[Swamp Stories] 29. The Power of Megadonors

06/25/21 • 13 min

There’s no denying it: big money plays a massive role in American politics. In fact, since Citizens United, just 12 megadonors contributed a combined $3.4 billion to federal candidates and political groups — accounting for about $1 of every $13 in federal elections.

In episode 29, Weston is joined by an expert in the campaign finance research field to discuss the role of megadonors in today’s elections and what these wealthy elites’ influence could mean for our political system and democracy going forward.

Guest:

Sheila Krumholz, Executive Director at OpenSecrets.org

To learn more about Democracy Works, another show in the Democracy Group podcast network, visit: https://www.democracygroup.org/shows/democracy-works

Guest:

Sheila Krumholz, Executive Director at OpenSecrets.org

To learn more about Democracy Works, another show in the Democracy Group podcast network, visit: https://www.democracygroup.org/shows/democracy-works

Previous Episode

[Swamp Stories] 28. Conversations: Former Rep. Donna Edwards

In episode 28 of Swamp Stories, Weston chats with former Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) about what it was like being a member of Congress, how she would fix our broken political system, and the RV trip that she took across America alone after the 2016 election to better understand the rise of Donald Trump.

This is the fourth episode in our periodic series of longform conversations between host Weston Wamp and leaders in the political reform movement.

Guest:

Former Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD)

To learn more about How Do We Fix It?, another show in the Democracy Group podcast network, visit: https://www.democracygroup.org/shows/how-do-we-fix-it

Next Episode

[Swamp Stories] 30. Swindled and Scammed

There is an emerging trend in the world of political fundraising — grifters preying on the elderly and others with fake campaigns.

The worst part? There are barely any laws on the books to stop them.

In episode 30, Weston chats with Daily Beast reporter Roger Sollenberger about “scam PACs” and how they have been used to con unsuspecting Americans into contributing to fake causes and campaigns.

Guest:

Roger Sollenberger, Reporter at The Daily Beast

To learn more about Democracy Paradox, another show in the Democracy Group podcast network, visit: https://www.democracygroup.org/shows/democracy-paradox