So…can we all just finally get on the same page that money in politics actually does equate to speech in politics? As the esteemed Morgan Freeman states (emphasis mine), in giving $1 million to the pro-Obama super PAC Priorities USA Action:

“President Obama has done a remarkable job in terrible circumstances,” he said in a statement. “He has ended combat operations in Iraq, put in place sensible reforms of Wall Street, saved the auto industry and protected the healthcare of every American with a preexisting condition. He has recognized the full equality of all our brothers and sisters and placed impressive, accomplished women on the Supreme Court. In return for this he is being targeted by hundreds of millions of dollars in special-interest money. I for one am proud to lend my voice – and support – to those who defend him.”

Yes, he lends his voice in the form of $1 million dollars because that is apparently finally being recognized as the best way to “speak” when it comes to supporting a candidate. Especially if you have the kind of disposable income, and million-dollar voice, that Freeman does. Paul Begala, senior advisor to Priorities USA Action, does Freeman one better — and drives home a point we’ve been making here at CCP since our inception:

[Begala] called Freeman “a national treasure” and said the group was “honored that he has lent his powerful voice to our cause.”

So, unless Freeman — a great and respected man in his field and Obama could do much worse — goes on a press junket where he does, in fact, use his voice, then it’s safe to assume the much-maligned truth that — who are we kidding? — has never really been much in contention anyway: money = speech in politics. And we all, as we do for so many wonderful moments of pure entertainment, have Morgan Freeman to thank.