Big Money-Not Political Tribalism-Drives US Elections.

[georgephillip]

What do Mitch and Nancy and Chuck and Hillary and Donald have in common?

"Talk about 'tribalism' in American politics is all the rage. But in politics the chiefs of the tribes do almost all the talking. And they raise money, on a colossal scale.

"So, take a look.

"Does their fundraising reflect a tide of small donations from masses of concerned Americans they claim to be speaking for?

"The Lesson:

1. Political leaders of both major parties depend heavily on large contributions — meaning over $10,000 or $100,000 — in our 2 year election cycles.
2. Mitch McConnell is uniquely reliant on them. In 2016 Clinton relied more on them than Trump, though both had high levels.
3. Bernie Sanders was the one exception. Almost 60% of his were below the $200 limit for itemization. He received essentially no large contributions. Trump also received substantial small contributions.

"But perhaps through some miracle of democracy elections express the will of the people anyway?"

Big Money—Not Political Tribalism—Drives US Elections

How likely is it millionaires and billionaires have the slightest interest in "We the People"?

 

[sparky]

How likely is it millionaires and billionaires have the slightest interest in "We the People"?

Their only interest is is maintaining their wealth

Which is why we have this>>>>

One would think this a no-brainer

Those partisan fools who prattle on conveniently miss that the dems or reps both work for the same monied sorts

Thos who can't seem to pin blame on either ,and defer to 'deep statism' are a tad closer, because the influence of $$$ is what that's all about


~S~

 

[georgephillip]

How likely is it millionaires and billionaires have the slightest interest in "We the People"?

Their only interest is is maintaining their wealth

Which is why we have this>>>>

One would think this a no-brainer

Those partisan fools who prattle on conveniently miss that the dems or reps both work for the same monied sorts

Thos who can't seem to pin blame on either ,and defer to 'deep statism' are a tad closer, because the influence of $$$ is what that's all about


~S~

How Money Won Trump the White House

"It wasn’t Comey or the Russians.

"Trump prevailed because his campaign carefully targeted key states with late infusions of big money from private equity, casinos, and other far right contributors, a remarkable wave of donations from small donors, and substantial infusions from the candidate himself.

"The U.S. presidential election of 2016 featured frontal challenges to the political establishments of both parties and ended in perhaps the most shocking upset in American political history.

"Neither the U.S. nor the world seems to have gotten over the experience."

Your graphic reveals just how far from a "representative democracy" this country has fallen.

The recent election of AOC has reminded me how many progressives viewed Nancy Pelosi in a similar light when she first went to congress.(1987)

Nancy's net worth is currently listed at $26 million after 32 years of "public service."

Hopefully, AOC won't follow a similar path?