I recognize this is not a "scandal" in the usual meaning of the word, but it really ought be given its implications and what it says about the high dollar fundraisers Obama is so fond of.
A Los Angeles car salesman and electric car advocate is shelling $32,400 out of his retirement savings so he can make a pitch directly to President Obama at a "private, off-the-record" Democratic fundraiser next week...
The fundraiser who sent the email could not be immediately be reached for comment. A copy was provided to USA TODAY, and it includes a menu of choices with prices when it comes to seeing the Obama in person at the June 7 fundraiser in Santa Monica, Calif.
For $10,000, you can be luncheon guest. For $16,200, you can be a VIP luncheon guest and have your picture taken with Obama. For $32,400 , the package "includes an official photograph with President Obama, as well as a very special one-hour roundtable discussion with the President after the luncheon. President Obama will take your questions in a private, off-the-record conversation where you can discuss with him what you'd like. Please note this is limited to 25 people to keep it an intimate discussion, and so will sell out very fast."This guy's particular issue, or so he claims, is to encourage Obama to promote electric cars more vigorously. Ok, he's a nobody who can be easily ignored after he pays his dime and makes his pitch. But what other "private, off-the-record conversation(s)" has the most transparent President in our nation's history had with other well healed contributors who have given him oodles of dough? Somehow I don't think all those contributors did so just to promote electric cars or some such (unless they are actually in the electric car business, of course).
Folks, this really, really stinks.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/06/01/barack-obama-lobby-electric-cars/2378091/