Corporate Coziness At The Conventions

CBS News Investigates: Real Ties Between Big Business And The Convention Parties

(CBS)  Senators John McCain and Barack Obama say the party's over for special interests and big business.

Yet the party's just beginning. The candidates' own lavish conventions and invitation-only events may be the ultimate display of the corporate coziness they say they're against, CBS News investigative correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports.

To prohibit unfair influence, it's illegal for corporations to give directly to politicians, campaigns or political parties. But under a giant loophole, corporations can give unlimited money to the political conventions.

And the politicians expect it.

Corporations donate to so-called convention "host committees" that are supposed to be bipartisan and separate from the campaign. In reality, they're run by party leaders who produce brochures selling political access.

Corporate clout at the conventions is now so institutionalized and blatant; it's a $100 million business.

"You know, essentially, it's an extortion game," said Steve Weissman, of the Campaign Finance Institute.

Weissman is a campaign finance watchdog who says powerful party leaders drive the convention fundraising machine.

"They go to these companies and they say 'We want you to give us this money,'" Weissman said.

There's no doubt what was for sale when Minnesota's Governor, Republican Tim Pawlenty, appealed to 110 business leaders for donations for the Republican convention.

His talking points, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, said corporate bigwigs would get the chance to "connect with influential government officials ... such as cabinet members, the president, next president."

"He's soliciting donations?" Attkisson asked.

"Yes, he's telling them he expects the Fortune 500 companies to give at least half a million to a million," Weissman said.

---

Read more at Couric & Co. Blog: Partying With The Parties

---

Republican sponsorship packages go all the way up to $5 million dollars.

Originally, the top package included invites to a "private reception," "private dinner" and "golfing" with Republican leadership. Those perks were later changed to generic language.

For the Democrat's convention in Denver, corporate sponsorship packages start at the "Mile High Plus" Level for $52,800.

There's the "Gold Level:" $250,000 buys "invitations to private events" with key party leaders. That translates into a possible chance to rub shoulders with the likes of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or Obama himself.

And the very best benefits go to "Presidential Level" donors of $1 million-plus.

All of which seems to defeat the noble idea of keeping corporate influence at bay.

Sens. Obama and McCain have each said convention finance reform will be a priority should he elected.

But that's for another time. For now - it's party on.

© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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by trrrorislam1 August 24, 2008 3:39 AM EDT

HUSSEINs VICE PRESIDENT,,,

hmmmm will it be a TYPICAL WHITE PERSON???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8gnmUyminI

hmmmm will it be one that is clinging to his gun and religion???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNoJ0q6HrK8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmv5NZ4zcdc&feature=related

hmmmm will it be one that wants americans to learn spanish???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZprtPat1Vk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W7srmHLclw

hmmmm will it be a RACIST like himSelf, hating whitey and jews???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfC4OOm1aoM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3jsFs&feature=related

RACIST HUSSEIN PICKS,,, RACIST BIDEN AS VP,,, shocker,,,

Obama''''s Racist Vice President Biden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlxXNyIuyTM

BIDEN SAYS NOW,,, HE IS HAPPY TO BE VICE PRESIDENT TO HUSSEIN,,,

"I mean, you''ve got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice looking guy."
: SENATOR JOE BIDEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxWSVXZVR4c

BIDEN SAYS HUSSEIN NOT READY,,,

BIDEN SAYS HE IS READY TO RUN WITH OR AGAINST MCCAIN,,,

BIDEN SAYS COUNTRY BETTER OFF WITH MCCAIN,,, THAN HUSSEIN,,,

Joe Biden On Barack Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVUPqoowf8

Reply to this comment

by trrrorislam1 August 24, 2008 3:09 AM EDT

NAIVE HUSSEIN SEES AMERICA AS EVIL,,,

and you want to make him PRESIDENT OF THE USA???

Saddleback Church Civil Forum - Obama & McCain 8 of 17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqsH13unGbM&feature=related

Abortion, evil, Obama and McCain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0eVomjmCGI

Reply to this comment

by pollroller1 August 23, 2008 11:53 PM EDT

I wish there was a way to take our country back, but I don''t think that it will happen. I am starting to believe we are going the way of the Roman empire.
What a shame. All because of greed.

