Running like a Prince, Bush treats supporters like pawns

Another piece in the New York Times cites Democratic fundraiser Joe McClean on the George Bush money machine.

"If money is king in politics, then Bush is the crown prince.They believe in taking it home with them."

While Bush may feel comfortable making lavish expenditures from the public purse, running up record deficits in record time, he's a lot more careful with his campaign finances. The Times notes that guests at a recent $2000 a person reception in Phoenix
shouldn't have come tired or hungry.

"While President Bush pulled in nearly $2 million for his campaign, more than 800 supporters were left to roam the cavernous ballroom searching for food and amenities. What they found were sparsely decorated tables, a few lonely trays of salmon skewers and, for many, nowhere to sit."

OTOH, it may have been part of the Bush small business program. Setting 800 rich, hungry Republicans loose on the streets must have been a boon for the local restaurant scene.