, Columnist
Big Money Is Ruining Politics
Changes in federal election law have made it easier for candidates like Donald Trump to trade influence for donations.
Bosom buddies.
Photographer: Jim Watson/AFP
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Big money has never been as big nor as bold as it has been in the 2024 presidential election, and the failure to rein it in could further solidify the already overwhelming influence the super-wealthy wield over our political system.
This election cycle is expected to be the most expensive in history, with nearly $16 billion spent on the presidential and congressional races. Outside spending alone is projected to top $5 billion — far more than the $1.6 billion outside groups spent in 2020.