How Your Dislike Of Controversial Politicians Is Just Making Them Richer

In a more adult version of “I’m rubber, you’re glue,” politicians are raking in the campaign cash via “money blurts:”

An up-and-coming politician blurts out something incendiary, provocative or otherwise controversial. The remark bounces around the blogs and talk shows and becomes a sensation.

And in the midst of it all, the politician’s fundraisers are manning the phones and raking in the donations.

Consider Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), the tea party favorite and newly minted presidential candidate, who has made a specialty of raising money in the wake of bold and well-placed remarks. Shortly after accusing President Obama of having “anti-American views” during one cable-news appearance, for example, Bachmann took in nearly $1 million.

Interesting choice of words, because whenever I “consider” candidates like Michele Bachmann, that’s pretty much in line with the conclusion I ultimately draw:

“It’s a great way to attract a very high volume of small donors and drive excitement,” said Ron Bonjean, a GOP consultant and co-founder of Singer Bonjean Strategies. “If you’re in the money game and you say something controversial, you’ll have support from a very energetic core.”

So there you have it, would-be politicians of America. As long as you’re comfortable with yelling things that may or may not make any sense, the future is yours.

Michele Bachmann, others raise millions for political campaigns with ‘money blurts’ [WashingtonPost]