Random thought for today: I was watching CNN at work today and saw that President Bush was traveling from Florida to PA for a rally. Then he travelled to New Hampshire for another rally. Then, back to D.C. I wonder if he declared all of these trips as political trips vs. “official” trips. If he claims they’re official, his campaign has to pay nothing. Apparently, the rules are pretty favorable to the President even if he declares it as a campaign trip. Air Force One costs close to $60,000 per hour to operate. It just seems especially wasteful to fly to both PA then NH in an afternoon. The campaigns of the challenger in presidential elections tend to charter planes at much higher costs.
Categories: Election 2004, In the News
2:31 am | 3 comments
October 2nd, 2004 at 1:43 pm
Thanks for this article. I was on Kirtland air force base in New Mexico at the end of August when I saw Air Force One land (Bush was giving a speech). At that point I really started to wonder about the use of Air Force One for campaigning. I asked around and no one really knew about changes or campaign expenses. But no matter what the cost, I think it is clear that the President does not have an option when it comes to air travel. Safety and security obviously comes first. But, it seems that rules governing the payment for Air Force One are way out of date considering the increased usage for personal campaigning. Anyone have any ideas?
October 2nd, 2004 at 2:34 pm
I don’t think it’s out of date because of the amount it’s used to campaigning as much as I think it’s out of date for the amount of money the Bush campaign (and any other presidential campaign) raise for each election. $200+ million can go for $50-60 million in air costs. He shouldn’t have to pay for the security, but at least full charter costs comparable to the full price paid by other campaigns.
October 2nd, 2004 at 5:29 pm
The campaign has to reimburse the government the cost of a first class ticket for every member of his staff and his campaign team when he makes a campaign trip on Air Force One.
Not nearly the cost of what Air Force One costs to operate but, and I believe I am accurate here, the President is mandated to travel on Air Force One. There are no other options. Unless, he is travelling on Marine One (the helicopter) because he is unable to get to a place by Air Force One.
If he is going on official business and makes a campaign stop while in town on official business, the campaign is not required to spend one cent on the trip, except for campaign only personel. The standard litmus test here should be…. all business… no cost… business and campaign, figure out an equitable equation for reimbursement.
Now, here’s the kicker that may really drive you nuts… All those weekend trips back and forth to Crawford, Texas… I do not believe he has to pay anything for those.