He certainly didn't get $88 million from the redhats that show up to his rallies...so who are the elite white nationalists that have $88 million?
6
So now I’m a traitor because I financially support a candidate unacceptable to you.
Sadly, you undoubtably don’t grasp the irony of calling someone exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to support a candidate of their choice a traitor.
Or the irony of Democrats calling anyone else “haters.”
2
Disgusting really.
And the duplicitous, double-dealing Trump is a "populist"? Not with his tax cuts for the rich, with scant trickle-down for the declining struggling middle class, and all this big donor money thrown his way. But Trump does try very hard to play a loud-mouth populist on television, and has managed to fool 35-40% of the populace all of the time. At least so far....
But don't his fans know that he who pays the piper calls the tune? And we need to know just what tunes these big donors are demanding Trump play for each and every one of them.
We the measly "little people" have never needed campaign transparency more than after the disastrous democracy-destroying pay-to-play Citizens United Supreme Court decision.
So thank you New York Times for naming names of some of Trump's big contributors, who, I hope lose their shirts and lots of their money after Trump's disgraceful, traitorous, treacherous Helsinki performance.
3
He also has Russia on his side!!!
1
Yep those tax cuts for the filthy rich recycled right back into Trump's campaign.
1
Can it be used for his defense fund?
I recently discovered that I may be a Canadian citizen. If so, I will be exercising that right if Trump is re-elected. In the meantime I will volunteer and donate to Democrats in the hopes that we can oust these traitors.
2
...and why not? After all, Trump is not here to govern. He is here to rule. To rule, you have to make holding onto power your only goal.
All politicians love power to some extent. It comes with the territory. But none has been so open in their love of power for its own sake (and maybe for the sake of graft and patronage) as Trump. Even Nixon at least made some pretenses.
Trump was holding rallies mere weeks after his inauguration because, as much as he is an ignoramus on other issues, he understand the power a cult of personality brings. This campaign warchest isn't just about an election, it's about building and sustaining that cult. Full-time Twitter trolls, targeted disinformation, TrumpTV...a cult of personality isn't cheap. People are fooling themselves if they think Trump will just resign when the heat gets too much, or even go quietly if he is ever impeached. A man who said he could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue and not lose any votes is not going to leave voluntarily.
2
It's too tempting a target for grifter Trump. He's going to pocket it, give himself an omnibus pardon going out the door, and then blame any fall-out all on Hillary.
2
Hillary out spent Trump and of course could raise more money faster. Money did not win last time it won't win the next time either.
If the economy is good and the president is delivering he will beat any and all Dems.
How much of these funds came from tax cuts for the rich?
3
Why do I somehow doubt that not all of the 88 million dollars is NOT from legal campaign donations?
3
Who are the fools who would contribute to his campaign after Helsinki?
7
fellow criminals and traitors
1
After the Putin love fest today, if I was dumb enough to give money to Trump, I would ask for a refund.
2
How much of this money came from the Trump Foundation?
3
It will be interesting to see if Traitor Trump can buy his next election. I'm sure Putin will get another billion to him if necessary. How does it feel to watch your country go down the drain?
4
How much of that is Russian money. How much of the junk he is peddling is made in China?
6
The continued fundraising effort by Mr. Trump’s campaign operation is a smart move by President Trump’s campaign committee. This reflects a constant forward-looking mindset in this group. This is a change from the usual trends with past presidents. Cultivating donors is important in order to raise money for the campaign. It is unfortunate that political campaigns have come to who can raise the most money, but it is a keen and strategic move on this campaign team to recognize that and make moves.
3
Would it be a violation of campaign finance laws if he used some of this money to defend himself from an impeachment hearing, or being tried for treason?
2
@BD How foolish, impeachment is the trial for any crimes the president might be charged with. And legal treason is for "enemies", while Russia is no friend of ours, they are not an enemy, at least not yet. Ignorance abounds in a fantasy alternative reality that many live in.
Perhaps you should list the amount in the proper currency: 5.5 billion Russian rubles.
6
Trump’s war chest may be all about paying legal fees. His and the many folks he plans to pardon.
