The New Lobbyist?

The People is going to be the next Voice that will replace the lobbyist. Yes, change is coming, and where Lobbyist, although protected by the Constitutions, the need for them will be resented. The time for the Golden Age

Finally some useful questions on CNN, unlike Jack questions that pit racism against sexism.

My question to you is do you feel that President-elect Obama really can change the way Washington has worked for so long?
I have no idea... I only have hope he will.

Do you think implementing stricter rules and more regulations on lobbyists will make any real difference?
Yes thats what laws and regulations do... just ask wall street.
The old regulations and economic laws were preventing this kind of disaster.

Do you think the voice of the people will be heard?
The correct question is....will the people MAKE their voice heard?

I would note that "lobbyists" not only affect the elected officals, but the bureaucracy as well. Agencies such as the EPA, FDA, FCC and the defense department are entrenched bureaucracys where career and personal agendas are foremost. The only way the voice of the people will be heard is if the bureaucracy is forced to pay attention...

On numerous occasions I have written and called my Congressmen, Senators, State Representatives and Governors. When calling, I never get to speak to the person I called, but can only leave a message with an aid. I have never had a return call. Letters are usually responded to with a form letter that does not address the original concern. I doubt that after Mr. Obama take office, I will be able to call the White House and speak with him directly. However, if I represented an major industry, I might get through. In short, I'm not very confident that significant changes will occur. The voice of someone representing a large group carries more weight than that of an individual when it comes to being recognized and gaining access. I don't think that is going to change.

Abbie,

There is nothing wrong with lobbying as long as corporate lobbies have no undue advantage over other citizen groups/lobby's and there is transparancy. Also, we money from corporate lobby's should be banned altogether. It is just unseemly and wrong.

Of course applying strictly regulations will make a difference. I actually don't think McCain and Obama have a problem with all lobbyists. They were out campaining and they knew they had to keep it simple. The lobbyist issue is really a complicated one, and limiting the power of the most powerful lobbyists will help the smaller lobbysists be heard.

Yes, I think he will change the way lobbyiest work. The fact that big lobby firms don't have the Obama Team in their back pocket. The PEOPLE put Obama in power. The PEOPLE donated $600M in $25 increments. Barack Obama owes "Jenny the taxpayer" not Larry the Lobby

Yes, Obama will defenately. He will be wonderful prisident !

Morning saws the day...

I think it's going to be a new game for them. We do need to level the playing field for the lobbyist's and I think Obama is the man to do it.

Do not allow lobbyist to work for the Obama admin, transition or white house. it will come back to haunt him. the GOP is ready to pounce on any missteps, and when you run against Washington lobbiest and then invite them to help you get going in DC, that is a defective messege. there is plenty of talent in this country that do not involve the apperance of lobbiest influence. It is a sad day to think that the only ones that can run this government are the regurgittated Washington politicians.

Obama's rules of conduct for lobbyists working on the transition team is the start. He will change how the process works. Lobbyists will still have their place, but they will not have the massive influence on legislation and programs they've had in the past.

The loudest voice to Obama is the grass roots organization he started of some 6 million people which is growing each and every day and already having impact. Just ask John McCain.

Change is coming.

President-elect Barack Obama has managed to get the people involved and interested in their government. If he can keep them involved, that will have a direct effect on the ability of the lobbyist's ability to influence politicians. If the people of this country start letting their elected officials know how they feel about issues that will significantly undermine the ability of lobbyists to effect their positions.

We must all come to grips that are beloved country is mortal! We are hemmoraging jobs to our neigbors and denying our own countrymen the right to the success they are entitled to. Does know one realize the gravity of this exodus of our own lifes blood. I can only wonder as our professionals scurry around in their homes wondering if they will have a job tomorrow. While others need but to knock on our door to reap the rewards others have paid with their loyalty to this land. America, we must open our eyes to whom and where are government sends our jobs and money. We must hold our government to what it has promised us; a government for the people, and by the people. Rome began as a republic and quickly dwindled into the makings of a monarchy. We must struggle to not make the same mistakes as she did; and curb this appatite for corruption l

I agree with Kevin. America stand up and take back OUR government...Make your voices heard!!!!!

