President Barack Obama’s got a whole new take on corporate cash.The inaugural committee says its decision to accept unlimited corporate moneyis only a reflection of how drained donors are following the pricey reelection campaign.But coming right in the midst of negotiations over the fiscal cliff, the decision means Obama will start his second term with a significant symbolic reversal — four years ago, the corporate money ban was supposed to signal what his committee called a “commitment to change business as usual in Washington.” It opens him to charges that he’s changed — and not for the better.“Shocked” wrote one Democratic lobbyist in an email about the flip-flop on corporate donations.“Here is this guy that came to Washington, and said, ‘I’m going to come and change the way Washington works. I’m going to bring a new, basically, working class to Washington,’” said a GOP fundraiser who has worked on inaugurations.“’But now that I’m reelected and I have nothing to worry about in the future, besides possibly my library, that quote-unquote moral compass doesn’t exist.’”
in light of citizens united did he really have a chance without excepting the money? neither did the right wing and that side of the scotus think he would that's why they opened the flood gates.
But that feeling is far from universal among prominent Washington lobbyists and consultants.
“I think there’s been a new day of engagement since the election between corporate community and the White House, so I imagine that companies that are being invited to the White House and are having their voices heard in the White House will find ways of supporting what is a civic event not a political event,” said Tony Podesta, a Democratic lobbyist and mega fundraiser.
Democratic lobbyist Steve Elmendorf of Elemendorf Ryan said he’s glad to see that the president stopped making things so hard for himself.
“I think they should have taken corporate money last time. I think the inaugural is a nonpolitical event, it’s a national celebration,” Elmendorf said. “I don’t think it’s the same as a political campaign, or a convention.”
essentially he did change the way Washington works, we elected him, twice
