How important will money be in the 2004 GE?

[Padraig18]

Poll question: How important will money be in the 2004 GE?

Please vote and, if you like, explain why you voted as you did?

:hi:

[GregorStocks]

1. I voted "who needs money?"

(If you don't understand why, see my sig and pic)

[Padraig18]

2. LOL!

And a wise vote it was, that being the case. :hi:

[newyawker99]

10. Hi GregorStocks!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Democrats unite]

3. Not to important...

It will help, but the further we get into 2004 the more voters are going to get sick of bush & what has happened to America...

[Padraig18]

4. Remember what Al Capone said:

"You'll get further with a gun AND a smile, than with a smile alone." I'd like to have the proper message, the proper climate AND a bank full of money. :)

[beyurslf]

5. The right message can be drowned out

by lies with Bush's money machine. 200 million dollars remember. And if you don't thik people can be duped into believing their lies, look again at how many people think Saddam was behind 9-11.

[Padraig18]

6. Exactly!

We NEED money to counteract that propoganda.

[Padraig18]

7. Kick

[MercutioATC]

8. Perception is everything...and the public is uninformed...

Money will be HUGE. Whomever gets their message to the most people has a definite advantage.

[Padraig18]

9. I agree.

With just a bit of luck, this year we will not be shut out from the airwaves from Easter until Labor Day. Shrub IS vulnerable, and if we can keep the heat on him, we can do LOTS of damage. :)

[diamondsoul]

11. I voted not important at all.

And I disagree as does Joe Trippi. I think he puts it best with the comment that campaign consultants think in terms of "cost per body". How will money matter if you have free workers going door to door in every State in the Union? How will money matter if supporters are doing the work at no cost or minimal cost?

[rucky]

16. Kucinich's performance in the primaries

will be a good test to your theory. I hope DK proves the pundits wrong. (Once again)

[MercutioATC]

18. That's a big part of it, but stations don't volunteer air time...

Grass-roots support is very important, but so is the ability to get the message as widely broadcast (through the media) as possible. That takes money...

[Renew Deal]

12. It's only somewhat important

The quality of the candidate and what the candidate has to offer America is more important. People on the groud will also be important. We will have that. There are too many people commited to getting rid of Bushco. Also, the dems are raising about 30 million a quarter right now. The nominee will easily raise $60 million. With matching funds it goes to about $75. Maybe more. I think Dean's $100 challenge will materialize for whoever the nominee is.

Of course for any of this to matter, we need a candidate that can actually win. That's what Wes Clark gives us. A true leader that can damage Bush, raise money, get people excited and actually win.

[Monte Carlo]

13. Everyone expects the GOP to spend more than the Democrats...

... it's been such a reliable fact that I don't know that the bombardment of GOP smear ads have as large an effect as they used to. Everyone knows that the Republicans are symbiotic with big business, and they aren't suprised when they can afford to broadcast more ads. It has an effect, but I don't know if it's going to be THE effect.

[Green4Dean]

14. Its too bad...but it is the most important thing

Until there is free access to the airwaves and 100% public financing, money is the most important factor.

[rucky]

15. Can't trust the media to get the message out for us.

Must buy ads. they work. ask MWO.

[Padraig18]

17. The only way WE can control any part of our message:

With the whore media DEEP in *'s pocket, the only way we will be able to deliver OUR message 'unedited and un-spun' will be by buying massive amounts of broadcast time and print media, which costs money.

[dansolo]

19. GOTV

Money goes for more than advertising. GOTV will be essential, and every penny helps. The Republicans have been successful because they suppress voter turnout.

[IndianaGreen]

20. Dean and Kerry are the only ones that can compete with Bush

in terms of money, while all the other candidates would be hamstrung by the FEC ceilings. This is something to really be concerned!