I think Dean should opt out of the matching funds

[Capn Sunshine]

In view of the fundraising ability and the huge difference between us and the Bush campaign. Opting out appears to be the better course, we wouldn't be limited by the spending rules and could go head to head against the bundled corporate money and other resources.
the main problem is that we would be limited to spending only 45 million vs the 200 million of Bush by August if we don't opt out.

Why is this a bad idea? I know some of you think it is, particularly if you are working for the candidates who have less than 10 mill.

[dorktv]

1. Actually I was on the conference call with Trippi last night about that.

They are going to opt out for a couple of reasons...One the fact that they would be broke until August otherwise...and Two because it will give people a voice all the way through by their sending money in. Because every dollar sent is a dollar that does not go to Bush. Or something like that.

[pruner]

3. so it's already been decided?

who else was on the conference call and how'd you get in on it?

[Capn Sunshine]

4. actually I'm on a conference call now

while we're leaning that way, we are casting about for feedback.

[AP]

6. While you have them on the phone...

...will you ask them if Dean is running as a closet libertarian?

[Cha]

8. Dean is Dean ...quit trying to "closet" and label him.

[Capn Sunshine]

9. very funny AP

If anything he's running as a closet centrist according to other campaigns. Isn't Boortz a libertarian?

You actually think he and Dean would share a cab?

[AP]

11. OK, then just ask them

if health care the only social program he thinks the government should provide, and does he think the rest should be left to the free market.

[Capn Sunshine]

13. Isn't that kind of astray ?

Democrats believe that the government should act on behalf of the people, to assist and protect, and enforce when the people are threatened by such things as gross polluters.

What do you think is going on ?

[AP]

14. this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=536051&mesg_id=536051

[Capn Sunshine]

5. Trippi is definitely in favor though.

I am looking for the downside. DUers are pretty good at this aspect

[hedda_foil]

7. I think it's the only way.

We can't run out of money before the cabal does and there are far more of us than of them.

[Cha]

2. Well ..I'm working with the Dean Campaign and I think it sounds

like a Great idea especially since Dean and Trippi are experienced in this and they think it's a Good way to go! :kick:

[dolstein]

10. He'd jave to be stupid not to.

Dean clearly has the ability to raise more than $45 between now and the convention. If he accepted matching funds, he'd bump up against his spending limits by early spring, which mean he won't be able to run any ads over the summer.

[Capn Sunshine]

12. THIS is what we're thinking

we all know what BFEE is capable of when ceding media to them

[killbotfactory]

15. Keep within the limits in the primary

Opt out in the general election and go after Bush full force.

[hedda_foil]

16. Doesn't work that way.

That means from the March through the nomination in July Bush can run smear ads 24/7 without any means of rebuttal because the primary season doesn't end until the nomination.

[killbotfactory]

17. I meant opt out during the primary

and don't spend more than the limit would be.

[Capn Sunshine]

18. There's the rub

Bushco could spend 100 million 200 if he has it... We are limited to 45mill if we don't opt out.

Its fighting fire with fire

[Eloriel]

19. GO FOR IT!!

Run as if you have nothing to lose.

:evilgrin:

Eloriel

[RevolutionStartsNow]

20. Me too.. At a meeting tonight...

our local group was asked by the coordinator if we thought Dean should opt out. Trippi wanted people to get feedback on this (love this campaign -- even though they will obviously make their own decision, they care what we think).

Our group was unanimously supportive of opting out. "Whatever it takes to beat Bush" was the consensus.

[Capn Sunshine]

21. I'm thinking go for it

It does no one any good to be moneyless against the Bushco machine for eight to ten weeks.