4
Call me skeptical, but millions of these dollars will be used, legally, to pay for all of Mr. Trump's legal bills which appear to have no end. I suspect he will need to double this amount to have any real money for 2020, as the legal bills will only grow over time.
Mr. Trump will always protect himself first. These dollars are a down payment for that legal protection. Mr. Trump's re-election needs will be dealt with later.
8
How much of this is laundered Russian money?
12
If the Lord, Almighty God hears and answers prayers, Trump will not need any money at all for the 2020 campaign. .......? Well.....for the reason that he will be in a federal penitentiary or some other very, very confining space - courtesy the US judicial system.
9
Hopefully the money will be completely wasted. This man is not fit to be president. Treating as if he were is a delusion that has to stop
9
So if he is impeached for being Putin's puppet can he use that money to pay his lawyers? After all we know he is broke.
9
What this a measure of is how beloved Trump is to his followers
After all his Tweets, insults, investigations, policy failures, broken promises he can still rake in the money.
Within the GOP he is beloved.
3
@Blue Even the media understand that within his authority he is doing exactly what he promised. EXACTLY!!!
If the Trump hostile commentary is any indication of the hostile opposition he will be facing, I am glad that he has a large war chest for his re-election.
3
Make RUSSIA Great Again : GOP 2018.
YOU own that creature, Republicans. Enjoy.
18
2020 campaign?
Ruh ro....hold your horses....
Tell Donald Trump that Bob Mueller charged yet another witch:
This person admits to be a part of the communication staff to and from Russia for Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
Russian National Charged in Conspiracy to Act as an Agent of the Russian Federation Within the United States
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/russian-national-charged-conspiracy-act-a... …
10
@Whining Snowflake The witch hunt is related to collusion, not to attempts (feeble ones) to divide our country. Seems like many Dems and progressives are doing that job for them.
That 88million is only the surface of Putin’s slush fund.
9
Smart voting needs to defeat smart (er, big) money in 2018 and 2020. Big money is extremely happy with Trump. The lower 90% are merely serfs who don't need to have many rights except the 2nd Amendment.
7
Our revered supreme court denied big money in elections is bribery, using the lie worthy of Trump that unlimited money is Free Speech per the 1st amendment. Our constitution can mean whatever the powerful want it to mean.
The financial returns on investment are excellent, with the increase in political influence.
If we had more public financing, the average citizen could compete better with the special interests, to make some ‘investment’ in their candidates, thus get some representation for our interests. It's called Democracy. Is public financing a taboo topic in our media?
Wikipedia:
"In the European Union, many countries do not permit paid-for TV or radio advertising for fear that wealthy groups will gain control of airtime, making fair play impossible and distorting the political debate in the process."
Of course, distort the public debate. They define 'free speech' differently from our S. Court.
Here, even our more public spirited, non corrupt candidates must be in our big money system. Obama raised plenty from mega donors. This restricts them in representing We The People. ACA preserves insurance profits with our taxes as 1st priority.
Reform of campaign finance is what we must start marching in the streets for. Make the press face the issue instead of avoiding it, and just reporting on the big money horse race.
Hash tag?
8
Outlaw campaign contributions and only outlaws will fund campaigns.
1
@Meredith
McCain and Obama both promised to use public financing and thereby cap their fundraising. McCain honored his commitment. Obama did not.
Hillary spent three or four times as much as Trump, and she is the one who got the FEC to bar Citizens United from distributing their information.
Citizens United is organized exactly the same way as moveon.org, media matters, OFA and other left wing organizations. They have the same rules for political activities as unions. Why do you object to right wing individuals organizing to advance their political views without similarly objecting to unions and Acorn?
The biggest problem with our system of the best government money can buy has nothing to do with campaign finance. It has to do with the jobs provided to friends, family, former elected officials. People do not spend millions of dollars to run for offices that pay $100,000. They do it for the insider tips, participation in "investment opportunities" and other wealth building strategies. If you believe Hillary was able to invest a borrowed $1000 and turn it into $100,000 in nine months in the futures markets by reading the WSJ, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
Similarly, if you looked at the Clinton income tax returns and believe, for example, that the $30 million per year in Bill's income for speeches and consulting would have been paid if Hillary was not in a position to grant favors, I'll give you a discount on another bridge.