Although I understand that American citizens have the right to lobby their government, I draw the line at foreign governments using lobbyists. That's what diplomats are for. These governments should not be protected by the rights reserved for citizens.

Yes he can!

-My question to you is do you feel that President-elect Obama really can change the way Washington has worked for so long?

No, but the people in Congress can. Obama can push for it, but he won't be the one making the actual change. It's up to the people in Congress (in both houses) to say "no" to lobbyists.

-Do you think implementing stricter rules and more regulations on lobbyists will make any real difference?

If you are willing to take away the basic right of petition, then yes. If you are not, then no.

-Do you think the voice of the people will be heard?

Yes. I believe the voice of the people will be heard. I believe it HAS been heard. The question is whether or not the people in our Congress will acquiesce.

When lobbying becomes an industry, and people are trained for it at our universities, as is currently the case, the power of special interests are so loud that the common good can become lost. When oil companies, pharmaceutical companies, telecommunications companies and so on pour millions of dollars into influencing legislation to enhance corporate profits, reduce taxes on earnings etc. the voice of the common people are priced out of the market place. The aphorism that has become commonplace, "the best government money can buy" becomes a cynical fact. When citizens do not equal access to their government, when their voices are drowned out by the rich and powerful, democracy ceases to exist.

Can President Obama change this? While millions of ordinary Americans hope he can, my fear is that if he tries to do it the rich and powerful will do what they always do: get rid of the obstacle that stands in the way of their access to more wealth and power. Cynical? I think not. It happens all the time in organized crime, which is similar to the entities of which we speak.

Does that mean that corruption and greed and destined to triumph of decency and democracy? Although I wish with all my heart that it does not, history does not give much hope otherwise. Professor Felman's comment that "lobbyists are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution – the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" is a peculiar interpretation of the Constitution if it means that the monied and powerful should have access because of their money and power while the poor, the homeless, the uninsured, the underpaid, the elderly, the young, the millions of ordinary citizens who cannot afford lobbyists are left in their need and misery. The very ones who should be protected by the Constitutional mandate to which the Professor refers, who cannot afford to attend her lectures, are out in the cold.

Unless we are all willing to support our leaders and push for changes, it will never happen. No single individual, even the President of the United States, can do it alone.

I too extend thanks for the fact that there is substance in the article and questions asked ...

I think when it comes to lobbyists, the president will set the "tone" of the business, but lobbying is largely beneath the president. Having lived and worked in Washington, I can tell you the system of "favours and access" is a fairly complicated one. Lobbyists work on both sides in games of quid pro quo to work out compromises and provide opportunities and back-channels of communication. This last bit sounds nefarious and to a certain extent is, however, negotiating through lobbyists provides politicians a way to break with party or take a risky stance on an issue where they otherwise may not, or may not be able to publicly. The back and forth between lobbyists also help propel the issues.

That all said – I think the system needs to be changed. A "no-lobbyist" policy is easier to enforce in the context of fundraising but would be difficult, I think to enforce in the context of day to day business.

I think, if the "tone" is set properly, we will see better access by groups and individuals that would normally not have it, but I wouldn't hold my breath – While I have no doubt that our elected President's values and intentions are good and resolute, The people he is surrounding himself with, use these people to get their job done and because they do that well, that is partly why they are successful.

I would hope that we could open up access and make the system "truly" democratic, but don't discount the positive work and role some of these lobbyists play nor lets not discount some of the GOOD causes lobbyists represent.

Kevin got it right on his last point – "The correct question is . . . WILL the people MAKE their voice heard"

Yes, Yes and Yes!

....of the People, by the People, and for the People. I think the elected may have finally gotten the message. More and more there is less and less tolerance for the actions of the past. Remind them of their responsibilities until they get it right...

