Barack Obama go ahead and forego federal matching campaign dollars.

1. Philosophically this move is not anti-campaign finance reform. Advocates of reform, like my self, realize that under the current system you must maintain a competitive balance with the GOP, so long as when you reach office you dismantle the current system. The reception of funds, where the money comes from is important, not limits on the total amount a candidate raises. Having individual single donors who may donate a small amount is democratic and important for minimizing corruption. The idea of having federal matching funds is for candidates who can't raise $85.5 million.

2. Barack could raise about $200 million, McCain will be lucky to raise $100 million.

3. Obama will have to turn face on this issue, he had said that he will take federal matching funds when he didn't know how much he could raise. Obama needs to make a speech on Campaign Finance Reform, explain the current system, apologize for not realizing that Obamamania has landed, tell the people what he plans to do and how he plans to do it.

Interview with Robert Fripp from 1979.


Part One


Part Two


Part Three


Part Four