Should Barack Obama spread his wealth?

September was one of the worst months in the history of American finance.  And during last month, Barack Obama managed to raise a record $150 million. Idle question — wouldn’t it make sense for Obama to donate some of that money to some kind of charitable organization?  Maybe one that would help hard-working, pro-America families ...

By , a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast.

September was one of the worst months in the history of American finance.  And during last month, Barack Obama managed to raise a record $150 million. Idle question -- wouldn't it make sense for Obama to donate some of that money to some kind of charitable organization?  Maybe one that would help hard-working, pro-America families who have been hit by the current financial downturn?  I have no idea if it's legal, but I have to think this would be the right play.  He's already outspending McCain 4-to-1 in campaign ads, he's picking up crucial endorsements, and he's in a strong electoral college position.  Why not help out those less fortunate than him?  UPDATE:  I retitled this post after reading the comments.

September was one of the worst months in the history of American finance.  And during last month, Barack Obama managed to raise a record $150 million. Idle question — wouldn’t it make sense for Obama to donate some of that money to some kind of charitable organization?  Maybe one that would help hard-working, pro-America families who have been hit by the current financial downturn?  I have no idea if it’s legal, but I have to think this would be the right play.  He’s already outspending McCain 4-to-1 in campaign ads, he’s picking up crucial endorsements, and he’s in a strong electoral college position.  Why not help out those less fortunate than him?  UPDATE:  I retitled this post after reading the comments.

Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast. Twitter: @dandrezner

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