I do not believe with even the best fundraising effort I could possibly have, that I would crack 1 million let alone 1.7 million. I feel like with out a single connection in the business world, it is impossible to raise the necessary funds to even try and run for either office position.
This seems to reinforce Quiggin's argument for the reason policies such as trickle-down economics are still prevalent. The wealthy are able to reward politicians who favor policies that benefit them. The importance of money in elections forces politicians to cater to the wants of those who can provide it.
Campaign financing is one of the reasons Levin isn't running again--although his age is certainly a consideration! For many congressmen and congresswomen, it's not that easy for them to raise this money. The fundraising starts from day 1 of (re)election. It truly is unfortunate that it has become a necessity to get so much money for their campaign.
As James comments, "one man, one vote? It should really be One Dollar, One Vote". Do we still believe that the senator represent us? I do not think although they represent certain interests. Who gives you an average of $10,476,451 without asking you anything. In economy, anything is free. So, the senators are occupied a seat in order to accomplish with certain groups of power.
It is clear if you want to become a senator you need not only to accomplish with the requirements of the Constitution, but also have good connection.
Unfortunately money buys power. This is especially true with politics. Candidates host campaigns for funds and ask for donations to run for office. The upper class donates a lot of money to political candidates, and in exchange, they want the candidates to lobby for policies that will benefit the upper class the most. Like anything else, money corrupts, and this is particularly true in politics. Politicians claim to represent everyone, but they really represent and will fight for the people paying their campaign bill - the upper class. This is why we haven't seen a lot of progressive tax bills or closures in tax loopholes. All of these things would hurt the upper class, and since money buys power, I don't think we will see drastic changes to these policies anytime soon.
I agree with everyone here, this just shows how messed up our political system is. I understand that it takes money to advertise and campaign but it is also true that the more money spent the better chance a politician has at winning primaries. This again, means that money buys the office in many cases. While the movie the Campaign with Will Ferrel and Zak Galifinakas is just a comedy and is exaggerated I think it speaks to the culture of the political system and corporations.
I also agree with everyone about that money buys power. It is impossible to run for office with your hope and faith. Hope and faith is not enough to become a Senate. Big money is needed to become big in politics. I think this is the reason why it takes so long for things to get done in the government.
I do not believe with even the best fundraising effort I could possibly have, that I would crack 1 million let alone 1.7 million. I feel like with out a single connection in the business world, it is impossible to raise the necessary funds to even try and run for either office position.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to reinforce Quiggin's argument for the reason policies such as trickle-down economics are still prevalent. The wealthy are able to reward politicians who favor policies that benefit them. The importance of money in elections forces politicians to cater to the wants of those who can provide it.
ReplyDeleteCampaign financing is one of the reasons Levin isn't running again--although his age is certainly a consideration! For many congressmen and congresswomen, it's not that easy for them to raise this money. The fundraising starts from day 1 of (re)election. It truly is unfortunate that it has become a necessity to get so much money for their campaign.
ReplyDeleteAs James comments, "one man, one vote? It should really be One Dollar, One Vote". Do we still believe that the senator represent us? I do not think although they represent certain interests. Who gives you an average of $10,476,451 without asking you anything. In economy, anything is free. So, the senators are occupied a seat in order to accomplish with certain groups of power.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear if you want to become a senator you need not only to accomplish with the requirements of the Constitution, but also have good connection.
Unfortunately money buys power. This is especially true with politics. Candidates host campaigns for funds and ask for donations to run for office. The upper class donates a lot of money to political candidates, and in exchange, they want the candidates to lobby for policies that will benefit the upper class the most. Like anything else, money corrupts, and this is particularly true in politics. Politicians claim to represent everyone, but they really represent and will fight for the people paying their campaign bill - the upper class. This is why we haven't seen a lot of progressive tax bills or closures in tax loopholes. All of these things would hurt the upper class, and since money buys power, I don't think we will see drastic changes to these policies anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone here, this just shows how messed up our political system is. I understand that it takes money to advertise and campaign but it is also true that the more money spent the better chance a politician has at winning primaries. This again, means that money buys the office in many cases. While the movie the Campaign with Will Ferrel and Zak Galifinakas is just a comedy and is exaggerated I think it speaks to the culture of the political system and corporations.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with everyone about that money buys power. It is impossible to run for office with your hope and faith. Hope and faith is not enough to become a Senate. Big money is needed to become big in politics. I think this is the reason why it takes so long for things to get done in the government.
ReplyDelete