Snap-O Fact #29

President Obama placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White HouseThe original purpose of lobbying was for American people to have their voice heard by politicians; the idea itself is positive since it seeks opinion of each individual in society to promote democracy in the United States. However, in contrast to its original goal, lobbying has been used by Wall Street and big business to control Washington for their own personal interests. Different from other presidents (such as Bush), Obama has placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House by preventing administrative officials from receiving gifts from lobbyists under any circumstances or any format. During his campaign in 2008, Senator Obama promised to limit lobbying and eliminate the power Wall Street has on the government. 

Sources:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/21/washington-lobbying-obama-biz-cx_bw_0121lobby.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29793439/ns/politics/t/obama-limit-lobbyist-influence-stimulus/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Update-on-Recovery-Act-Lobbying-Rules-New-Limits-on-Special-Interest-Influence/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032001682.html

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-03-27-obama-lobbyists_N.htm

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/06/18/obama-seeks-further-limits-for-lobbyists/