Is it really that great that you have to raise millions to have a shot at the presidency?

Question

I thought everyone could become president in America,what gives?

Answer 1

It is a shame to note that Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson nor perhaps even Washington himself, could not be elected today because they couldn't raise funds to run.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a shot at the Presidency. There are far more capable people in our country than our current list of candidates. However, they have to fight off the slander and lies told by opposing candidates who use TV and other media to get a message accross. If you do not counter this, to get your own message out, your opponent will bury you. If you are a liberal, you may have a better chance because the majority of media will back you and have you appear in a 'good light' in the news. If you're not, you can simply forget about the Presidency and try to serve as the local sanitation supervisor in a small town in the midwest.

Answer 2

It's good and bad. It's good because it really narrows down who could become president, so that would help keep the freaks out(although it didn't work the last two times). Bad because the people who are running are already controlled by the corperate funds that gave them the money.

Answer 3

By being able to raise millions you show that you have the abilities to build strong networks of connected people, sell to them your ability to do the job and utilize those resources in a way for maximum effect.

Just because someone is incredibly smart does not give them the skills to run the country. It is about getting people on your side on the issues and running a huge team of people in an effective manner to execute your ideas and plans. Its not about having the ideas, but about making them happen.

Answer 4

Well, with the Political Finance Reform, now you have to be a multi-millionaire in order to run successfully (thanks John McCain). If Abe Lincoln was alive today, he'd be stuck on some city council his whole life. It's a sad mess.

Answer 5

Advertising cost. The greatest man in history without the money to tell the world he is great can't be recognized as great.

Answer 6

I wondered this myself until I spent this past Summer as a campaign manager. This is what my candidate told me: "I am not bankrupting my family. I am not spending my own money. If the people want me, the people will support me."

Contrary to some opinions, corporations do not automatically control the candidate they choose to contribute to. My candidate received several large donations from various businesses and homeowners' associations, and they never contacted him with any requirements. Most entities and individuals research the candidate's position and support the ones they agree with.

Answer 7

Pretty much. People like you and me don't stand a chance. Travel, TV commercials, hotel rooms, advisers, PR firm...it all cost plenty.

Answer 8

NO!!!!!!!!!