Since G.W. Bush first assumed power, I've been hoping that he would only serve one term, as his father did. Remember that his father had received some of the highest approval ratings during the first Gulf War and the invasion of Panama, but was voted out because he appeared to let the economy sour.

I really didn't want him to follow that closely in his father's footsteps, including the economy souring again, the high approval ratings and the two wars. However, in spite of the way people rolled over for Bush like whipped puppies after 9/11, it's nice to see that he's struggling a little bit now, and may have to work for it to win a second term. After all that praise that people have poured on him for doing nothing more than being Resident in the right place at the right time, why do they need to spend July 4th, sixteen months before the election, raising money and stumping for re-election?

You'd think someone who deserved that much praise and approval would be able to win with one arm tied behind his back, or at least without attempting to raise more money than any candidate in history. Can there be any clearer proof that money is the most important part of getting elected president? Does it bother you yet that money matters above all else in elections?