Obama wants to end contstant campaign politics – asks for cash

In President Obama’s State of the Union address last night, he suggested ending the perpetual campaign mode of Washington. Of course, he’s one of the biggest participants, and sent out an e-mail last night asking you to contribute $15 a month, since he can’t do it alone.

Here’s an excerpt from the full text. Hat tip to Steve at Sweetness & Light (I got the e-mail too.)

But what frustrates the American people is a Washington where every day is Election Day. We can’t wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal is to see who can get the most embarrassing headlines about the other side -– a belief that if you lose, I win.

And here is the e-mail he sent out minutes after completing the speech. Hint to the president. When your political wing sends out e-mails every other day (literally) asking for cash contributions, you are in perpetual campaign mode.

I just finished delivering my first State of the Union address.

I set out an urgent plan for restoring economic security for struggling middle class families. This is my top priority, but I cannot do it alone — and that’s why I’m writing to you now.

Tonight, I called on Congress to enact reforms and new initiatives to defend the middle class — to create millions of new jobs, support small businesses, and drive up wages; to invest in the education of our children and the clean energy technology that must power our future; and to protect the economy from reckless Wall Street abuses.

And I made my position on health reform clear: We must not walk away. We are too close, and the stakes are too high for too many. I called on legislators of both parties to find a way to come together and finish the job for the American people.

I have no illusions — there have been setbacks, and there will be more to come. The special interests who have shaped the status quo will keep fighting tooth and nail to preserve it.

So tonight, I’m asking you to join me in the work ahead. I need your voice. I need your passion. And I need your support.

Can you help fuel our fight for the middle class with a monthly donation of $15 or more?

https://donate.barackobama.com/StateOfTheUnion

We have just finished a difficult year. We have come through a difficult decade. But a new year has come. A new decade stretches before us. We don’t quit. I don’t quit. Let’s seize this moment — to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more.

Thank you for making it possible,

President Barack Obama