In America, our elections are run by the millionaires and billionaires. During elections, voters can contribute to their candidate, or they can donate to a super PAC. What is a super PAC? Well, that is the thing that is destroying our elections.
Basically, a candidate has a maximum donation he can receive from a potential donor (the amount is $2,700 in case you were wondering). However, a super PAC can receive unlimited donations.
Super PACs are basically an "independent" PAC that usually center around one main candidate. These PACs can receive unlimited donation amounts from donors. So, let's take one example.
Bob is running for President. He registers at 5% in the polls, which is the last place in the polls of the candidates in his party running for President. He has received only $50,000 and is considering dropping out of the race.
Meet the Super PAC Change America, a pro-Bob Super PAC. They meet in a closed room with several billionaires. The next day, 3 of the billionaires each pledge donations of 1.2 million dollars to Change America.
Change America can't donate their newfound 3.6 million dollars to Bob directly. They can only donate $5,000 to him. So, instead, they use it for themselves to promote Bob.
Change America air multiple ads across the United States of America. 3 weeks later, the formerly unpopular Bob is at the top of his party's polls with 53%.
Even though he had bad policies and he was unpopular, a couple donations from a few billionaires changed the standings and turned the tables dramatically. Bob essentially was catapulted to the top by these people.
Now, these people helped Bob get elected President. What would they expect in return? Maybe, they would ask a few favors as to who should be put into Bob's cabinet or which bills he should veto or sign. Bob would have to oblige, because he would want to win re-election and their support is integral to his success.
This system doesn't represent democracy. It represents elections where candidates are puppets. The real players are the millionaires and billionaires behind the stage pulling the strings and getting their candidate propelled to national success and fame.
We have to fix this system. A couple years ago, some of the limitations were removed in the Citizens United vs. FEC case under the guise of "it's just freedom of speech". We need to fix this system in order to actually experience the freedom of opinion. This is one of many hurdles we have in fixing elections, but unlike other hurdles - this can be removed.
Basically, a candidate has a maximum donation he can receive from a potential donor (the amount is $2,700 in case you were wondering). However, a super PAC can receive unlimited donations.
Super PACs are basically an "independent" PAC that usually center around one main candidate. These PACs can receive unlimited donation amounts from donors. So, let's take one example.
Bob is running for President. He registers at 5% in the polls, which is the last place in the polls of the candidates in his party running for President. He has received only $50,000 and is considering dropping out of the race.
Meet the Super PAC Change America, a pro-Bob Super PAC. They meet in a closed room with several billionaires. The next day, 3 of the billionaires each pledge donations of 1.2 million dollars to Change America.
Change America can't donate their newfound 3.6 million dollars to Bob directly. They can only donate $5,000 to him. So, instead, they use it for themselves to promote Bob.
Change America air multiple ads across the United States of America. 3 weeks later, the formerly unpopular Bob is at the top of his party's polls with 53%.
Even though he had bad policies and he was unpopular, a couple donations from a few billionaires changed the standings and turned the tables dramatically. Bob essentially was catapulted to the top by these people.
Now, these people helped Bob get elected President. What would they expect in return? Maybe, they would ask a few favors as to who should be put into Bob's cabinet or which bills he should veto or sign. Bob would have to oblige, because he would want to win re-election and their support is integral to his success.
This system doesn't represent democracy. It represents elections where candidates are puppets. The real players are the millionaires and billionaires behind the stage pulling the strings and getting their candidate propelled to national success and fame.
We have to fix this system. A couple years ago, some of the limitations were removed in the Citizens United vs. FEC case under the guise of "it's just freedom of speech". We need to fix this system in order to actually experience the freedom of opinion. This is one of many hurdles we have in fixing elections, but unlike other hurdles - this can be removed.
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