President Trump’s second inauguration, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Citizens United ruling, highlights the profound influence of big money in politics. The presence of several tech billionaires at the inauguration underscores this, with their collective net worth exceeding $1 trillion. Analysis reveals that a mere ten megadonors contributed over 44% of the funds supporting Trump’s election, a level of concentration unprecedented in presidential campaigns. This extreme reliance on a small group of wealthy individuals is a direct consequence of Citizens United’s removal of restrictions on political spending.
Read More
In a Fox News op-ed, Senator Bernie Sanders warns of a growing divide between the wealthy and the rest of America, arguing that unchecked billionaire influence threatens to establish an oligarchy. He highlights the disproportionate wealth of Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg, whose combined holdings surpass that of the bottom half of the US population. Sanders criticizes the outsized role of billionaires in political campaigns, facilitated by rulings like *Citizens United*, and condemns the concentrated ownership of media and various economic sectors. He concludes that this system undermines democratic principles, urging a fight for an economy that benefits all Americans.
Read More
Elon Musk’s significant financial contributions to the Republican Party, coupled with his threats to fund primary challengers to both Republicans and Democrats, nearly caused a government shutdown. His actions, including public pronouncements against a bipartisan spending bill, prompted outrage and renewed calls for campaign finance reform. This incident highlights the growing concern over the undue influence of wealthy individuals on American politics. The controversy spurred debates within the Democratic Party regarding super PAC spending in primaries and the need for stricter regulations. Ultimately, a revised spending bill passed, narrowly avoiding a shutdown, but the event underscored the urgent need for addressing campaign finance reform.
Read More
When I hear the words, “‘That’s Oligarchy,’ Says Sanders as Billionaires Pump Cash Into Trump Campaign — “We must overturn the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision and move to public funding of elections,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders,” it resonates deep within me. The notion that billionaires can have such a profound impact on our democratic process is alarming. The fact that their immense wealth can sway elections, essentially buying influence and power, goes against the very foundation of democracy.
It is disheartening to see the influence of money in politics grow to such an extent that it threatens the core principles of our democracy.… Continue reading
Elon Musk donating $75 million to the Trump campaign has stirred up a lot of controversy and rightfully so. The fact that someone with that level of wealth can essentially buy their way into political influence is concerning, to say the least. It raises questions about the integrity of our political system and the extent to which money can sway the course of an election. It’s a stark reminder of the gross inequality that exists in our society, where the ultra-rich can essentially buy power and influence while the average person struggles to make their voice heard.
The Citizens United Supreme Court ruling has undoubtedly paved the way for this type of corruption to flourish.… Continue reading
The staggering amount of money raised by Kamala Harris during her campaign is both awe-inspiring and concerning. The fact that she managed to raise $540 million since announcing her candidacy, with $82 million coming in during her convention, is truly remarkable. It is a clear reflection of the support and momentum behind her bid for the presidency. However, it also raises questions about the exorbitant costs associated with running for office in the United States.
The comparison to Obama’s fundraising efforts in 2008 is eye-opening. The fact that Harris was able to raise such a substantial amount in such a short period is a testament to her popularity and the enthusiasm of her supporters.… Continue reading
Blinken’s revelation that the US has seen evidence of China attempting to influence upcoming US elections should not come as a shock to anyone. It seems that in today’s interconnected world, the idea of foreign interference in elections has become a grim reality that we must acknowledge. From Russia to China, and even “friendly” countries, the specter of meddling looms large over the democratic process. The root cause of this issue lies in decisions like Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which opened the floodgates for money to influence politics.
Our political system is like an open marketplace, with foreign adversaries and corporations vying to buy influence and sway the outcomes of elections.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker