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cover of episode Pay Pals: How Billionaires Influence Elections

Pay Pals: How Billionaires Influence Elections

2024/10/25
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The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

Key Insights

Why is the 2024 election expected to break spending records?

Billionaire influence is reaching unprecedented levels, reshaping American democracy.

How do billionaires influence elections beyond the presidential race?

They impact down-ballot elections, think tanks, and media empires.

What qualities does Jon Stewart consider indispensable for an ideal presidential candidate?

Humility, tenacity, and courage.

How can listeners submit questions for the podcast?

Via comments on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter.

Chapters

The discussion begins with the question of whether the U.S. has become an oligarchy, focusing on the increasing influence of super-rich donors in politics.
  • Increased money in politics from a smaller group of super-rich donors.
  • Difficulty in proving quid pro quo due to opaque donation structures.
  • Expectations from billionaires include influencing policy and elections.

Shownotes Transcript

Money in politics isn't new, but billionaire influence in our elections has reached staggering levels – and 2024 could break all previous election spending records. From the presidential race to down ballot elections and think tanks to media empires, wealthy donors are reshaping American democracy in ways voters rarely see. Joining us to follow the money trail are New York Times reporters Teddy Schleifer and Ken Vogel, who help us explore how the ultra-wealthy leverage their resources across the political landscape and what they expect in return.

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Host/Executive Producer – Jon Stewart

Executive Producer – James Dixon

Executive Producer – Chris McShane

Executive Producer – Caity Gray

Lead Producer – Lauren Walker

Producer – Brittany Mehmedovic

Video Editor & Engineer – Sam Reid

Audio Editor & Engineer – Nicole Boyce

Researcher & Associate Producer – Gillian Spear

Music by Hansdle Hsu

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