Hey, Barack Obama: Don't Come Back to Orange County

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Posted by R. Scott Moxley in Election 2008, Moxley

July 14, 2008 8:00 PM

Permalink | Comments (6)

A few of you might have heard that Senator Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, arrived in Orange County on Sunday, held an exclusive fundraiser for wealthy contributors at the Republican-dominated Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, and left.

Some local Democrats gloated about the idea of Obama grabbing money on right-wing-nut turf, but who of substance cares about empty theatrics? You wouldn't have known anything about the visit because Obama restricted press access, ignored the masses he allegedly represents, did nothing for his potential young voters and--try this on for snobbery--told OC folks who couldn't give the maximum allowable campaign contribution to, well, pound sand.

I know of Democrats who wanted to give $500 or $750 of their hard-earned money, but were told no thanks, you're not getting in. I know of suggestions to hold a public rally to energize local voters, but were told by campaign officials (again from LA) that they didn't care because Obama leads in California polls.

It's not that average folks were singled out for Obama neglence. Louis Gossett, Jr., the actor celebrity, flew here from Philadelphia to introduce the candidate. He was treated with contempt by Obama's staffers, who were busy getting drunk and sneaking their own friends into the event, according to my well-placed sources.

Sen. Obama, if this is the type of incompetence compounded by cynical, money-hungry politics you're going to bring to the White House, you're not worthy of our votes.

-- R. Scott Moxley / OC Weekly

Comments (6)

Aaron B says:
July 14, 2008 22:11

Moxley, did you really expect him to be any different from other politicians?

Bill Chapman says:
July 14, 2008 22:19

This is one reason I love you guys. You don't take crap from any side. Personally, I think this reinforces my desire to vote for Bob Barr, the Libertarian. The two major political parties and their candidates suck. People need to wake up and break the Democrat and Republican strangle hold on our political system. If we don't, we're just going to get more of the same bullshit.

Publius says:
July 14, 2008 23:33

Scott-
You've been around long enough to know that the purpose of a fundraising event is to raise money.
And every venue has a limited capacity.
Let's say the space at Balboa Bay Club fit 200. We know that plenty of people were willing to pony up the $2,300 for a ticket. Since demand outstrips supply, there is no need to cut deals. Every space sold for $500 or $750 is one that could have gone for $2,300. It's called opportunity cost.
And celebrities have a tough time understanding that political events are not about them. When Seal appeared at Obama's event in LA, the whole thing was delayed quite a bit because he refused to take the stage before Obama was seated. Despite agreeing to do so in the earlier negotiations. Diva celebrities aren't a draw to political contributors, but they still think they are.

jumpcut says:
July 15, 2008 09:31

This is really lazy reporting, full of unsubstantiated gossip and innuendo. Why wouldn't any of your "well-placed sources" go on the record if they felt so strongly? And why didn't you even attempt to contact the one person you did name, Louis Gossett Jr., to see if he really felt "he was treated with contempt by Obama's staffers." BTW, I have absolutely no connection with this event or Obama, just my observations as a critical reader.

Pete Fundy says:
July 15, 2008 09:36

As Orange County's leading conservative commentator, Pete Fundy believes that Pubicus is right. If I paid $2300 for a ticket to rub elbows with OC's elite, I wouldn't want to have to put up with anyone who had a hard time scraping together a paltry $750.

There's nothing wrong with grabbing an Obama sign and jumping up and down out at the curb. To quote Judge Smails from Caddyshack, "Well, the world needs ditch diggers, too."

Warmly yours,
Pete Fundy
Senior Editorial Writer
OCLegend.Com

joe torres says:
July 15, 2008 15:22

Fundraisers of this type have been going on for years, particularly by republican bigshots.

What political party typically outraises the Democrats year after year?

Now that McCain has raised millions from all the lobbyist/corporate/special interests in this country, you complain that a Democratic candidate shouldn't raise an equivalent amount from individual donors!

What hypocrisy!

And you cry crocodile tears for a few who can't get in?

You are so transparent.....in your double standards.

When you can get money out of politics.....then
we can talk. Meanwhile....blow it out your....

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