In a minimum of two responses (of at least 100 words each), provide a counter argument and citing an example if you can find one to support your position. Cite your sources, in APA format, with each post to strengthen your position.
Discussion 1
The funding of various political parties and campaigns has changed over the years. It’s progressively getting more expensive every election year to get elected. It’s been dropping slightly every year since 2010[1], but it’s still significantly higher than 10 years ago when it was only $81,000,000. This massive increase in campaign funding is creating a hostile environment when it comes to the media. The media scrutiny when it comes to the individual parties obtaining political funds for the purpose getting elected isn’t as prevalent during non-election years, but when it’s Presidential election time, everyone begins to gain interest in where candidates are getting their money.
In 2016, the media was highly interested in the campaign donating of the Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts. He was being recommended for appointment as deputy commerce secretary, and all of the sudden, the media has gained an all-omniscient view his donations[2]. This all inclusive view of where the money is going goes to show where the media is interested. There isn’t much space for the actual views of people anymore, it’s all about where they are getting their money, and the overall views of the people paying them. When considering how companies and different lobbyists separate their money, it’s a safe bet that one would think that the pockets of the 2,261 reported lobbyists are who ultimately decide who the winners of the various elections are. With the inclusion of interest groups, people can fund their various campaigns that they believe in without having to donate specifically to a candidate. With just the lobbyist, the voter doesn’t really have as much power as money due to politicians needing to have funding in order to win. But with interest groups, the people can fund the candidates that they know will have their best interests in mind and not have to pay a specific one[3]. This gives the people the power of money while still maintaining the indirect influence that a lobbyist would provide.
1. OpenSecrets.org. (2018). Other: Lobbying, 2017 | OpenSecrets. Retrieved from https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/lobbying.php?cycle=2018&ind=W
2. Schuba, T. (2017, February 9). Todd Ricketts? Political Fundraising Comes Under Scrutiny. Retrieved from https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Todd-Ricketts-Political-Fundraising-Comes-Under-Scrutiny-Report-413313873.html
3. Opensecrets.org. (2018). Influence & Lobbying | OpenSecrets. Retrieved from https://www.opensecrets.org/influence/
Discussion 2
