortunately for Team Obama, they’ll have four years to fund-raise, so that they can refund the gobs of fraudulent donations, plus penalty. In the meantime, Obama gets to be President. Neat how it works out. For Obama and his merry band of crooks, anyway. For fair and free elections, not so much.
Fourth estate, where are you? Quizzing Sarah Palin’s manicurist no doubt. This is an absolute disgrace. I genuinely believe we’re on the verge of the complete collapse of the Democratic order; when folks can perpetuate fraud on such a mass scale, in such a blatant fashion, and receive nary a word of criticism- when the only media articles dealing with the subject bemoan the “flawed” system, as if this is just something that “happened”, much like Barack Obama was just “there” in Jeremiah Wright’s church- we’ve entered a world Orwell would have found incredible. I don’t know what to do about it folks. Short of winning the lottery and starting a multi-million dollar foundation to, you know, expose this stuff, perhaps there isn’t anything any of us can do. What’s the word the left is always bandying about- the one that deals with quashing dissent, abrogating freedoms, adopting a rigid state-line, and forcing undesirable opinions to the fringes of society? Ah, yes: Fascism.
October 25th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I am very despondent with the absolute belief that this is no ordinary election. It will change America permanently in a very bad direction.
October 25th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
The media would be all over this if a Republican raised money like he did.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
It’s interesting, and definitely fraud, but the fraud is being committed by the “experimenters,” not Obama or any other candidate (Democrat or Republican) with an imperfect credit card processing system. I mean, seriously, it’s a nice try but all it does is make our side look bad, not theirs. All it shows is that Obama’s webmaster should’ve paid a little extra for better credit card security. The “story” here is about legitimate as Ashley Todd’s.
So once again, I have to thank a conservative blog for making our side look like a bunch of ignorant assholes. Great.
PS: Shut the hell up about Rev. Wright already. You have Palin as a very active member of a church that believed the world would end in 2000 and she has diverted TAXPAYER FUNDS towards their cause. But that’s okay because she’s on “our” side. I wish you people would pay attention to how uneducated and uninformed you sound.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
William,
Did you miss the part where all these safeguards come STANDARD, and that the Obama campaign would need to actively disable them for this to be occurring? Beclown yourself more my friend.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I have to agree with William that the fraud is by those who are intentionally using phoney names and various devices to get around the system. Its the equivalent of some nut trying to get bomb-making materials on a plane. He will be going to jail regardless of his “good intentions.”
The other part of this that is just silly is the phoney outrage because the names are Saddam Hussein, et al. Frankly, I think a campaign that gets a donation from Saddam Hussein should keep it. A meritorious argument does not require hype and insinuation.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
To William and BHC,
Your argument that it’s the “experimenters” who are committing fraud may have some merit, I suppose. Do you believe that law enforcement commit fraud when they set up drug buys to catch dealers or pose as hookers or johns to catch people breaking prostitution laws? How else would something be brought to light if no one challenged it?
October 25th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
William and BHC, what are you two smoking? There have been whispers for weeks now that the Obama campaign had been accepting money from illegal sources (fraudulent names and addresses, overseas contributors, etc). While it is true that the donor pepetrates the greater fraud, each campaign has an obligation to exercise due diligeance to prevent this behavior in the first place. However, given the shameful behavior of Obama’s agents in OH–voting illegally before being caught–it should come as no surprise that the Chicago Machine politician would stoop to this level. What kind of governance should we expect?
October 25th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
This is incredible! Open warfare between McCain and Palin camps.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1008/McCain_camp_hits_back_at_diva_Palin.html
October 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Matthew. . .excellent post.
This is the kind of thing I wish someone like Ralph Nader or even Ross Perot would champion. Nader has done a lot of admirable consumer advocacy over the decades, and this would be right up his alley. Instead, he’s chasing windmills and wasting his time and good name on yet another run he could never seriously contend, let alone win. Whoever attempts to solve this problem needs to come from outside the two-party power structure to have any successful effect. And they can’t be tied to Rush Limbaugh right wingers or Move-on.com lefties either or they won’t be taken seriously.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Victoria,
The Supreme Court has ruled that law enforcement can engage in such activities so long as they don’t entrap people. Ordinary citizens can’t take the law into their own hands (a la OJ Simpson in Vegas).
October 25th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
William and BHC. . . Have you ever heard of the phrase “receiving stolen property”? It’s a crime to knowingly accept illegally gotten funds. Yes, those who contribute illegally are guilty of fraud. Just the same, those who illegally accept those contributions – knowingly and with encouragement – are guilty too. The guilt isn’t mutually exclusive by any means.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Re #3: Haven’t you read about such Obama donors as “Good Will” and “Doodad Pro”? Even Newsweek reported on them. Google their names for further details.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Great research, Matthew.
All the investigative MSM journalists would have no qualms about exposing such a scandalous attempt at opacity by the McCain camp. It almost makes you suspect that the MSM investigative journos would be happy to learn that they could donate in excess of the legal limits rather than report stories injurious to their preferred candidate.
That citizen journalists are testing the system at little effort or expense and reporting the ease with which the Obama site permits impermissible, illegal abuse with a clear criminal intent is not the crime, by the way, no matter how much O-Bots come here to complain and toss red herrings. The abuse occurs once individuals exceed the legal limits. And there is no excuse for the Bam Camp to permit illicit, illegal donations, period.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
http://virginiavirtucon.wordpress.com/2008/10/24/interesting-tidbit-on-polls/
October 25th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
#13 Your argument is with Politico and CNN, not me. They are reporting the infighting and its like a trainwreck. I think it should be addressed.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Covering the gossip about their opponents, I see.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
MarkG,
Indeed. Goodness knows it’s more significant then purposely and deliberately creating a campaign donation system that allows for unlimited fraudulent donations.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Wow, another misdeed going unreported.
