Think The Country Is Divided Now? Just Wait Till November

coming attractions

by Glynnis MacNicol | 11:23 am, March 16th, 2010

» 5 comments

Can it be possible that when it comes to bitter partisan divide we haven’t seen anything yet? Last summer’s Tea Party/Town Halls appeared to take much of Washington, and the media, by surprise (and by storm), but with this November’s midterms already looming large on the political horizon (they are more than seven months away in real world time) it’s entirely possible those were just a warm up. To what exactly, one shudders to think.

With that in mind, Time’s Michael Scherer takes a look at some expensive anti-health care ad currently blanketing parts of the country and basically concludes it may be time to fasten your seat belts.

Across the country, groups on all sides of the health care reform debate have been targeting swing members of Congress with costly ad campaigns. Over the coming week, as the House gears up to take a final, deciding vote on reform, issue-ad spending by corporations, trade groups, unions and advocacy organizations may top $24 million, adding to the estimated $200 million that has already been spent on health care advocacy ads. “We are going to be at parity with the other guys in spending for the week,” said one pro-reform organizer, who had been monitoring the antireform ad purchases. “I think our side will spend $12 million for the week.”

Also, behold your Supreme Court at work:

Most of these advertisements come with little or no disclosure about what specific companies, unions or individuals are providing the funds. Thanks to the recent controversial Supreme Court campaign-finance decision in the Citizens United case, the ads also offer premonitions of what many of these same members of Congress may face in the fall, when unions and corporations will be able to spend money anonymously to advocate for candidates’ election or defeat in the weeks before the polls.

Below, an anti-health care ad. Below that, the Dems push back with a anti-anti ad.

Health Care Bill, Health Care Reform, Michael Scherer, Midterms 2010, The State of Politics, Time

m

Unions won’t be able to compete with corporations since they have funds that by far outstrip anything any union will be able to get.

The Supreme Court decision was a death knell. It will transform the American political landscape forever. It will primarily benefit corporate interests and thus Republicans.
The Real Royal King

M: In 2008, did you see one ad campaign that you felt secured the nomination for Obama or won the presidency for Obama? I don’t think so. As for some the deep background work, redistricting, for example, or even get out the vote on election day efforts, money is required. It appears to me the Democrats are doing very well with all such endeavors, however, largely because of the internet. That’s not to say that I think that decision was correct (It was not.) or that it is without effect (It will have some effect.). I am only suggesting I think we have another tact at hand.

I wonder, if we do, in fact, pass health care reform, will lobbying wax or wane. Billions of special interest dollars have been expended, and proposed legislation has been affected, negatively, to be sure, but if the goal is not reached, are special interest corporation going to see the investment worthwhile?
pyrope

Country divided? No, I simply think more of the koolaid drinkers are coming to their senses.

As for me, since I emigrated to this country in 1973, I have been fortunate to accumulate some wealth. I have decided to donate $100K to the candidates who oppose those elected “representatives” who vote FOR bills like -0bamacare, cap & tax, and who have expressed an opinion that the Constitution is not a relative document. The people who gave us this wonderful country sacrificed their blood and their fortunes to guarantee our liberty and making a small contribution is the least I can do. I am proud to say that I was able to help Mr. Scott Brown defeat Martha Croakley.
scytherius

Better hide pyscho Right Wingers. All polls (except rasumussen) have us outnumbering you 3 to 1
pyrope

Keep on believing that scytherius. Get complacent. That’s where we want you.