Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

McCain, Obama Clash Over Campaign Funds

McCain puts Obama's public funding pledge in the spotlight

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 16, 2008 6:29 AM CST

(Newser) – John McCain is baiting Barack Obama over campaign finance, the New York Times reports. Obama pledged last February that he would accept public financing—which comes with spending limits—if he became the Democratic nominee and his Republican opponent did likewise. He hasn't recommitted and GOP front-runner McCain is wondering out loud if Obama, the race's most prodigious fund-raiser, will try to back out.

"I expect Senator Obama to keep his word to the American people,“ said McCain. "Our whole agreement was we would take public financing if he made that commitment as well. And he signed a piece of paper, I’m told, that made that commitment.” A noncommittal Obama said that if he clinches the nomination, “my folks will sit down and see if we can arrive at a common set of ground rules.”

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama jogs up to the stage as supporters wave signs at the start of a campaign fundraiser. Barack Obama has proved to be a formidable fundraiser so far in the race for the White House, and possible opponent John McCain is wondering if he will keep...
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama jogs up to the stage as supporters wave signs at the start of a campaign fundraiser. Barack Obama has proved to be a formidable fundraiser so far in the race...   (Associated Press)
Presidential hopefuls Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., during a break between the televised Republican presidential debate and the Democratic presidential debate at Saint Anselm College Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Presidential hopefuls Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., during a break between the televised Republican presidential debate and the Democratic presidential debate at Saint Anselm...   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during a rally Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during a rally Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)   (Associated Press)
Presidential hopeful Arizona Senator John McCain greets supporters. A cash-strapped McCain agreed to public campaign financing last fall and he's now wondering if Democratic hopeful Barack Obama will stick to his agreement to do the same if he clinches his party's nomination.
Presidential hopeful Arizona Senator John McCain greets supporters. A cash-strapped McCain agreed to public campaign financing last fall and he's now wondering if Democratic hopeful Barack Obama will...   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

McCain Blasts Obama for Declining Funds

Edwards Will Accept Public Financing

Obama's Haul Spurs Concern About Faceless Donors

Goldman Sachs Is DC's Top Sugar Daddy

McCain Raised $47M in Aug.


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne