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Even though 87% of Americans agree that corruption is the most important challenge our next president will face, neither candidate has made it their issue, and we expect tonight’s debate to be no different. While Barack Obama and Mitt Romney square off on some of the most divisive topics of domestic policy, we want you to see how they measure up on the issue upon which all others depend: the corrupting influence of money in politics.
Our third infographic in the Capital in the Capitol series compares the sources of revenue upon which the candidates depend in their race to the oval office. The numbers are a crucial reminder that the candidates don’t have to talk about money this election—the money talks for them.
Perhaps neither Barack Obama nor Mitt Romney want to speak out about our government’s crippling dependence on special interest cash because both of their campaigns hinge on it. Contrary to what some might suspect, Barack Obama’s campaign has raised more money than Mitt Romney’s campaign. However, Romney’s super PAC has collected nearly four times as much money as Obama, whose primary source of election money is direct contributions.
But there are differences in who’s funding the candidates, and just because they won’t talk about it doesn’t mean we can’t. While the candidates talk about their stand on various issues of domestic policy, their campaigns will tell a different story: As long as politicians need tons of money to run for office, they’ll be indebted to the few who can afford to give it to them.
We know who’s paying for the president. Do you?
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@Weissensee_2022
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2012-10-03 17:32:28 -0400
@jstheater
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2012-10-03 17:31:59 -0400
@jobelenus
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2012-10-03 17:31:06 -0400
@lessig
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2012-10-03 17:30:30 -0400
@openib
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2012-10-03 17:21:33 -0400
@PplOverPolitics
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2012-10-03 17:16:28 -0400
@JusticeCaylee
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2012-10-03 17:00:07 -0400
@jeffreywescott
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2012-10-03 16:47:17 -0400
@cxj
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2012-10-03 16:41:10 -0400
James Worcester commented
2012-10-03 16:25:47 -0400
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@maxoom1960
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2012-10-03 16:21:29 -0400
Steve Heitmann commented
2012-10-03 16:07:10 -0400
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I’m aware that many people believe there’s no difference between Republicans and Democrats. I disagree. There’s a substantial difference in the magnitude of corruption, plus the most significant difference of all: Republicans rely on it to retain and gain power, and Democrats want to end it.
So, if Romney included it as a campaign issue, he’s just be increasing his deceptions and lies. If President Obama included corruption as a campaign issue, I believe we’d see Romney’s 25+ wealthy supporters providing far greater funding for Republicans—for all GOP candidates and for even more attack ads intended to propagate Orwellian lies and disinformation about Democrats and Obama, in particular.
Imo, the first priority is to remove Republicans from Congress, both state and federal (and try some of them for treason).
After Democrats regain absolute control of the U.S. Congress (no possibility of blockades from filibusters and Blue Dogs voting with Republicans), we can look forward to the Rootstrikers having major impact on the restoration of our democratic republic. And, as an aside, perhaps we can look forward to the emergence of a new constructive political party, say, the Green Party http://www.gp.org/index.php, that works on behalf of all people and the environment.
First, we need to achieve the top priority: oust Republicans from government.
@Michelle_Heng
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2012-10-03 15:56:44 -0400
@thoughtShopper
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2012-10-03 15:19:05 -0400
@anastano_writes
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2012-10-03 15:15:26 -0400
@CHARLESFADDIS
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2012-10-03 15:14:53 -0400
Taylor Glen commented
2012-10-03 15:02:34 -0400
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@MorganLMartinez
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2012-10-03 14:57:08 -0400
@BuddyRoemer
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2012-10-03 14:57:08 -0400
