Bush, Democrats and Fund Raising

"The way he raises money shows what kind of trouble democracy is in in this country," said Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont and a Democratic presidential candidate. "My guess is that he'll raise as much as all the Democrats put together, and he'll be able to do that because he's the president and he is able to sell access."

If history is any guide, it is doubtful that these kinds of criticism will have much influence on voters. "It's an issue that's very intense for a very small number of voters," Dr. Dean said.

And the Democrats, as several Republicans noted, are doing precisely what Mr. Bush is doing, albeit not as effectively, making it that much harder for them to complain.

"The Democrats have no choice but to try to make money Bush's liability," said one Republican fund-raiser. "They have to try to tie the money to special interests, tie the special interests to unpopular issues and then tie it all around Bush's neck. The problem is that Democrats are taking special interest money, too."

The New York Times on Bush's fund-raising plans and the potential bear trap awaiting Democrats.

[via The Note]