1
@ebmem... to your condescending and distorted reply --- Both sides compete in a money arms race. Obama raised big money, Clinton got millions from banks, etc. I contrast EU, where that's not the norm.
But what are the objectives of unions, and liberal big donors? To increase economic equality, fairness and human rights against exploitation. The objectives of the Kochs, Adelsons, big insurance and Wall St, etc is obviously private profit and power.
1
We need to see a list of these donors in order to organize boycotts.
11
Our free press reports the money horse race, as it escalates each election.
This sets up a vicous cycle---highest fund raisers get most press publicity, then polls usually show them ahead of the low fund raisers, so they raise still more money, more press, higher polls, more money...etc.
Even if the very highest fund raiser politician doesn't win, due to other factors, the norms are set up so candidates stay within the guidelines set by corporations and their power over policy.
Campaign media ads are our biggest expense, needing billionaire check writing, and constant fundraising by our elected representatives. We the people can't compete, so we don't influence policy.
Polls show we differ on most issues with big donors. Yet supposedly 'freedom loving' Americans don't march in protest against the selling of our democracy, that blocks all reform.
Wikipedia:
"In the European Union, many countries do not permit paid-for TV or radio advertising for fear that wealthy groups will gain control of airtime, making fair play impossible and distorting the political debate in the process."
These ads swamp American. That's the swamp we need to clean.
Many ripple effects. Other nations with more election public funding have had affordable universal health care for generations. We don't yet. Obvious link
4
Eric, at this point, I don't care who's at the top of the ticket. I haven't given it too much thought. My attention in on the 2018 election. We need to flip the House and Senate, and get Trump out in 2020.
Let's please not make the same mistake in 2020 that we made in 2016. We need to stay focused and vote for the democratic nominee. You can have your preference, without letting your emotions get the best of you. It is imperative that we take back the House, Senate and the Presidency to ensure most of the issues we want addressed are addressed.
If we haven't learned anything else, we should know by now that regardless of whether your guy gets nominated or not, you must vote because the alternative is not pretty. It can actually be detrimental to the country.
20
Who’s “we”? Do you speak for all readers? No, I don’t think so.
3
Absolutely right!!!
Is he allowed to use that money for his legal fees? It’s more likely it will be needed there than in a re-election campaign.
11
The more he makes, the more likely he is to resign and pocket the money — no wonder he started so early.
6
What legal fees have you billed to President Trump?
1
He doesn't need the money anyway so there isn't any "influence peddling". He did very little advertising last time but got HUGE coverage from the media (they thought they were hurting him but they actually were helping him). He probably earns over a billion per year so this is pocket change for him. Ivanka could write an $88M check today if she wanted to.
6
@Patrick McCord
I think that you meant Melania, and I'm sure she doesn't have much access to the "big bucks" that you're saying trumpster has!
2
Please! The guy did PLENTY of advertising! Further, your comment about his PERSONAL finances is ludicrous. "Probably"?! As for ivanka, I guess you're not real clear on the concept that political offices in this country are not supposed to be sold to the highest bidder. Pay attention!!!
1
This is no difference than Democrats and the money they will amass for the 2020 election. Based on what I've seen by the Democrats bickering with each other already it looks like the lessons of 2016 have already been forgotten.
7
We're either at the point where Trump is so enamored of Putin that he can't think straight on the world stage---- or that Russia has so much compromising information on him they own him. Putin never denied having the goods on him.
Thus far Republicans in the House and Senate are merely clutching their pearls as Trump questioned U.S. intelligence agencies’ conclusion Moscow interfered in the election.
He stood there standing beside-- glowing --and smiling at Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying he “didn’t see any reason why” the finding would be true. An American president just took the side of Russia over our intelligence community. Wake up Republicans!
8
@Whining Snowflake Neither the president is doing exactly what he promised, trying to get a better relationship with Russia to get something done. His meeting did nothing to reduce the punishments Russia has gotten.
Trump started campaigning for reelection before he was even inaugurated.
