Archive link: https://web.archive.org/web/20251220153809/https://bsky.app/profile/dansinker.com/post/3ma5afu7rm22i
You notice the Uline logo in the background. Wonder why JD Vance is standing in front of it? It’s because Uline is one of the biggest donors to the GOP. In 2024 they spent over $146 million on Republicans.
Remember when we used to joke about how politicians should wear their sponsors proudly like a racecar driver? Remember when that was just satire?
Hell, remember between 2003 to 2007 when the DNC had effectively banned money from politics? Remember the SCOTUS striking it down?
At first, I thought this was satire. I still don’t believe it, but I am willing to be persuaded by new information. Do you or anyone who knows much about this have links or even the name of the legislation?
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 written by DNC and introduced multiple times between 1995 and 2002,
The Citizens United v. FEC Decision granted in 2008 and finalized in 2010.
A quick summary is on Wikipedia.
It wasn’t perfect, mind you, but since its stop being granted starting in 2008 the election spending has ballooned dramatically.
Im with you on Citizens United being a nightmare but if I understand your argument and your chart you are saying 100s of millions per election to politicians equals “banned money in politics.” Is that correct?
If so I dont believe we mean the same thing when we say those words.
It banned PACs and Corporations from spending on and engaging with campaigns, so yes, it removed money from politics.
Would the world not be so much better without oil companies and AIPAC running elections?
I agree with you on banning PACs and corps from spending on and engaging in campaigns.
My point is you aren’t going far enough. If you think $100 million spent for a candidate in 2002 is an ideal worth striving for or somehow equal to no money in politics, you are in for disappointment or you don’t remember that era well enough.
This still nearly entirely excluded normal people from becoming a candidate. Corporations were still writing our laws during that time through lobbying. Not to mention a dozen other in roads for money in politics during that era, such as insider trading.