RNC Feigns Outrage Over Benign Meetings With Supporters
Responding to a Washington Times report on White House visits for Democratic donors, the RNC feigned outrage in a statement saying "the seriousness of this issue requires an immediate investigation." Yet the same Times article mentions that the same was done by President Bush and Michael Steele himself admitted, "well it's part of what happens, you know, you reward those, your supporters who have been a part of helping you achieve success in winning the election."
RNC Chairman Michael Steele Feigns Outrage
RNC Chairman Michael Steele Alleged The White House Had Acted Improperly:
"Bill Clinton turned the White House into a hotel and coffee shop. Now President Obama has turned the White House into a full service resort complete with amenities for the highest Democrat bidder. The seriousness of this issue requires an immediate investigation looking into the degree and details of fundraising efforts between the White House and DNC, whether there was any quid pro quo offered to donors, and the names of White House officials who were involved in such activities. The White House should also immediately release the names of donors who have accessed these perks or received special briefings from administration officials. Candidate Obama pledged to clean up the muddy waters of Washington, but President Obama has jumped in head first." [Politico, 10/28/09]
Many Of The President's Guests Are Personal Friends Who Happened To Donate To His Campaign. According to the Washington Times:
Presidential aides said there has been no systematic effort to use the White House complex to aid fundraising, though they acknowledge the DNC has paid for some events at the presidential mansion.
Many guests at the White House not only had fundraising connections, but also have personal friendships with the president, Mr. Obama's aides said.
"Contributing does not guarantee a ticket to the White House, nor does it prohibit the contributor from visiting," said Dan Pfeiffer, deputy White House communications director. [Washington Times, 10/28/09]
The Washington Times Reported President Bush Did The Same Thing
Washington Times:
President George W. Bush rewarded his 246 "Pioneers," who raised at least $100,000, with perks that included overnight stays at the White House and Camp David, parties at the White House and Mr. Bush's Texas ranch, state dinners with world leaders and overseas travel with U.S. delegations to the Olympics and other events, according to a 2004 review by the Associated Press. [Washington Times, 10/28/09]
Straying From Talking Points, Michael Steele Himself Admitted It Was Common Practice
During an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Michael Steele described the Washington Times report as "part of what happens." He then criticized Obama for failing to bring change to Washington. That is a far cry from the RNC statement saying "the seriousness of this issue requires an immediate investigation."
Straying From Republican Talking Points, Michael Steele Admitted It Was "Part Of What Happens." During an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Michael Steele said:
Well it's part of what happens, you know, you reward those, your supporters who have been a part of helping you achieve success in winning the election. The difference here is that the president made a big deal during the campaign of bringing something difference to Washington. [MSNBC, Morning Joe, 10/28/09]