Reply to this comment

by cbsfan73 August 23, 2008 10:00 PM EDT

Cbutler69 said:
"VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. MAKE A STAND!!!!!!!!"

This is a useless strategy. It simply won''t work because out goes one weasel, in comes another.

The only way is to allow the citizens to vote on the issues. Only a fool allows another to vote his conscience.

Reply to this comment

by cbutler69 August 23, 2008 9:53 PM EDT

Instead of complaining about the Democrats and the Republicans why dont you change your voting status from a D or an R to Independent.Write your congressmen and complain they put their pants on just like everyone else and if you dont like them or what they do VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. MAKE A STAND!!!!!!!!

Reply to this comment

by cbutler69 August 23, 2008 9:47 PM EDT

John MCCain doesnt have the money, his wife does and that is why they keep their moneies separate. As to the number of homes he owns what has that got to do with anything. He has 4 homes and his wife has 3 rental properties-to me election times should be limited to 6-9 months and a set limited amount of money. With the money they have squandered on this campaign they could have paid off some of the national debt. Is this a sign of how they will do in office? We surely hope not.

Reply to this comment

by cbutler69 August 23, 2008 9:44 PM EDT

Its a shame that our governemtns way of thinking is the more money they get from big corporations the better off they are instead of what is right for the PEOPLE OF THE USA. I think if our elected politicians are going to keep taking bribes from big corporations/lobbyists then the people who elected them have a right to know how much they get each year and from what corporate slingers they get it from. This money should be kicked back into the state from which they are elected- its only right.

Reply to this comment

by likeitis5050 August 23, 2008 5:00 PM EDT

Hmmmmm...seems corporate money is more concerned about keeping their own pockets full than they are supporting the ''right'' candidate. And people who think that will change with the next president are out of their minds. Politicians and corporate leaders with deep pockets are all in the same bed passing around the same smoke enjoying all the tingly feelings of having just s.crewed all of the little people...again. Voting for this president means no change...regardless what the campaign platform is...believe that or have the petroleum jelly ready...nothing is going to change for the ones who really matter.

Reply to this comment

by demwatcher August 23, 2008 4:13 PM EDT

"Democrats accepting money from corporations. I thought they were the party of the people?

Posted by squidly8 at 12:20 PM : Aug 23, 2008"

They are the party of the people; the people with the deep pockets.

Reply to this comment

by missingamerica August 23, 2008 4:03 PM EDT

So all you misguided people that tout about how one political party is better than the other are playing right into their hand. It''''s like a mouse going to get cheese out of the trap.

Forget looking towards your political parties for answers and understand that YOU are the solution.

Posted by cbsfan73 at 11:14 AM : Aug 23, 2008

The problem is precisely the fact that corruption is so rampant.

Nonetheless, the Republicans - as they have avidly demonstrated - are the more corrupt party. To accomplished anything, the Republicans and their corrupting influence have to be removed.

Then we can weed out the corrupt among the Democrats.

Reply to this comment

by cbsfan73 August 23, 2008 3:34 PM EDT

Rubbing salt in the wound:

Each political party will receive $17 million in taxpayer funds for conventions.

Reply to this comment

by squidly8 August 23, 2008 3:20 PM EDT

Democrats accepting money from corporations. I thought they were the party of the people?

Reply to this comment

by pollroller1 August 23, 2008 2:18 PM EDT

These candidates from both parties don''t care one thing about us peasants, these people have big egos and think that they are the only people that matter. They are like the TV preachers that brain wash the peasants into sending them their money. They just tell us what they think we want to hear so that they can get elected.

Reply to this comment

by cbsfan73 August 23, 2008 2:14 PM EDT

So all you misguided people that tout about how one political party is better than the other are playing right into their hand. It''s like a mouse going to get cheese out of the trap.

Forget looking towards your political parties for answers and understand that YOU are the solution.

Reply to this comment

by cbsfan73 August 23, 2008 2:08 PM EDT

pirmin3 wrote:
"You are partially correct in your assessment but I think apathy plays a larger roll. End result is the same however."

People become apathetic due to repeated mental and emotional beatings. They are programmed to believe that they are powerless and thus robbed of their courage. Only when they find courage, will the apathy disappear.

