Vilsack Calls it a Day

CNN - Ex-Iowa governor drops 2008 presidential bid

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said Friday he is pulling out of the 2008 Democratic race for president, citing financial difficulties in a campaign that lasted 15 weeks.

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"The reality, however, is that this process has become to a great extent about money, a lot of money," he said. "And it is clear to me that we would not be able to continue to raise money in the amounts necessary to sustain, not just a campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire, but a campaign across this country.

"It is money -- and only money -- the reason we are leaving today."

It is a shame, at least to some degree, that we don't really get a choice of the best possible candidates, we get a choice of the best possible fundraisers. (Not that I am in anyway implying that Vilsack is the best possible candidate.) However, to some degree, the viability of a candidate is predicated on convincing the people who have money that he or she is the right person for the job.

In addition, as I noted on Wednesday on the related issue of media coverage, there are ways for the little guy to get attention, it has happened in the past. But to some degree, if you want the job, you have to be willing and able to work the system that we are currently stuck with.