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The RNC and DNC painted very different pictures of the U.S. economy

It was Trump's appeal to American prosperity versus Biden's "Build Back Better" plan.
Alex Wong, Win McNamee/Getty Images

Ahead of RNC, Trump releases second-term agenda

Aug 24, 2020
Many of the list’s items will come as no surprise, like ending reliance on China.
Experts say the flailing economy is going to be one of the biggest challenges to reelection.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Political contributions are soaring like there's no recession

Aug 20, 2020
The pandemic economic downturn doesn't seem to be affecting the people who've already donated almost $3 billion towards the presidential race.
Supporters cheer for President Trump during a campaign rally Yuma International Airport on Aug. 18. The pandemic-induced recession doesn't seem to be slowing down political donations.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Why do political parties still hold conventions? (Hint: $$$)

Jul 16, 2020
They can juice local economies. They can also juice campaign coffers.
Joe Biden speaks during the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Pennsylvania. This year's convention will take place virtually at a later date.
Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

Who pays when presidents hit the campaign trail?

Oct 15, 2018
When President Trump, like his predecessors, stumps for local politicians, local taxpayers foot the bill.
President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a rally at the Kansas Expocentre on Oct. 6 in Topeka.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Will Republicans shift money downballot?

Oct 10, 2016
One expert says it's 'every man for himself' in GOP races as Donald Trump implodes
The stage is set before a rally for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, October 10, 2016, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylavania. 
DOMINICK REUTER/AFP/Getty Images

Like any business, revenue drop hurts RNC

Aug 25, 2016
July was their worst month of fundraising in 16 years.
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen onscreen at the closing of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 21, 2016.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Why party platforms still matter in an election

Jul 29, 2016
What are the economic issues in the GOP and Democrats’ policy roadmaps and why should voters care?
Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images

TPP galvanizes voters, divides both parties

Jul 28, 2016
How did a complicated, arcane international trade deal become a defining issue in the 2016 election?
elegates hold up signs that read 'Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)' and 'Love trumps hate' during the opening of the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Conventions are go-time for lobbyists and advocates

Jul 28, 2016
With so many influencers in one spot, they're a great way to spread your message
A general view of the DNC 2016.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images