Barack Obama: Slow Money in Politics

Barack Obama Money Quotation saying corrupting influence of money in politics allows a few rich families to buy elections. Barack Obama said:
 

 

“We have to reduce the influence of money in our politics, so that a handful of families and hidden interests can’t bankroll our elections — and if our existing approach to campaign finance can’t pass muster in the courts, we need to work together to find a real solution” — Barack Obama

In this quote, Barack Obama is advocating for campaign finance reform in the United States political system. He argues that the “influence of money in our politics” needs to be reduced, since currently a small number of wealthy families and special interests are able to heavily fund elections through large political donations.

Obama acknowledges that the existing rules have been challenged in courts and may not be legally sufficient. So he calls for politicians and citizens to work collaboratively on finding “a real solution” through new approaches, likely referring to alternatives that could pass constitutional muster.

The overall message conveys Obama’s view that campaign financing presents a challenge for democracy and that concerted action is needed to curb the outsized sway that large financial contributions give to a small donor class over the political process.

Jon Stewart: Billionaires Can’t Buy Elections!

Jon Stewart Money Quotation saying in his “Bull_hit” segment of his last show – billionaires can’t buy politicians – right? Well unless they use opaque (fake) corporate shell games. Jon Stewart said:
 

 

“Hey, a handful of billionaires can’t buy our elections, right? Of course not! They can only pour unlimited anonymous cash into a 501(c)(4) if 50% is devoted to issue education. Otherwise they’d have to 501(c)(6) it or funnel it openly through a non-campaign coordinated super PAC” — Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart was joking above, so reference to “a handful of billionaires” is not accurate, as the influence of wealthy donors on elections affects people of all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. Additionally, the idea that billionaires can only pour unlimited anonymous cash into certain types of organizations (501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6)) is not accurate – they can actually put excessive amounts of money in a bunch of places.

Furthermore, “funny[ing] it openly through a non-campaign coordinated super PAC” could be perceived as perpetuating the idea that it is acceptable to use anonymous or secretive funding sources in political campaigns. This can undermine the transparency and accountability of the political process, and can lead to the appearance of corruption or undue influence.

Bernie Sanders: Billionaires Buy Candidates

Bernie Sanders Money Quotation saying due to Citizens United Supreme Court decision, the rich can purchase a win for their chosen political candidate. Bernie Sanders said:
 

 

“We now have a political situation where billionaires are literally able to buy elections and candidates” — Bernie Sanders

In this quote, Bernie Sanders is sharply criticizing the influence of large financial contributions on the American political system. His view seems to be that with the massive amounts that wealthy donors and super PACs are now able to spend on campaigns, elections are essentially being determined by a small number of billionaires and select corporations.

Sanders implies that candidates are now for “sale” to the highest bidder, as those who can raise hundreds of millions or more have an overwhelming advantage in competitive races.

The quote conveys Sanders’ belief that reforms are needed to curb the disproportionate impact of big money in politics in order to restore integrity to the democratic process and ensure it is responsive to public interests rather than private wealth alone.

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

Sheldon Adelson: Influencing Elections

Sheldon Adelson Money Quotation saying the Billionaire is unapologetic about buying influence because it is legal and he can because he’s wealthy. Sheldon Adelson said:
 

“I’m against very wealthy people … influencing elections, But as long as it’s doable I’m going to do it” — Sheldon Adelson

The quote “I’m against very wealthy people … influencing elections, But as long as it’s doable I’m going to do it” by Sheldon Adelson is contradictory and suggests a prioritization of self-interest over principles.

While acknowledging the potential problems of moneyed interests swaying politics, Adelson openly admits he will continue exploiting existing rules to deploy his own significant wealth on behalf of candidates he supports, rather than advocating for reforms to address the issue.

The quote reveals Adelson does not truly oppose the influence of wealth in elections in an absolute sense, but rather sees it as acceptable when done to his own benefit.

This perspective prioritizes winning within the current system over trying to make the system more equitable and democratic. Some might argue it shows the challenges of enacting meaningful change when wealthy actors profit from the status quo.

Birthday: August 4, 1933 – Death: January 11, 2021