It is only the expenditures of the candidate's own campaign organization that are under the direct control of the candidate. Even in debates where candidates obviously speak for themselves, the topic and framing of the questions are determined by others. Limiting expenditures limits the ability of candidates to communicate with the electorate. When this capability is limited, the free media, special interest groups, and presidential debates become more important. The Current Situation Our system of financing political campaigns is indeed in need of reform.
Candidates spend too much time raising money from too many people.
Candidates with their own fortunes have an advantage over those who do not, and wealthy individuals may run for office when they would prefer to support others. Expenditure and contribution limitations push political money underground, into evermore indirect channels where it is hard to follow. The links between political money and the decisions of elected officials become more obscure, and thus those holding office are less obviously accountable. Disclosure requirements do not result in timely, useful data that can be analyzed by the press or anyone else concerned. We need to hear more directly from them and perhaps not so much from special interest groups supporting them.