[EL] OFA: A Shot Heard 'round the World?

[Doug Hess]

I don't understand the objection to an organization (the new OFA) that
promotes mobilization around community and national issues receiving
donations. If the members don't like who funds the group, they won't fund
it (i.e., donate or join it) either.

I guess for appearances, Obama's involvement raises questions, but there
are ways to limit that involvement in reality and in appearance. It will be
interesting to see if he plans to help raise funds for it while in office.
If it endorses, then things are trickier, I guess. But a 501(c)4
organization (I think that is what it is) can only inform members of its
endorsement, right? And it would be odd for a sitting president to endorse
many people in a primary fight in a systematic way (FDR learned that) and
even odder that he would endorse members of the opposite party. So, what is
the concern? That people may organize and a president encourage it?

On another topic: It is interesting to note that an extra-party
organization is needed to do more creative political organizing in American
politics.

-Doug
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