Does money decide who can run for and win political office?
John said in 2015 that politics is in some ways run by money, and in 2016 that money corrupts the system yet leaves the power of a vote intact. In 2024 Hank said money has become far too influential in politics.
Axis: yes, politics is run by money ... no, money does not decide outcomes
Positions by date: 4 records in 4 videos. The position was refined (2016, 2018), never reversed, in these records.
John
| date | how | position | video |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-10-20 | first on record | John says politics, especially local politics, are in some ways run by money: a race for Illinois comptroller costs millions, which shows what's wrong with American politics. | Nerdfighteria's Resident Comptroller? 00:03:14 |
| 2016-08-09 | refine | John agrees the system is corrupted by money but does not think money negates the power of a vote; rich people vote at far higher rates. | Why I Didn't Vote (And Six Reasons You Might Not) 00:01:53 |
| 2018-02-20 | refine | John says we tend to see heirs and billionaires who can buy TV ads as likely politicians, and this imagining is self-fulfilling: people like Daniel seem unlikely to succeed and don't run. | When Your Friend Runs for Governor 00:02:41 |
Hank
| date | how | position | video |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-05 | first on record | Hank says we have let money become far too influential in politics, and there is something to be said for a candidate who builds influence without buying ads with money from special interest groups or donations. | Should I Run for President?? 00:01:56 |