I hope to God the voice of the people will be heard. The real question is will the people let themselves be heard. We have spent so many years feeling like we just did not make a difference or have a say. I am hoping that the youth of this country will push the issue and make themselves be heard. This country's success is dependent on our youth. We can offer experience to guide them...but the youth has to be the ones to step up and take a stance. The Democrats have a chance this election to really take a step up in our policital future. This country is not about the bigots and small minded sects that we get so much input from. It is about the total diversity we showed in that park in Chicago on election night. The youth has to take up that banner and run with it. For all the youth that found a forum this election, please stay and run with it. The democratic party needs you. You are smart and have wonderful ideas on how to move this country forward in the world. Do not let anyone tell you different. You are our future and you need to make yourselves known. Thank you for voting and please step up. I am a democratic Mom who raised two awesome Democratic Sons. Please continue to move forward. Our whole election process has changed with this election. We are behind you ,and we will support you into the future.

Excuse me, but your law Professor is wrong. The right to petition the government for redress is not a protection for lobbyists. Lobbyists are professional petitioners who are doing so for money. There is nothing in the constitution that says you have to listen to shills – just to the people. Every citizen has a right to petition the government. No one said they had a right to hire people to do it for them. American history tells us that that founding fathers believed in a government of the people, for the people. The word lobbyist doesn't figure.

Perhaps if your great Nation's journalist's and professors could get it straight the rest of you might have a chance.

Best of luck, and congratulations on the election,

Tara M.,
Montreal, Canada.

Jack,

There were 17,000 lobbyists on K Street when Clinton left office in 2000. At last count there are over 40,000. It’s a very target rich environment. Obama needs make it a lot less lucrative to be a lobbyist.
Hopefully Obama will make all lobbyist activity transparent and expose the politicians that are bought and paid for buy them. They are the reason we have "The Best Government Money Can Buy"

I am not Mr. Obama's biggest fan (am a Hillary supporter)

But what Mr. Oabam has done in his campaign financing goes to show how much people power has influence over lobbyists...

in short – I think he can...question is, does he want to?

(Ravi)

Being a lobbyist is not a crime, but the fact that they override public opinion does matter. For every lobbyist entering the sacred chambers of an elected official, there should be a witness recording all details of the conversation. Lobbyists should also wear uniforms stating they represent non profit organizations (say blue), Enviromnetalists (green), US Based Big Business (yellow) and foreign interest (red) so when they enter our Senatorial and Congressional Offices they are easily identified. The US newspapers can post reporters throughout the facility so we know who's being lobbied and when. The Witnesses will fill in the gaps. The whole mess can be recorded and played on TV as a Reality TV show so the advertising pays for the Witnesses.

The Supreme Court has ruled more than once that right to freedom of speech protects certain activities including lobbying. Eliminating lobbyists doesn't sound like an option. Besides for every NRA, big oil, banking lobbying firm you disagree with there may be a Sierra Club, solar power, Planned Parenthood lobbying firm you cheer for. Also your congressman or senator probably doesn't have detailed information on every issue that needs to be addressed. A good lobbyist can provide the background for them to make decisions with at least some context. Lobbying like earmarks creates winners and losers (the bridge to nowhere would have clearly made Alaska a winner and the remaining 49 states losers).

I argue that what we need is transparency in government; the right to know immediately who is meeting and influencing whom. Arguments over the last few years that the voters do not have the right to know who meets with the Vice President, President or any member of the White House staff, congress, Pentagon or senior government official should be seen as a red flag that something you won't like is going on. Our current Freedom of Information acts are too weak, poorly enforced and don't carry enough teeth so that the party trying to hide what is happening isn't sufficiently at risk (ie hide the facts – lose your job).

So, if we can't or I would argue shouldn't, eliminate lobbyists (they would just come back in a different form anyway) let's push President elect Obama to make governing something that all the people can feel proud of again. Let us see who is meeting with whom, who inserted clauses into bills before they are passed, who wrote the laws and passed them on to our senators and congressmen. Then we can decide for ourselves whether we like what we see and vote accordingly.

Tara! When our Great Nation is in need of finding new ways to tax its people, we will definitely look tap the deep well of creativity in use by yours. It is asinine to here our country smeared in politics day after day in your country as if you had not your own scum to concern yourselves with. With one hand your country takes the 320,000 U.S. Jobs Bush provided you this year and with the other you criticize the diplomacy provided you by the American taxpayer. Not only does America provide you with jobs but employs our federal officers to facilitate your entry into our country as well. America I have not even scratched the surface of the injustice of foreign lobbyists and these criminal trade agreements like NAFTA. Don't take my word for it, pick up the phone to your nearest Customs and Border Protection Hotline and hear for your self!