15
Put the money in escrow to pay all those that he owes?
9
What do you believe President Trump owes?
2
@RenegadePriest I have read he's taken $100M loses against his earnings in his taxes after his Atlantic City disaster. It was his Commerce Secretary Ross who let him off the hook then.
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-wilbur-ross-commerce-20161208-...
I don't know how much he still owes.
1
According to the book The Signal and the Noise, money does not really have much impact on who wins an election. Ask
Joe Crowley... ...or Hillary Clinton.
6
After all Trump has done and said, there's only one word to describe a person who would openly support and give money to him-
cancer.
10
He'll need this money for when he gets charged with Treason for not protecting the people of the US from the Russian attacks and meddling in the election.
12
Describe the specific charges and support them with evidence.
1
@mjbarr Obama was the one that knew about them, and did nothing, and I saw no bombs, so no attack either.
We need only remember that Obama pulled in almost ten times that amount in 2008 and most of those dollars translated into individual votes--an avalanche of them. You can have 100 large donors give you $1 million each, but it's still only guarantees 100 votes and little more. The Republicans will indeed need the Russians help again but that won't work this time as more Americans their lose health care, income, and livelihoods.
I'm directing my donations right now to specific midterm elections to win back the Senate and the Congress. After those elections and we settle on a Democratic candidate, I expect donations to push close to 1 BILLION dollars for the Democrats, and most of it being from grassroots efforts around the country.
If we learned anything from 2008, 2012, and 2016, it's turn out, not dollars, that produces a win at the ballot box. A few fat cat donations will not determine our next president. GOTV
7
@Sherrie...generally it's the wealthy megadonors who 1st of all shape policy NORMS by their support or non support of members of congress. And by lobbying and think tanks, and influence on state legislatures.
Mega donors scout the field of future candidates, offering $$ support, picking their favorites likely to stay within their norms of profit protection. Then they factor in who might get the most votes of citizens.
Then they pour huge sums into marketing and promoting their favorite candidates. Our biggest expense--media campaign ads---are not even allowed as private promotion in most European countries, so they can't dominate the political discourse.
The mega donors ultimately determine the nominees we must choose from, standing in long lines to vote, while the big donors sit back and watch, confident they won't lose too much.
Both parties must vie for financing from private-profit corporations, escalating the $$ with each election. The favorites of the big money might not always win, but whoever does win will not go very far outside the limits of policy set by mega donors. Their money was legalized as free speech by the S. Court. They call the shots.
Thus we are the only modern country still without affordable health care for everyone---generations behind the world.
Obama improved our horrible h/c situation, but he passed a GOP type plan, and it carefully preserved insurance profits with our taxes. We have to be thankful for such small favors.
5
@Meredith, Mega-donors are known to back the people they expect to lose in the party they disfavor.
I used to agree with you but after the 2008 election, and also the influence of social media on the 2016 election, I don't anymore. Hillary thought she would be a shoo-in before Obama entered the race. Mitt Romney and his mega-donors felt they had a chance. But it was the grass roots movement that changed politics and that also got Trump elected (remember Hillary garnered more dollars than Trump in campaign funds). So while mega donors do have influence, social media has leveled the field somewhat, for better or for worse.
Yes, and how much money has Trump pumped into the US infrastructure? Enlighten us with a long list of how Trump is helping our infrastructure.
8
It is my understanding from past articles that trump's campaign funds are paying legal fees from the Russian Interference Investigation. At this rate there won't be any left. Besides he doesn't need campaign funds when Putin is running the elections & trump will automatically win in 2020. republicans will win in 2018 because trump just asked putin to put in the election fix on the midterms. Yes the elections are rigged in trump/gop favor. If trump is doing nothing treasonous why will he not have this meetings with record takers & recordings with cameras? Who handed who a check? trump paying putin for new elections or putin paying trump for good job done.
2
Support your "understandings" with actual receipts, then maybe someone will believe you.
1
Trump started the election rallies soon after his inauguration, maybe he just needed to forget the puny crowds at his inauguration.
6
Those “puny” crowds still voted him in.
