The 2020 Election illustrated how organized money has been devouring American Democracy.

It’s not just a problem in Maine – Democrats’ ability to fundraise far exceeded expectations, but that’s not necessarily a good thing if you don’t know how to put all that money to good use. (It didn’t have the hoped- for effect in Maine.  Ed.)

The election cycle cost a stunning $14 billion in total, a figure that has become significantly  higher in the weeks running up to the imminent Georgia runoffs. But while the share of the money that funded Biden’s campaign certainly played a role in his victory, we can’t ignore where it comes from.

As it turns out, most of the contributions to the campaign came from big industry donors. As political spending and corporations’ already outsized influence over policy increase, individuals’ power will decrease. Organized money is nothing if it’s just beholden to special interests, and not invested in building power at the local, state, and federal levels.   (Luke Savage, Patriotic Millionaires 17 Dec 2020, slightly edited for length).

My comment: The Republicans are even more beholden to Big Money.   Money erodes democracy because it is a rare big donor who doesn’t want some quid pro quo.  I would loathe being in the pocket of some guy with deep pockets and only passing regard for the well-being of the country.