Yes, I think Obama will be able to do something as long as he sticks to his guns. No more overlooking these liquid lunches and deals under the table. People are fed up. If everyone sticks together, a lot of good things can get done. We need to back our future president because he is serious and a good and decent man. Kate

Ladies and Gentlemen! A Canadian pays only fifty dollars to enter our professional work force. In the categories of medicine, engineering, and anything else can be classified under consulting. We have even gone so far as to extend the amount of years they are able to work and yet still they have the audacity to criticize while they wait at your breadline! Shame on us America!

I believe President-Elect Obama can conquer and anything he set out to do. I am a middle class single mom. When I want something bad enough ..I do not take no for an answer...IT IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATING...TALK TALK AND TALK...PEOPLE WILL LISTEN. JUST BE REAL PRES. ELECT OBAMA AND THE PEOPLE SHALL FOLLOW. YOU HAD GIVEN MY HOPE AND FOR THAT I THANK YOU...IF YOU EVER NEED AND AVERAGE EVERYDAY WORKING WOMAN ADVICE ON WHAT LIFE IS LIKE OUTSIDE OF THE WHITE HOUSE ...FEEL FREE TO CALL OR VISIT...I WILL ALWAYS BE WILLING TO TALK......

No, he will just use them to work for him like he does with state lobbyists.

Obama as a Community Organizer was a Lobbyist to the Illinois State Legislature, so they are safe with his administration. They helped buy the elections in the Legislature and White House so they are safer than regular Americans.

Firstly, in response to Ron at 6.50pm 12 Nov. It is true what you have said but perhaps it is over simplifying it a bit. A person who represents a majority of course should carry more weight, and that's one of basic premise of the US electoral system and many others around the world. This does not mean that the minority is to be ignored, as a true democracy is one where everyone gets listened to. However, what I assume has been the problem in the US is that these so called "lobbyists" (we are all lobbyist mind you in one way or another but for the purpose here I am referring to those the stereotypical rich/dirtry ones we are thinking about) actually only represent a very selected privileged few who has the $ to influence more than they are entitled to. That is the problem. If Obama does not pick up your call or my call, that is not a problem. He has a country to run. If he calls back the boss of a big trade union, yes, that is okay because he represents more people. In this light, the problem is only when he starts to listen to and feel obliged to honour the requests of those who are rich but only represent a very selective minority.

Having clear that up, now my next point is to get back to the question being asked. If in 4 years or 8 years time, we think "lobbyists" as you, me and the person next door, then Obama would have done a fantastic job. I hope he clears out the mess at Washington for the sake of America.

I believe Obama will put an end to all "back-door" lobbyist who pay off the White House. It is time for CHANGE, and an end to all the corruption, greed, and lies! Obama has what it takes and he will succeed!
Yes we can, Yes we did, and Yes we will!!!

It has already been discovered that lobbyest has given prepard bills to our law makers and members of Congress. This is were the true reprensation of the American people stops. This is the influnence of lobbyest and not only should it be stoped but the elected officials should be held accountabile.
The voice of the American people should come first and is our elected members of Congress can't draft Bills into law then they should resigne from office.

As a pro AMerican citizen of this world who finds herself constantly defending what so many see as American arrogance and insanity, I am disturbed by the defensive retorts directed to a Canadian contributor. Perhaps before others make the same mistake I would suggest you check out how many Americans have chosen to live in Canada and as for the free trade agreement, I can assure you there are just as many examples of Canadian industries being disadvantaged, such as the softwood lumber industry. We are larger than the USA and your strongest allies therefore I would suggest that more of you take the time to familiarize yourselves with Canada and Canadians and a visit would even better serve to show you how far advanced we are in so many areas of civilized lifestyle. I join with many others in congratulating you on a wonderful election and wish you good luck in the future but caution you to keep your minds open to the input of others beyond your borders and remember how much you expect the rest of the world to listen to you.

It's time to take this country back from big business, and it IS possible. For starters, we could pass legislation to undo, or otherwise overturn, Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad, 118 U.S. 394 (1886). If we strip corporations of their so-called "personhood," they won't have a right to free speech.

