In the midst of the most expensive election in history, with costs soaring to over $16 billion, candidates are vying for every dollar they can get. The constant requests for small donations may seem harmless, but they come with a price. Your $3 contribution could lead to a lifetime of endless appeals and unwanted attention.
As the polls close, the fundraising doesn’t stop. Your information becomes a valuable commodity, traded among political organizations indefinitely. While small donations are important for showing grassroots support, it’s the big contributions that have the most influence.
With the floodgates opened by the Citizens United ruling in 2010, billions of dollars are pouring into campaigns from super PACs and dark money sources. Both parties are guilty of exploiting this system, with spending reaching nearly $16 billion this election cycle.
From obnoxious ads to hidden agendas, the money trail in politics leads to high expectations and potential rewards for donors. Whether it’s billionaires like Elon Musk or Miriam Adelson, their contributions come with strings attached.
As the election results unfold, it’s clear that money talks in politics, and those who contribute the most may expect to benefit the most. The campaign finance system is flawed, and until there is real accountability and reform, the cycle of influence and reward will continue.