Citizens United Has Made It Where Celebs Have a Better Shot at Winning the Presidency

[titaniumsalute]

With the passing of Citizens United years ago the amount of money in PACS and SuperPACS has dramatically impacted politics. At this point it is nearly impossible for the average Joe or Jane to run for office on the federal level. And when it comes to the Presidency it is next to impossible.

I think this paved the path for someone like a Trump to become President. He already had name recognition nationally, he didn't need to do as much local "branding", advertising, etc. He didn't spend nearly what many others spent in advertising in 2016 on TV, radio, social media.

Someone, like an Oprah or Mark Cuban, already has a massive name recognition. They also have a mostly positive brand, deep pockets, and a natural affinity to being in front of the the camera, microphones, etc.

I don't see how this changes moving forward without repealing Citizens United.

[CrispyQ]

1. A reality show population voted in a reality show president.

How far behind can a reality show government be? This is what happens when people vote for candidates who openly disdain government.

[Irish_Dem]

4. America has lost its credibility. We are no longer to be trusted or esteemed. nt

[zipplewrath]

2. The 1%

It isn't Citizen's united. It's that we have this huge wealth disparity in this country. It creates a class of people that can finance their own campaigns. Combine that with the ability to create ones own "media presence", and the most likely candidates are those with the least abilities.

[Hoyt]

3. All DT really had to do is say he hates Hispanics, Black Lives Matter, etc., & voters flocked to him

along with his name recognition.

[Orrex]

5. I agree

As my wife has noted, the people who voted for Trump would just as eagerly have voted for Honey Boo-Boo, and for the exact same reasons.

My own observation, that these are idiot racist fuckheads, is not inconsistent with her assessment.