Clinton's $11 Million Advantage - is it true that he/she with the most $$$ wins the Presidency?

[RiverStone]

I'm seeking a little perspective here and without a doubt, I can count on wise DUers to provide it. At first glance, reading about Hillary's large campaign cash advantage is a bummer (link's below); it seems the spoils of a hard fought contest should not always go to the person with the deepest pockets (or best connected to corporations). Alas, the operative word here is "should" because in reality, money - lots and lots of money - seems to be the driving force behind a candidates staying power and winning power. I'd imagine that rule applies both through the primaries and the general election.

But wait! Are there inspiring precedents out there where he/she with the most money did not win? In particular, in a Presidential Campaign? I'm seeking any hope that the almighty dollar is not always the almighty predictor of who will win. I seek that because so many have assumed for so long that Hillary's cash advantage is indeed that - a HUGE advantage. Though maybe not?

It would be really sad if say (for example), Barack Obama had to drop out regardless of the merits of his message, because he could not compete with the vast money machine that already drives HRC's candidacy. For the record, I'm still holding out hope that either Al Gore or Wes Clark jump into the frey; and I think Al could raise more millions in a weekend then many of his rivals could do in months. Though minus my wish list, it really bothers me that Obama or Kucinich are already at such the cash disadvantage.

Unless of course, I'm mistaken in my assumption that he/she with the most money wins. :shrug:


Please tell me I'm wrong!


* * * * * * * * * * *

Clinton aims to amass $75 million this year

NEW YORK (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has embarked on one of the more ambitious fundraising efforts, with a goal of raising $15 million by the end of March and amassing more than $75 million before 2008.

<snip>

"I don't think anyone can stop her. She's unstoppable -- she's got such a machine," said John Catsimatidis, a New York businessman and longtime member of Clinton's finance team.

<snip>

A core group of about 20 people -- many of whom have been raising money for the Clintons since President Bill Clinton first ran in 1992 -- have been asked to try and raise $1 million apiece for Hillary Clinton's 2008 effort. A larger group will be asked to meet lesser but still-ambitious goals of $750,000 and $500,000 on down.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/07/clinton.fundraising.ap/

More on HRC's cash advantage here:

Clinton's $11 Million Advantage

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-elect/2007/feb/01/020104581.html





on edit: kant spel