The cloture vote on the DISCLOSE Act will soon be taken. It appears that its supporters lack the votes to close off debate.

Brad Smith explains some of the problems of DISCLOSE.

Roger Pilon notes other failings.

President Obama tried to rally the troops yesterday by taking a populist tone. I have never thought Obama was a very good demagogue, and his efforts at populism belie his strengths. President Obama and congressional Democrats are hoping a defeated DISCLOSE will be good for their fall campaigns. Historically, campaign finance issues have had little salience with the public. On these issues, more than others, hope does seem to spring eternal.