I hope this doesn’t turn out to be another story like the one of the mentally unstable woman who carved a “B” on herself. Talk radio was all over that before it blew up.
October 25th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Here’s another MSM riddle to contemplate: How do those MSM editorial boards decide? I mean, on the one hand we’ve got “unnamed sources” within the campaign claiming unprovable “infighting.”
In contrast we’ve got only one of the campaigns that shows total, willful failure to perform the most basic vetting of its donors.
Yet at the same time, the same reporters had every embarrassing fact, rumor, and innuendo plastered across TV screens and broadsheet front pages moments after Plumber Joe deigned to ask a question of His Royal Highness, President of Harvard Law Review, Champion of the World’s Oppressed, Adjuster of the Oceans, Etc.
How is it that The One could have such a blatant disregard for the laws of the nation when it comes to his own campaign practices? Is it the Harvard, Ayers, or Alinsky influence? The latter is merely a philosophical question, nothing for the otherwise engaged press to worry itself with…
Hey, look over there! Sarah Palin’s wearing pricey Prada flats with that skirt! Scandalous! Film at eleven!
October 25th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I am not arguing that the McCain camp calling Palin a diva is substantively more important than campaign finance. That would be absurd. Rather I am only pointing out what is politically more important and the evidence of that is what is being reported and what is, frankly, more sensational. And the trouble is that the diva story fits with the wardrobe story.
To spell out the problem, a campaign doesn’t want drama just as voters are preparing to cast their ballots because their last impression often dictates their vote. These stories suggest a team that is not ready to lead the country.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
MEM – how much do you know about the former Gov. Arne Carlson? You are from MN, right – or is that GMM?
October 25th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
you can reach me at rbrun79 at gmail dot com if you want to fill me in about that guy. I’m writing a blog about recent Republican defections (Powell, Weld, Carlson) and need to know more about Carlson. Thanks.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
These “stories” simply show how the different media outlets are now falling over each other to scoop the obituaries of the McCain campaign. There’s nothing there but rumor and gossip.
They’ve been at this for a while. Other than attempting to be first with the obituary, the other aim is to demoralize the McPalin supporters in order to declare early victory for their Chosen Savior.
I’m underwhelmed.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Democratic majorities Will ensure this is never investigated.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Their wouldn’t be an obit to write so soon if the McCain and Palin folks weren’t stabbing each other in the back. I am not a political historian but I can’t think of an instance when running mates were blaming each other a week before the election. I guess Obama can take comfort in knowing they are not partisan when it comes to tearing people down.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
RayinNH,
I’m not from Minnesota. Gary is; so is Kavon. But, I know a bit about Carlson, just from following Pawlenty for the last two years. I know, for instance, that Carlson was vocally critical of Pawlenty’s veto of the transportation bill, which included a gas tax increase. I know that Carlson is socially liberal. I know that he didn’t get the Republican Party’s endorsement for at least one of his two terms. All, I haven’t quite figured out why he’s a Republican; he’s always seemed like a Lincoln Chafee type, from what I’ve read about him.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Dear Friends,
Let me introduce myself, My name in John, full name is John Ant Tony, I am in my early 40, wiseman says, life begin in 40
I just got a new date with a mid 30’s widow name Americana, she just been divorced with her ex – Bushy.
Bushy is a close friend of mine, and we came from the same city Republicapitol Metro.
But I am not the only man dating with her, an African direct come from Kenya-man also dating with her at the same time with me.
The Kenyan-man name is Baby Husein Osama Jr. ( his father is Husein Osama Sr came directly from Nairobi, Kenya Africa-man)
Ameri (her friend used to call her Ameri) told me, the reason why she divorced with Bushy, she said to me that Bushy is the most
worst boyfriend or husband she ever had, Bushy is arrogant, about four years ago, Bushy had fought with a gang from Baghdad, and
Bushy had made all efforts to pursue the head of Baghdad gang name Sodomi Husein , to get head of Baghdad gang, Bushy had spent
a lot of money , and made his family in poverty, cash does not much left in house save, house mortgage loan almost impossible to pay,
and a lot of debt for house hold things. In other word , Bushy made his own family suffer and poor.
To get simphatic, I spent most of my time and fund to date Ms Ameri (Americana), but because I am best friend of Bushy, Ms Ameri does not
much believe of what I was saying to her.
I have a very great career as a CPA, cum laude MBA alumni of Cornell University, spent more than 10 years in one of Big-4 CPA firm.
I am also loyal , mature, caring, and willing to dedicate the rest of my life for Ms Ameri.
She almost does not believe me, the more I made an effort to convince her, the more she got suspicious to me.
Ms Ameri more interesting with Kenya-man, mr. Baby Husein Osama Jr., only making spell : “tang te la tang tang, change change change you need”
Ms Ameri automatically being hypnotised and decided to choose mr. Baby Husein Osama jr. to be her next husband.
My friend,
please give me some advice
What should I do?
Thanks & best Regards,
John Ant Tony
October 27th, 2008 at 8:21 am
your gonna loose, lol, you asses have circled the religous wagons around each other and 4got about the rest of the GOP party, & now there looking at palin, and all her small town racist freaks, like were not some red neck, uneducated, bible lovin, evan freaks! lol This will last 4 a while, because without your new base, the party will stay fractured!