[khriss]

And as if to sprinkle salt on the wounds, the Supreme court today allowed unlimited spending by political parties 'in coordination with allied interests(read the money class)' https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48734220

Moneyed interests have always jockeyed for power, but earlier they were held somewhat in check by Congress which had to listen somewhat to voters. With Citizens united in 2010 and corporate media driving polarization to new heights, big money has been able to drown out ordinary voters at at unprecedented scale.

No wonder, the 1% have never had it so good, when they can literally buy the govt they want. Looks like we're headed back to the gilded age and robber barons.

[actionfromafar]

The 1% are just along for the ride, having a good time. The 0.001% are calling the shots now.

[DiscourseFan]

Yes that spending has been very helpful in keeping all these far left candidates from winning their primaries. It seems like the only thing that matters in politics is money.

[nojvek]

It's not the only thing but it helps. Kamala was being praised for raising almost a billion dollars. The dems spent more money in presidential elections than republicans.

Where money goes further is being able to get attention. If the performance on TV, ads, roadshows is stronger than the other candidate you win.

Politics so so much about showmanship.

Elon with his Nazi salute even though many perceived as negative, it got him lots of attention in Media to be talk of town.

One thing going for Trump is he understands entertainment and attention. Positive or negative, he is center stage in news.

[spopejoy]

And yet, all the spending couldn't dent DSAs huge gains in NYC and now Colorado.

US apparently still has a functioning democracy, at least when candidates ignore the consultants and insiders and speak straight to the voters. Worked for Trump after all, remember that in 2016 the establishment was against him. Sure he's rich but that's not why he "won" (popular vote aside :( )

Just like Maga/populist right, the left can beat the billionaires if they're willing to take the message to the people.

[never_inline]

> the 1%

Nit, you're the 1%. The ones you're talking about are 0.001% or so.

[jimt1234]

Distract the masses with the 'birthright citizenship' ruling, while simultaneously giving the 1% what they paid for: more influence over elections/legislation. 4D chess.

[estearum]

Birthright citizenship is not a distraction

[soupfordummies]

Well it’s by definition a distraction as it sucks all the air out of the newsroom. Doesn’t mean it’s not important just that it’s such a big story that any other rulings are gonna fly under the radar.

[estearum]

Yes, I suppose by that same definition 9/11 or World War 2 were the distractions of their time. Makes sense.

(Hint: that's not a useful nor typical definition of distraction)

[soupfordummies]

Yeah fair enough at least NYT was giving it sub-headline status a bit ago