OBAMARAMA

We reported here two weeks ago about Sen. Obama’s request to the Federal Elections Commission that he be able to raise money for both the primary and general elections, and then have the option of returning the general election money after the primary in order to be eligible for public financing.

Today the FEC signaled its intent to allow Sen. Obama to move forward with this plan, publishing a Draft Advisory opinion proposing that he “may solicit and receive contributions for the 2008 general election without waiving his eligibility to receive public funds for the general election.” The FEC will meet on March 1 to make an official decision.

There are a few reasons why this is such good news. For starters, it positions Sen. Obama as a serious contender (as if there was any doubt) who is already planning for his general election campaign. Second, it shows that while he wants to remain competitive, Sen. Obama is not willing to give up on public financing altogether, as just about every other major presidential candidate appears to be.

And finally, it gives him the upper hand should the Republicans nominate Sen. John McCain. Sen. Obama has said that once nominated, he would challenge his Republican opponent to accept public financing as well — something Sen. McCain would undoubtedly be loath to do, despite having been the country’s foremost proponent of campaign finance reform. The pressure would be on him to either walk the walk, or kick off his campaign looking like a hypocrite.

Sounds like a pretty good game plan to me.

“Um, dude, you’re kind of making me look bad.”