Money trumps principles in American politics......

This is a bit of old news, but it is so relevant to the message of Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? that we would be remiss to ignore the fact that while we were in Europe, Tom Vilsack endorsed Hillary Clinton for President.

This is a critically important endorsement for the 2008 Democratic primary, not because Vilsack has national import, but because he has one of the best political machines on the ground in Iowa. A good ground game is necessary to win the caucus set-up in Iowa. Winning Iowa is a big first step to winning the nomination (see what it did for John Kerry in 2004).

It may seem strange that Vilsack, a vocal opponent of the war in Iraq, would so quickly endorse Clinton, who is without question the most pro-war of all Democratic candidates. It would seem strange at least if our politicians actually held the principles they espouse in greater regard than money.

Vilsack said the endorsement was in part a result of the former first lady's fund-raising efforts on his behalf during his first campaign for governor in 1998.

Are the American people going to let Hillary Clinton buy the presidency, just like they let George Bush? Our democracy should not be for sale.

Mike