Steve Israel: Shark Tank Democracy

Steve Israel Money Quotation saying as New York Congessman finishing final term that money from the wealthy fueling campaign finance has destroyed politics. Steve Israel said:
 

 

“This isn’t ‘Shark Tank’ This is your democracy. But as the bidding grows higher, your voice gets lower. You’re simply priced out of the marketplace of ideas. That is, unless you are one of the ultra wealthy” — Steve Israel

In this quote, Steve Israel is criticizing the influence of money in politics and how it drowns out the voices of ordinary citizens. He draws a comparison to the TV show “Shark Tank”, where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to wealthy investors.

Israel argues that politics has similarly become a “bidding” process where the “ultra wealthy” can essentially “buy” more influence over policymaking. By referring to the “marketplace of ideas”, he suggests democratic debate and civic participation are being undermined as the “bidding grows higher” through more political spending, effectively “pricing out” the voice of the public.

Overall, Israel is decrying the role of big money in politics from wealthy special interests, which he says marginalizes average citizens who cannot financially “outbid” them for access and impact on government decisions.

John Kerry: Money Chase Risks Democracy

John Kerry Money Quotation saying the wealthy political donors that contribute “Dark Money” to Super PACS and finance elections own democracy. John Kerry said:
 

 

“The unending chase for money I believe threatens to steal our democracy itself. They know it. They know we know it. And yet, nothing happens” — John Kerry

In this quote, John Kerry is expressing concern that the overwhelming influence of money in politics poses a serious threat to American democracy. He seems to be referring to the large amounts spent on campaigns and lobbying by wealthy donors and corporations.

Kerry suggests that this “unending chase for money” undermines the principle of one person, one vote, as those who can donate the most have disproportionate access and sway over the political process.

By stating “they know it” and “we know it”, he implies there is broad recognition of this problem but a lack of will to enact meaningful reforms.

Overall, Kerry views the central role of large financial contributions in elections and policymaking as corrupting and distorting, and ultimately a risk to the democratic system if left unaddressed.

Jon Stewart: Democracy Better Controlled $

Jon Stewart Money Quotation saying it’s difficult to comprehend how Citizens United extends voter voices. #GetMoneyOut The quote is at around 2:13 in the video below (if you can bear the commercial pre-roll). Jon Stewart said:
 

 

“In whose delusional mind is democracy made better by letting wealthier people control more of it?” — Jon Stewart

The quote by Jon Stewart suggests that allowing wealthier people to control more of democracy can be seen as a form of corruption, as it gives them more influence over the political process than others. This can lead to a situation where the voices of those with less wealth are not equally represented, which undermines the principles of democracy.

This idea is in line with the broader concept of money corrupting politics, as it can lead to a system where those with more wealth have more power and influence over the political process.

Ben Cohen: One Dollar One Vote Plutocracy

Ben Cohen Money Quotation saying the rich are able to speak with a louder voice when every dollar they have speaks for them. Ben Cohen said:
 

 

“It’s changed our country from what used to be a democracy, when it used to be one person, one vote to now, what is it, a plutocracy? It’s one dollar, one vote” — Ben Cohen

Ben Cohen seems to be criticizing the growing influence of money in politics by contrasting the current system with core democratic ideals. Specifically, he implies that the U.S. has shifted away from being a true democracy, where each citizen’s vote holds equal weight (“one person, one vote”).

Instead, Cohen characterizes the system now as a “plutocracy”, where power is concentrated among those with wealth (“one dollar, one vote”). His point appears to be that campaign finance laws and lack of reform have made financial contributions a more important factor than actual votes in deciding political outcomes and policy priorities.

Overall, the quote suggests Cohen views this as an undemocratic evolution that privileges the role of money over the voice of individual citizens in elections and governance.

Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Bernie Sanders: Billionaires Buy Elections

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont Money Quotation saying our history of battling injustice in the world will make us focus on injustice and corruption at home. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said:
 

“I do not believe that people fought and died for democracy so that billionaires can buy elections” — Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders seems to be criticizing the role of money in political campaigns and elections. Specifically, he implies that allowing wealthy donors and “billionaires” to essentially “buy elections” through unlimited spending undermines democratic ideals that citizens and soldiers have fought to defend.

By suggesting people fought and died to establish democracy, not for it to be co-opted by financial interests, Sanders appears to believe large political contributions from the very rich distort the principle of one person, one vote.

Overall, the quote indicates Sanders views unlimited campaign spending as oligarchic and contrary to the democratic system countless have sacrificed to establish and protect.

Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Money v Democracy

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Money Quotation saying the supreme court ruled badly on money in politics and she would reverse that decision if possible. Ruth Bader Ginsburg said:
 

 

“If there was one decision I would overrule, it would be Citizens United. I think the notion that we have all the democracy that money can buy strays so far from what our democracy is supposed to be” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is criticizing the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC. In that ruling, the Court held that political spending is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment, and the government may not keep corporations or unions from spending money to support or denounce individual candidates in elections.

Justice Ginsburg believes this decision equates to “all the democracy that money can buy,” which goes against the democratic ideals of one person, one vote. By allowing unlimited political spending by corporations and unions, it gives disproportionate influence to wealthy donors and special interests groups.

This can drown out the voices and influence of ordinary citizens, which deviates from the principle that everyone’s vote should carry equal weight regardless of their wealth or social status.

Birthday: March 15, 1933 – Death: September 18, 2020

Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Harry Reid: Political Dark Money

Senator Harry Reid speaking during a senate judiciary hearing in June 2014 on billionaires control of political system. Harry Reid said:
 

 

“I’m here because the flood of dark money into our nation’s political system poses the greatest threat to our democracy that I have witnessed during my tenure in public service” — Harry Reid

In this quote, Harry Reid is expressing grave concern about the influence of large amounts of undisclosed “dark money” entering the political system. By describing it as “the greatest threat to our democracy” that he’s seen over his career in public service, Reid seems to be arguing that unlimited, anonymous donations have come to exert too much power and sway over the political process.

The best interpretation is that Reid believes transparent political funding is essential for a functioning representative democracy, and that a flood of untraceable money distorts outcomes and undermines democratic values, making it the most serious challenge facing the system according to his view and experience.

Birthday: December 2, 1939 – December 28, 2021

Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Lawrence Lessig: Change Campaign Funding

Lawrence Lessig Money Quotation saying we’ve lost our republic because campaigns are given the most money by wealthy businesses & owners. Lawrence Lessig said:
 

 

“We won’t get our democracy back until we change the way campaigns are funded” — Lawrence Lessig

This Lawrence Lessig quote, the best interpretation is that he is suggesting that the current system of campaign funding is a major obstacle to restoring democracy in the United States.

He believes that the influence of wealthy donors and corporations on political campaigns has led to a distortion of the democratic process and that changing the way campaigns are funded is essential to regaining a truly democratic system.

Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune