Do you think that all of the money spent during this election is a waste?

Question

Between the personal finances, private donations, Party spending, elaborate conventions, endless commercials, and candidates' travel, etc., etc., shouldn't there be a better way to do this without all of this spending? Or is it good for the economy?

Answer 1

Yes, absolutely. Give them a small amount, no tv ads, have CSPAN debates...this money just enslaves the candidates to special interests.

Answer 2

Of course it's a waste.  Obama is spending almost 2x as much as McCain, but it's a statistical tie.  So much for money buying votes...

Answer 3

Totally ridiculous.  It creates an situation where candidates rely more and more upon their sponsors and end up owing big favours in return thus reducing the value of each person's vote.

The length of time taken leading up to an election with much of the population ignoring all else is detrimental to the country.  Most countries have a very quick smooth election process.  A federal election is especially bad when the first term president spends most of his/her term running for re-election.  Also, this seems the only country to not actually vote for the vice-president!  The system is totally flawed right down to the electing of sheriffs who might be well funded by the rich criminal element.  

Answer 4

I beleve the total figure for the primary and general election will be just under 2-billion.  The conflict in Iraq costs roughly 3-billion a month.  Its been going on 5 years now.

No.  I do not think that all of the money spent during this election is a waste.

Answer 5

H. L. Mencken once said. "All elections are advance auctions on stolen goods." By this definition, only 1/2 the money spent on the election was wasted. The winning half will steal from the loser.

Answer 6

it could go to much better use that's for certain. there are many needs that could be taken care of with all that cash

Answer 7

It has a corrupting influence on both parties.  (Raising money sells out principles.)  As far as a waste, the people who lose might agree, while the winners would say no.  All the businesses that make money like it.  (Although when they get stiffed it isn't so hot.)  Frankly, no alternative will ever be implemented.  Why?  Money.  ;)

Answer 8

I say it's good for the economy. I also say it's their money. They raise it, how they raise it is debatable but any way it goes it's their money to spend the way they want.  

Answer 9

A lot of it is, in that it is not effective for the people who spent the money.

It depends on how much of it is spent on products and services in this country.  If it is, and I think candidates would be crazy not to, then it just cycles back around the country.

Answer 10

It absolutely is a waste. They all start way too

early, so by the time November rolls around, we

are sick and tired of seeing them and hearing

them. They will have spent so much more than

a president's salary. We could pay down the

national debt with all the wasted spending, if it

was used for that purpose. I think 3months

would be plenty of time for them all to be on tv

and tell us what their platform is, what they

believe about all issues of the day, and how they

plan to change things they don't like to what

they think would be right. End of campaign,

voting begins, election decided!!!!!!

Answer 11

Yes, it is a waste, but yes, it does help the economy.

What I think is more of a waste is how much money pro-athletes and movie stars make.  It's obscene, and I think it takes away from the sport/art of it all.    

Answer 12

The campaign funding should solely be done with federal funds.  NO private donations.  That little box we can check when we file our taxes...   That should be the only funding available.

Answer 13

Yes, but people have the right to throw their money away as they wish. As long as it is not coming from taxpayer dollars, it is legit.  

Answer 14

Yes because we already know who's gonna win between Obama and McCain.