Yes,I hope but only "OBAMA" can not influence the "lobbysts" because if he gets in the "WHITE HOUSE",there are some kind of realities which make his "Change,we need" quiet difficult.
SO ALL I NEED TO OBAMA,HE SHOULD LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE,NOT THE LOBBYSTS.
ALL I NEED TO THE PEOPLE,DON'T HANG ON UNTIL ANOTHER CRISIS WILL COME,CERTAINLY,THE PEOPLE CAN "CHANGE" THE "LOBBYSTS" BY THE HELP OF "OBAMA" AND HIS "TEAM."
PEOPLE CAN HELP OBAMA LIKE THEY DID IN THE CAMPAIN TRAIL TO ACHIEVE THEIR DREAM.
OH AMERICAN PEOPLE! STAND UP, DON'T WAIT THE LOBBYSTS AND MAKE YOUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD! IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID ANY FUTURE CRISIS.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
GOD BLESS PEOPLE OF UNITED STATE!
GOD SAVE OBAMA,HIS FAMILY AND HIS TEAM?

Obama could make a difference and I hope he will. But I won't hold my breath.

Rich powerful lobbyist groups are the reason we throw our blind support to terrorist nations like Israel. And they're the reason religion still plays such a prominent role in politics and that no candidate for government will ever dare admit to not believing in silly bronze-age myths about magic gods in the sky.

It's dispicable that the government can be bought by wealthy groups. I want my government to work as hard for me as it does for the NRA and the AIPC.

I think that it would be wise of Obama not to listen to lobbyists for projects that have limited general benefits.

But bureaucracy is and has allways been in this world, and all those people think only of themselves.

I think that people like lobbyists, analysts, etc are the curse to human life in the 21st century. It's all about greed and in their own interest.

I find your definition of the First Amendment rather weird and twisted when it comes to lobbyists. I hardly think our forefathers had greedy lobbyists in mind.

Just think how much money is WASTED by corporations paying high dollars to lobbyists and congress! Prices could be cheaper, wages could be higher, benefits could be better.

I think Obama will set the tone for lobbyists who have done nothing but waste our money. Lobbyists have just gotten out of hand and outlived their usefulness. Maybe they can all get jobs on Wall Street and suck our blood dry there.

I think Steve has the right approach here. Let's strengthen transparency laws, like the Freedom of Information Act, to reveal the exact nature of the behavior we don't like.

If you are elected, and meet with someone on the people's time, the people have a right to know who that is and why you are meeting. If you take money from some group, the people have a right to know that it is reported accurately and immediately.

Even better, let us start a culture of public hearings for lobbyists. Let lobbying be done in public hearing chambers, outer offices, and so forth. Let's make it easier and more acceptable to have public lobbying, and more difficult and less acceptable to have private lobbying. Let's encourage representatives to listen to lobbying in public.

Some private lobbying will still go on, but with everyone keeping score on who gets private meetings, this access will become a campaign issue. With accurate reporting, private meetings will become a negative.

Of course lobbyists and representatives would try to get around it by meeting over dinner, or drinks, or after hours, or via technology. Remember Dick Cheney's end run around email rules, and all those emails that went missing from the RNC servers.

I think setting a public expectation, a social norm, would help in this matter. This can be done with the bully pulpit. Lobbying "should" be done in public, and private lobbying by professional groups "should" be looked on with some suspicion.

After all, if the lobbyist's argument is any good, it should stand on its own the light of day.

People who know the right people have been in the lobbying business for thousands of years. Maybe one can stop bribing but not contacting and giving an opinion. Then what is done in the open can turn underground.

Obama will deliver nothing, change nothing.

It's hard to say with any certainty how much Obama's ethics attempt on lobbyists will help (and those ethics rules are only for the transition – they may ramp up after that for the administration). But when I see what they're asking on the applications for employment by his administration, combined with these ethics, I do see a sincere effort to clean it up. I also think we have to give this effort some time to see how well it works and what adjustments he may make to these new rules once they've tried them. I'm very encouraged by the start.

