I haven't really given it any deep thought, but it sure does seem like these things over reach a great deal in terms of size. My gut tells me that with a little brainpower put into it they could very likely realize that a much smaller and much less invasive restriction would give them the result they need. There might be times for these soert of things but mostly it seems like they just pointlessly highlight where the VIP's are....but then maybe that's the point???
Any politician “fundraising” should have to pay for everything (travel, security) out of their own pocket. Our state (ie we the taxpayers) paid over 500K in security/travel for our governor to make his pointless presidential bid.
I think that's not a bad idea...even maybe to a point beyond fundraising events. Vacations and other choices like summits and working vacations that end up costing a lot of money and inconveniencing a lot of folks needlessly.
I actually think the fundraising and campaigning by incumbents is all sorts of negative...it's tacky, it's slacking off while on the job, etc... We're paying them to work a job...get to work you bum!
I remember reading someplace once a long time ago...about one of the recent presidents (I forget which, one of teh Bush's I think) that used to take a lot of holiday's and vacations at Camp David instead of flying home or to other exotic spots, PRIMARILY to minimize impact on staff and the public in general. Just a little common sense consideration and manners....and that speaks volumes to me.
I had to do a little googling, found this on wikipedia
I know that consideration is not the only reason these presidents have used Camp David but it is at least a side benefit of going there rather than someplace else.
Looks like the biggest users of the place were Nixon, George HW Bush, Carter, and Reagan, with George W not far behind...
but in this current era of TFR's and greater public impact George W wins big!!