Reply to this comment

by pollroller1 August 23, 2008 1:58 PM EDT

Here''s a good one for you. I got a letter in the mail asking me to give money to John McCain to help get him elected to the office of President of the USA. Here is a man worth so much money that he can''t even keep up with how many houses he owns and he wants me to give him MY hard earned money to get him elected so he can make even MORE money.

Reply to this comment

by cbsfan73 August 23, 2008 1:27 PM EDT

Extracted from another post:

afmca asked:
"When are voters going to throw these immoral, corrupt politicians out and vote in a party that will extract real benefits for Americans for our tax-payer supplied subsidies."

Herein lies the problem folks. Don''''t hand your power over to a political party.

This is the same as poking your own eyes out and asking someone to lead you around.

Can''''t you see this America? No, you can''''t, for you have already blinded yourself, preferring to be lead instead of leading your self.

The solution will come when we stand up and demand the right to vote on issues facing the nation. No longer allowing politicians to vote our consciences.

Only then will the nation be of the people, for the people and by the people.

Reply to this comment

by hagan_arnold August 23, 2008 12:29 PM EDT

Of the People, by the people, for the People AFTER the corporations pick the place clean.

Reply to this comment

by hagan_arnold August 23, 2008 12:28 PM EDT

Of the People, by the people, for the People AFTER the corporations pick the place clean.

Reply to this comment

by ramos937 August 23, 2008 8:57 AM EDT

Last night, I viewed a "news" segment on Fox that discussed the corporations sponsoring of the Democratic convention. Nowhere did it mention that the Republican convention will have the same. Is it any wonder then that folks regard Fox as hostile to the Democratic party.

At least CBS.news had the grace to include the Republicans in this article.

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[trrrorislam1]

HUSSEINs VICE PRESIDENT,,,

hmmmm will it be a TYPICAL WHITE PERSON???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8gnmUyminI

hmmmm will it be one that is clinging to his gun and religion???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNoJ0q6HrK8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmv5NZ4zcdc&feature=related

hmmmm will it be one that wants americans to learn spanish???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZprtPat1Vk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W7srmHLclw

hmmmm will it be a RACIST like himSelf, hating whitey and jews???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfC4OOm1aoM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3jsFs&feature=related

RACIST HUSSEIN PICKS,,, RACIST BIDEN AS VP,,, shocker,,,

Obama''''s Racist Vice President Biden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlxXNyIuyTM

BIDEN SAYS NOW,,, HE IS HAPPY TO BE VICE PRESIDENT TO HUSSEIN,,,

"I mean, you''ve got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice looking guy."
: SENATOR JOE BIDEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxWSVXZVR4c

BIDEN SAYS HUSSEIN NOT READY,,,

BIDEN SAYS HE IS READY TO RUN WITH OR AGAINST MCCAIN,,,

BIDEN SAYS COUNTRY BETTER OFF WITH MCCAIN,,, THAN HUSSEIN,,,

Joe Biden On Barack Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVUPqoowf8

[trrrorislam1]

NAIVE HUSSEIN SEES AMERICA AS EVIL,,,

and you want to make him PRESIDENT OF THE USA???

Saddleback Church Civil Forum - Obama & McCain 8 of 17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqsH13unGbM&feature=related

Abortion, evil, Obama and McCain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0eVomjmCGI

[pollroller1]

I wish there was a way to take our country back, but I don''t think that it will happen. I am starting to believe we are going the way of the Roman empire.
What a shame. All because of greed.

[cbsfan73]

Cbutler69 said:
"VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. MAKE A STAND!!!!!!!!"

This is a useless strategy. It simply won''t work because out goes one weasel, in comes another.

The only way is to allow the citizens to vote on the issues. Only a fool allows another to vote his conscience.

[cbutler69]

Instead of complaining about the Democrats and the Republicans why dont you change your voting status from a D or an R to Independent.Write your congressmen and complain they put their pants on just like everyone else and if you dont like them or what they do VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. MAKE A STAND!!!!!!!!