The problem isn't the lobbyists so much as it is our political leaders who are so easily manipulated and bought off. Lobbying is never going to go away and it is a First Amendment right to do so. Every group should have the right to lobby Congress for its cause, but it is the acceptance of large sums of money and favors to our Congressmen and woman when it becomes a problem and corruption ensues. The first thing we need to do is make it a major crime to accept money from lobbyists with penalties being as severe as those of a traitor because that is exactly what it is. Our politicians have become traitors to this country, its people and the cause of being a representative to the people whom they are supposed to be fighting for. The second thing we need to enact are term limits on Congress so that lobbyists have more difficulty infiltrating them and are less likely to get a real push on an agenda that isn't in the interest of everyone. I see no other way to correct this problem but to make our politicians more accountable and fearful of the consequences.

Our political system could be tweaked slightly by reorganizing how decisions are made on all levels.

"an objective decision maker with good intentions" should be what our sytem strives for.

Obviously we are very far away from this... but I think we are moving towards it on a greater scale.

I cant right now see a downside to putting heavy restrictions on lobbying... in combination with a "one bill = only one topic" system so crazy side dealings could be minimized

However these changes will undoubtedly only arise from a change in the MORALITY of our politicians.

This is the biggest irony of all.. of course ...because those who claim to have the most morality are often revealed to have the least.

And as in any human progression... If highly visible public leaders are seen to have a bit more objectivity and "good" intention and are then revered for that ... those who follow will cherish that point of view a bit more.

We see it in politicians in scandavian countries... where its actually quite common for politicians to pride themselves on being objective and not greedy.

A good lobbyist can provide the background for them to make decisions with at least some context.
----------–

Isn't that what their staff is for?

Anyway,as someone like me who happens to live far away from the US and have so much interests in the US and its politics,(foreign policy)I think president-elect Obama will not push the so-called lobby groups aside as long as these groups play an essential role in and outsode of the US.And they are entrenched in the amendment of the US constitution.Mr Obama having made it clear to everyone that the lobbysts wouldnot run or have a say during his campaign and even in the white house, when he became a president,we should just wait and see what will be the outcome of his promise and determinations towards the lobby groups.The voices of the American people will be heard so long that some of their demands are met.

l think that President Elect Obama will be and is the person that will
change America as we know it know.
He will heal our country from the Bush VIrus which spread to all parts
of the world. How can a disease disguised as a man do so much
damnage and`then walk away like he is doing without a hint of guilt.
Shame take the blame Mr. Bush
lin my humble oponion the President Elect will do all he can to change Washington but not lobbyistts their too embeded

Mr. Obama is no different from any other Pres. Who do you really think helped his campaign. Please it certanly was'nt those 25 dollar donations . Some Americans are really gullible.. Lobbyism will NEVER go away. As long as these greedy politicians are making a buck and the people of theU.S. really say NO this will continue. It does need to be transparent but that will NEVER happen.. This government is corrupt just like the rest. Washington needs a fresh start. All these fat cats that you see repeatedly need to be thrown out, voted out whatever.. System is broken down and corrupt.. No fixen it except cleaning it up. That will not happen. Americans are lazy, weak and dumb. Sleeping and afraid. Is this really a democrac.y. I dont think so. Time to move.

And by the way weren't they going to make this transparent? i heard that, that was in the works but, it was canned.. Could you imagine if we found out how much money these fat cat politicians were really making.. for get about it.. REMEMBER, NO ONE CAMPAIGNS AND SPENDS MILLIONS TO MAKE THOUSANDS!

To me the lobbyists are all bad. It is just the "good old boys" network or "you scratch my back, I'll get something for you" and money probably changes hands. Send all the lobbyists home, let the congress be in contact with the j"littleman" in their state and see what they want for the good of the state. I don't think congress men and women started out to get rich? I think they started out to represent the people back home and big business got in the way. And big business does not vote for you, unless they live in your district, we little people vote for you and I am positively sick about the way our government is going. Our new president is spending, spending, spending, and we little people back in the Heartland do not want that. If we go bust, we have no one to get us up and running, we do it ourselves, with lots of hard work, and no private jets, or spa visits.

m. Wandry, enid, ok American heartland