[despite2]

Saying Obama "needs" to raise $1B was probably wrong, but the predictions I've heard are that he will raise $1B.

[Vivtek]

And honestly, I don't think the media industry accounted for more than a few hundred thou. He can afford to stiff them - and thus he did so. By doing that, he simulated having a spine on an issue that has clear bipartisan public support and is guaranteed not to piss off the _real_ power - banks.

Obvious calculus. Obama's a shitty President, but man is he a fantastic campaigner.