[cbutler69]

John MCCain doesnt have the money, his wife does and that is why they keep their moneies separate. As to the number of homes he owns what has that got to do with anything. He has 4 homes and his wife has 3 rental properties-to me election times should be limited to 6-9 months and a set limited amount of money. With the money they have squandered on this campaign they could have paid off some of the national debt. Is this a sign of how they will do in office? We surely hope not.

[cbutler69]

Its a shame that our governemtns way of thinking is the more money they get from big corporations the better off they are instead of what is right for the PEOPLE OF THE USA. I think if our elected politicians are going to keep taking bribes from big corporations/lobbyists then the people who elected them have a right to know how much they get each year and from what corporate slingers they get it from. This money should be kicked back into the state from which they are elected- its only right.

[likeitis5050]

Hmmmmm...seems corporate money is more concerned about keeping their own pockets full than they are supporting the ''right'' candidate. And people who think that will change with the next president are out of their minds. Politicians and corporate leaders with deep pockets are all in the same bed passing around the same smoke enjoying all the tingly feelings of having just s.crewed all of the little people...again. Voting for this president means no change...regardless what the campaign platform is...believe that or have the petroleum jelly ready...nothing is going to change for the ones who really matter.

[demwatcher]

"Democrats accepting money from corporations. I thought they were the party of the people?

Posted by squidly8 at 12:20 PM : Aug 23, 2008"

They are the party of the people; the people with the deep pockets.

[missingamerica]

So all you misguided people that tout about how one political party is better than the other are playing right into their hand. It''''s like a mouse going to get cheese out of the trap.

Forget looking towards your political parties for answers and understand that YOU are the solution.

Posted by cbsfan73 at 11:14 AM : Aug 23, 2008

The problem is precisely the fact that corruption is so rampant.

Nonetheless, the Republicans - as they have avidly demonstrated - are the more corrupt party. To accomplished anything, the Republicans and their corrupting influence have to be removed.

Then we can weed out the corrupt among the Democrats.

[cbsfan73]

Rubbing salt in the wound:

Each political party will receive $17 million in taxpayer funds for conventions.

[squidly8]

Democrats accepting money from corporations. I thought they were the party of the people?

[pollroller1]

These candidates from both parties don''t care one thing about us peasants, these people have big egos and think that they are the only people that matter. They are like the TV preachers that brain wash the peasants into sending them their money. They just tell us what they think we want to hear so that they can get elected.

[cbsfan73]

So all you misguided people that tout about how one political party is better than the other are playing right into their hand. It''s like a mouse going to get cheese out of the trap.

Forget looking towards your political parties for answers and understand that YOU are the solution.

[cbsfan73]

pirmin3 wrote:
"You are partially correct in your assessment but I think apathy plays a larger roll. End result is the same however."

People become apathetic due to repeated mental and emotional beatings. They are programmed to believe that they are powerless and thus robbed of their courage. Only when they find courage, will the apathy disappear.

[pollroller1]

Here''s a good one for you. I got a letter in the mail asking me to give money to John McCain to help get him elected to the office of President of the USA. Here is a man worth so much money that he can''t even keep up with how many houses he owns and he wants me to give him MY hard earned money to get him elected so he can make even MORE money.

[cbsfan73]

Extracted from another post:

afmca asked:
"When are voters going to throw these immoral, corrupt politicians out and vote in a party that will extract real benefits for Americans for our tax-payer supplied subsidies."

Herein lies the problem folks. Don''''t hand your power over to a political party.

This is the same as poking your own eyes out and asking someone to lead you around.

Can''''t you see this America? No, you can''''t, for you have already blinded yourself, preferring to be lead instead of leading your self.

The solution will come when we stand up and demand the right to vote on issues facing the nation. No longer allowing politicians to vote our consciences.

Only then will the nation be of the people, for the people and by the people.

[hagan_arnold]

Of the People, by the people, for the People AFTER the corporations pick the place clean.

[hagan_arnold]

Of the People, by the people, for the People AFTER the corporations pick the place clean.

[ramos937]

Last night, I viewed a "news" segment on Fox that discussed the corporations sponsoring of the Democratic convention. Nowhere did it mention that the Republican convention will have the same. Is it any wonder then that folks regard Fox as hostile to the Democratic party.

At least CBS.news had the grace to include the Republicans in this article.