Bernie Sanders Applauds Obama for Supporting Citizens United Amendment

Last updated on February 8th, 2013 at 12:36 am

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Sen. Bernie Sanders is praising President Obama’s support for his constitutional amendment and movement to overturn Citizens United.

Yesterday, during a Reddit chat, Obama announced his support for Sen. Sanders’ efforts to overturn Citizens United, “Money has always been a factor in politics, but we are seeing something new in the no-holds barred flow of seven and eight figure checks, most undisclosed, into super-PACs; they fundamentally threaten to overwhelm the political process over the long run and drown out the voices of ordinary citizens. We need to start with passing the Disclose Act that is already written and been sponsored in Congress – to at least force disclosure of who is giving to who. We should also pass legislation prohibiting the bundling of campaign contributions from lobbyists. Over the longer term, I think we need to seriously consider mobilizing a constitutional amendment process to overturn Citizens United (assuming the Supreme Court doesn’t revisit it). Even if the amendment process falls short, it can shine a spotlight of the super-PAC phenomenon and help apply pressure for change.”

Sen. Sanders responded to Obama in a statement, “I applaud President Obama for expressing support for a serious effort to restore the democratic foundations of our country that are under severe attack as a result of the disastrous Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United.”

Let’s be honest, President Obama isn’t going to sway the electorate by supporting the movement to overturn Citizens United. The truth is that most Americans still don’t understand Citizens United and the impact that it is having on both our electoral system and our government. The Sanders led campaign to get rid of Citizens United is currently just as much about education as it is policy change.

The support of President Obama raises awareness for the movement. The president has the biggest megaphone in the world, and every one who cares about what is happening to our electoral system should be excited to have his support.

This isn’t about Democrat or Republican. It’s about fairness and democracy. It is about the voices of regular people being heard over the sound of millions of dollars of checks being written in campaign contributions, and what those dollars purchase from candidates and elected officials.

The movement to overturn Citizens United is about returning the government back to the people, and making sure that our elected officials serve their constituents, not their donors.

Corporations and wealthy billionaires are trying to buy your liberty, and the only thing standing in their way is you.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association