Payola
Mokhiber: Ari, in the 2002 election campaign, the Republican Party took in $7.2 million from convicted criminals. Is the President okay with his party taking millions of dollars from convicted criminals? Ari
Ari Fleischer: I have no idea what you are referring to –
Mokhiber: I’m referring to, let me tell you –
Ari Fleischer: Obviously, if money is received – both parties from people who are later found out to be people who shouldn’t be giving money – then it gets returned.
Mokhiber: These are actually major corporations convicted of crimes. ADM gave $1.7 million, Pfizer $1.1 million, Chevron $875,000. Is the President okay with those companies giving direct contributions to the Republican Party after being convicted of crimes?
You too can try to ask questions of the Thief-in-Chief, but your printout will probably head straight for the shredder.