When Bush signed McCain-Feingold, he made a point to say that a limitation on individual donations would be wrong. (Hence, he's supporting the continuation of issue ads and advocacy groups.) However, now he's upset that there are "billionaires writing checks" against him.
Here are the quotes that the SCLM needs to hear put side-by-side in order to really see the flip-flop in its full glory:
George W. Bush, August 23, 2004:
"I don't think we ought to have 527s. I can't be more plain about it. And I wish -- I hope my opponent joins me in saying, condemning these activities of the 527s. It's the -- I think they're bad for the system. That's why I signed the bill, McCain-Feingold. I've been disappointed that for the first six months of this year, 527s were just pouring tons of money, billionaires writing checks. And I spoke out against them early. I tried to get others to speak out against them, as well. And I just don't -- I think they're bad for the system." [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040823-4.html]
George W. Bush's position, March 19, 2001:
"Bush last week sent his own proposals to Capitol Hill. While Bush would ban soft money contribution by corporations and unions, he opposes such a ban for individuals. And he has insisted that any reform bill mandate a choice for union members on whether their dues can be diverted to political candidates -- most often Democrats."
[http://www.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/03/19/mccain.feingold/]
George W. Bush's policy principles on Campaign Finance Reform
March 15, 2001
"Protect Rights of Individuals to Participate in Democracy: President Bush believes democracy is first and foremost about the rights of individuals to express their views. He supports strengthening the role of individuals in the political process by: 1) updating the limits established more than two decades ago on individual giving to candidates and national parties; and 2) protecting the rights of citizen groups to engage in issue advocacy." [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/03/20010315-7.html]
There's the exact contradiction. He's only against individuals giving money when it hurts him. And he certainly has NOT been speaking out against them early. Earlier, he was FOR citizens groups organization.
What a hypocrite.
