Bernie Sanders: Elections Not Auctions
on Tuesday, April 26, 2016Bernie Sanders Money Quote saying in a reference to the Citizen’s United Supreme Court decision that money shouldn’t influence elections, ideas should. Bernie Sanders said:
“Money is not free speech. Elections should not be auctions. In a democracy, we should have the right to elect people based on their ideas” — Bernie Sanders
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In this quote, Bernie Sanders is criticizing the influence of money in politics, particularly the idea that unlimited political spending equals constitutionally protected free speech. His view is that elections should be decided based on the merits of competing policy ideas, not according to who can spend the most on political advertising and campaigning.
Sanders argues that allowing unlimited political donations from wealthy donors turns elections into auctions where office is sold to the highest bidder, undermining democratic principles.
By saying citizens should have the right to elect representatives based on their ideas rather than financial backing, Sanders expresses support for campaign finance reform measures aimed at reducing the sway of money in politics so that elections are determined first and foremost by the substance of policy debates, not financial might alone.
Money is not free speech. Elections should not be auctions. In a democracy, we should have the right to elect people based on their ideas.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 24, 2016