Thursday, October 29, 2009
Robert Wolf
Like other administrations before it, the Obama White House has been accused of providing special access to big-dollar donors. According to an investigation by The Washington Times, the White House is seeking from individuals either pledges to give $30,400 personally or to bundle $300,000 in contributions for Democrats running in next year’s midterm elections. In return, donors can expect such treats as visiting the Oval Office on their birthday, or using the White House bowling alley or its private screening room for movies. Robert Wolf, one of Obama’s top bundlers, and the CEO of UBS Americas and president of UBS Investment Bank, was invited to play golf with the president during an August trip to Martha’s Vineyard.
During President George W. Bush’s administration, nearly 250 “Pioneers” (contributors of $100,000 or more) were rewarded with overnight stays or parties at the White House, as well as state dinners with world leaders and overseas travel with U.S. delegations to the Olympics and other events.
President Bill Clinton used White House events, overnight stays in the Lincoln Bedroom and rides aboard Air Force One to encourage donors or reward their past support.
In response to the Washington Times article, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs insisted the administration is committed to a high ethical standard. “We’re the first administration in history that will soon provide a list of each and every person that visits the White House—something that’s never been done before,” Gibbs told reporters.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Democratic Donors Rewarded With W.H. Perks (by Matthew Mosk, Washington Times)
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