In today’s New York Times Glen Justice and John Tierney take a detailed look at who is funding each of the contenders for the Democratic nomination. The two reporters reveal some interesting tidbits about the candidates, and provide context by comparing their contributions to President Bush’s (for example: “Fifty-five percent of Mr. Kerry’s money has come from donors giving $2,000. For Mr. Bush, the comparable figure is 73 percent, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.”) The article also captures the essential fact that because of the cost of television advertising, even the most populist of candidates must in the end rely on big money from big donors.
In spite of the slightly snarky tone, this is the sort of thorough and engaging work we at Campaign Desk love to see from the political press corps.
–B.K.
Bryan Keefer was CJR Daily’s deputy managing editor.