Why I'm No Longer Donating to Obama (And Why It's A Good Thing)
Much digital ink has been spilled over the reasons for Obama's steadily declining monthly donation totals. I've seen a number of solid explanations on TPM (candidate fatigue, economy, etc.) , but nothing I have read has touched on the reason why I'm no longer giving to Obama: Confidence in Obama as a candidate (especially against McCain) and the very serious need for funds in other (presumably closer) Senate and House races.
I try to give once per month, between $25-50. I've been doing this for many months consecutively now, each time happily donating to Obama. However, two weeks ago I stopped to chat with a DNC volunteer while walking around DC. By the time I left the conversation, I decided that my money is probably more valuable in a close race. (Call me crazy, but I don't think that the Presidential race is going to be all that close.) I had always associated donating to Obama with donating to the Democratic Party, but that's really not the case (except -- and of course I understand this is very important -- to the extent that Obama brings people to the polls with blue blinders).
Electing Obama is by far the most important thing our country can do in November, but when it comes down to it, I feel my $25 is better donated to ActBlue or in targeted races. I think we need to get as many progressive Democrats into the three branches of government (and the Vice Presidency!) as possible and to me, it's just not clear that donating to Obama best serves that particular goal.
At this rate, Obama probably isn't getting any more of my money, but I don't think that's such a bad thing. I've moved on to Phase II.
I try to give once per month, between $25-50. I've been doing this for many months consecutively now, each time happily donating to Obama. However, two weeks ago I stopped to chat with a DNC volunteer while walking around DC. By the time I left the conversation, I decided that my money is probably more valuable in a close race. (Call me crazy, but I don't think that the Presidential race is going to be all that close.) I had always associated donating to Obama with donating to the Democratic Party, but that's really not the case (except -- and of course I understand this is very important -- to the extent that Obama brings people to the polls with blue blinders).
Electing Obama is by far the most important thing our country can do in November, but when it comes down to it, I feel my $25 is better donated to ActBlue or in targeted races. I think we need to get as many progressive Democrats into the three branches of government (and the Vice Presidency!) as possible and to me, it's just not clear that donating to Obama best serves that particular goal.
At this rate, Obama probably isn't getting any more of my money, but I don't think that's such a bad thing. I've moved on to Phase II.
