Why Are U.S. Elections So Long? - EARLY ACCESS, AD-FREE, AND UNCENSORED
Added 2023-11-06 22:26:31 +0000 UTCHi. In today's episode, we look at the election-industrial complex, why U.S. election season drags on for so long, and what we could do to lessen the influence of corporate money on politics.
Comments
Before I got involved in electoral politics, I often wondered why there seemed to be so few grifters on the left side of the political spectrum. Now I know: they're all political consultants. It's honestly the only job besides police where you can consistently fail at the one thing you are being paid to do and still be considered employable.
Steve French
2023-11-08 18:39:09 +0000 UTCgotta admit I kinda miss the ads haha but now I get a PERSONAL message from Cody JUST FOR ME and for no one else!!!! yay patreon!
Birga Muesto
2023-11-08 12:18:45 +0000 UTCThis episode persuaded me to upgrade my membership
Edward First
2023-11-07 08:55:54 +0000 UTCIt’s almost as though you are against plutocratic autocracy!
peterthooper
2023-11-07 04:52:08 +0000 UTCAs someone who volunteered in Canadian federal elections for two decades, I have to give credit to Elections Canada for quietly avoiding most of these problems
Andrew Carkner
2023-11-07 03:05:49 +0000 UTCThanks for finding my marbles, y'all! I thought I lost 'em
Thereal_VanWalsh
2023-11-07 01:28:36 +0000 UTCThank you for this. I run a volunteer organization that helps downballot progressive candidates and the most shocking thing is always how expensive it can be to run for even the most basic local positions. It's something I try to remind people when they talk about how all politicians are bad. Most of the people that run for office are doing so at great personal burden because they believe in helping their communities. It would be nice if we had publicly funded elections so that the people with more resources didn't end up being able to run while those with less couldn't.
Steve French
2023-11-07 01:02:51 +0000 UTCWhat's making me feel like I've entered the Twilight Zone is that Josh freaking Hawley just introduced a bill that would essentially reverse Citizens United. Things are weird!
Steve French
2023-11-07 00:48:15 +0000 UTCAlso worth noting that current FEC regulations and requirements can effectively limit who can run by making those without financial backing face steeper challenges. IThe FEC requires filing after raising and/or spending 5,000$. At that point you need a treasurer, a campaign manager, a campaign committee, and a separate account and tax ID for campaign contributions. If you try running a genuine grassroots campaign without financial or party backing, just reaching $5,000 places additional financial burden and time commitment on those that might otherwise be excellent candidates but lack the time or money to continue while still keeping themselves and their families afloat. The current system helps in keeping out the poor, and independent candidates that aren’t independently wealthy. This leads to challengers needing to either give in to the system and fundraising instead of campaigning as we see … or, going no-donor and trying to do everything via coupons, deals, and word of mouth to stay under that 5,000$. (Also worth noting that limit would include filing fees, any message is voter guides, and covers both the primary and general general election) * fun bonus: the voter guide message can cost 2,000-3,000+ and candidates have to pay for each county separately. If for example you’re around San Diego, CA. That could mean having to pay for San Diego & Riverside. Easily costing over 5,000 just there.
matt rascon
2023-11-07 00:20:57 +0000 UTCThat is a pretty killer MC Escher joke and you just rode right past it
Nearby Couch
2023-11-06 23:21:03 +0000 UTCI’m still in support of eating politicians if they keep this shit up
Michael G Williams
2023-11-06 23:10:37 +0000 UTC
