Is presidential campaign spending out of control?

You be the judge...between Obama and Clinton, they have spent over $350,000,000 on their campaigns. And these are the candidates that play the "we'll fight for the poor" card. $350 mill would go a long way to feed a lot of poor people. What's your take on this craziness?

Is presidential campaign spending out of control?
I always wonder about the motives of people who spend so much money to get a job that pays a fraction of the amount spent. It's all about ego and power. It doesn't matter who the candidate is, or what party they represent, it's all about ego. The people who would truly make a great president (I think about Colin Powell, in my opinion) won't run. And that's a shame.





I go a step further - all these candidates are saying how much they want to help the environment, but how many trees are they killing with their handouts? How much oil do they burn in their cars traveling all over? And how much is wasted as they fly between Indiana and North Carolina, for example?





It's all about ego.
Reply:You bring up an interesting point. Of course it's out of control. If a candidate can't win based on their beliefs, but because they can get their name out there the most then what does that say about our ability to choose a president? If the candidates reached a certain amount which could pay for their traveling expenses and some campaign posters and what not and then donated the rest to respectable charities it would be more impressive than a mouthful of empty promises.
Reply:I think it's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.





And I hear these Obama supporters talk about him raising so much money like it's amazing. I think it's terrible actually. Hard working Americans shelling out a hundred bucks for a politician.





I support Hillary, but I don't have money to burn. Sorry.
Reply:It's a catch 22.





If they didn't spend, no one would ever know who they are.





Someone has to pay for the ads and all of those campaign stops, travel, etc.





If we get a good prez, it's be worth it.





The consolation is that is is not funded by taxpayer money by and large.
Reply:Absolutely.........that money could have been used for much greater things. The DNC should have made a decision and gotten on with the process. This started way to early and lasting way too long. I definitely think we need some form of election reform. It is totally craziness!!!!!!
Reply:And you thought the "stimulus package" was those bonus checks? lol... If it wasn't for this heated campaign for the nomination and it's spending our economy would have already tanked.
Reply:I think it's way out of control.





It certainly looks like whoever can raise the most money wins the election, unless they're Obama of course.