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Final Note

On the influence of money in politics

Kai Ryssdal Nov 7, 2012
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Final Note

On the influence of money in politics

Kai Ryssdal Nov 7, 2012
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A final note this day after Election Day about the influence of money on politics, and whether buckets full of money helped decide this year’s elections.

I mean, you don’t spend $100 million — like Karl Rove and his Republican super PAC American Crossroads did — without getting something for it, do you? Granted, he had a pretty good time on Fox News last night.

Or Las Vegas magnate Sheldon Adelson and his $53 million spread over six different — and losing — GOP candidates running this year.

You ask around on the other side of the aisle, and it’s a different story. The Democratic super PAC Priorities USA Action might say it very much got its money’s worth for the $67 million it spent on President Obama.

There’s been all kinds of talk this cycle about Citizens United, outside money and who can spend how much. But here’s the point: We really ought to figure out how we feel about money and politics in this country, ’cause we’re doing this whole thing all over again in 1,462 days.

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