Money in Politics: What Can’t Money Buy?

The political system in America was founded on democracy. Those ideal values that we hold true are increasingly threatened by the influence of money in our political system. The neo-political practice has become standard in modern American politics. Through the current system, where competition is highly encouraged, we have come to expect politicians to accept unlimited sums of money to win an election. This mindset has undermined the value of democracy in America, raising several questions – How many politicians accept money from PAC’s and Super PAC’s? Have their views changed after accepting money? Are they representing the will of their donors over the will of the people? Without further introspection we face an ethical dilemma of prioritizing money over people. Do we really value money so much that we attach a price tag to people’s livelihoods? As the bourgeois say, “What can’t money buy?” This presentation will look at the use of money in politics, specifically campaign finance. Also, it will discuss the ethical dilemma that politicians face and the choices they have to make. Finally, it will discuss possible solutions that we could enact to alleviate the problem. 

Ernesto Chacón, Political Science ‘21

Ernesto is a first-generation Chicano college student who is the middle child between two older sisters and two younger twin brothers. He grew up as the middle child, which has given him a unique perspective on life. This view has led to the ability to be fluid in situations where an impartial view is the most beneficial. His impartiality has directly correlated with his desire become a lawyer in the future. Ernesto is currently majoring in Political Science with a minor in History. This combination allows him a solid understanding of current political affairs and how they could potentially play out in history. He has seen firsthand how campaign finance affects many of the politicians and how it can stifle or raise an individual depending on who donates.