1
Wait until Trump pockets those $88 million but never runs for election. His transgressions will catch up with him before it's time for 2020.
6
Mr. Mueller could not move any faster. Please, let's keep this narcissistic monster from running for a second term. The future of this country is at stake.
And please, pass a law to establish intelligence tests as being mandatory for all candidates running for president.
7
@ClydeMallory No "law" is possible, that would take and amendment to the constitution. Let me administer them and well few progressives would pass.
Trump is collecting money. It is his favorite hobby. What will become of this money is anyone's guess, being that money that goes to Trump seems to disappear.
3
Trump is achieving something the perpetually flummoxed, feckless Democrats can't do: he's killing the GOP for profit. If this is what it takes, then by all means let the man proceed.
4
@Next Conservatism
yes, but he is taking down the rest of the country too.
1
A Russian agent for President? Europe as a foe? Caging children? A tsunami of lies? Grift, theft and ignorance on parade? The environment and the planet be damned? Health care denied? Guns worshipped? Race hatred? Police executions? Trade war? Fawning over despots? Destroying democracy? A rigged judiciary? No healthcare? No education? Grinding poverty and addiction? Victimising the poor? Obscene wealth? Bespoke propaganda services? No effective opposition? Is this the American Dream? Time to get off your phone and march, straight to the polling booth before that too is taken away from you.
7
You forgot a big one ... rampant misogyny.
Add this to an increasingly uneducated American public, and it will be Donald Trump in a landslide in 2020!
3
Can anyone in the GOP see our nation being sold? Are there ANY human beings left in my old party? If you are there, PLEASE STAND UP AND SHOUT!
19
Considering the approximately 2 BILLION Dollars Trump was granted in media, from convention through election, the next democrat who doesn't request (and is granted) equal time would be a fool of epic proportions.
8
I have no doubt, White America will elect trump for 4 More Years! You can BET on IT!
6
Article omitted that most of Trump's donations are from small contributors and tries to make it look like Trump's support is from a few wealthy contributors. The omission results in deception rather than news and full information. NYT does even its liberal readers a disservice by failing to disclose the nature of Trump's support. Also, why no comparison to historic fundraising? Because other outlets have revealed that Trump's far outstrips his predescessors. Trump's base is larger and more energized even 2 1/2 years before the election. The Dems used to be the party of the people, but now only get support from the elites. Unless they recognize that problem and make some effort to get support from the working and middle classes (i.e., offer messages that matter to them), the Dems will lose in fundraising and votes. Trump continues to eat the Democrats' lunch by taking away their base.
7
where did the money come from? Russia, can you hear me?
10
Yes, it's definitely Russian $$. Bought and paid for.
Please include a list of contributors. The report is not something I have time to sorth through. I thought that's what the NYTimes does.
4
@mariettam I think that most are small donations, and no list is kept for those.
$88 million that doesn't really matter. Trivial compared to what is going on behind the scenes.
What about the "dark money" donations that Citizens United made possible?
What about Russian interference that the Trump administration is doing nothing about?
What about the Koch's organization? GOP voter suppression? Gerrymandering?
Look behind the curtain, NYT!
5
Now do a story on former Feinstein staffer Dan Jones and the Penn Quarter Group that raised $50 million to spread Fusion GPS material against Trump. A few huge donors.
And of course Obama's Organizing for Action and what they're doing in the 2018 mid-terms and beyond, organizing tens of thousands across the US. They 're laughably a 501(c)3 "non-political" non-profit so NYT should be able to get some info on them. Takes serious cash for that kind of operation.
4
And is someone figuring out how much money he and his family have made through their blatant immoral and illegal use of the presidency? Or are we just all continuing to pretend that the guy is a politician?
13
@Dale Copps They actually have lost money and opportunities they are declining. Now perhaps after he is done being president they might more than make up for it. Most past presidents become very wealthy, Obama is coming.
And is someone figuring out how much money he and his family have made through their blatant immoral and illegal use of the presidency? Or are we just all continuing to pretend that the guy is a politician?
4
Donald Trump during the campaign; "I will pay for my campaign".
6
Apparently this guy isn't interested on running the country, only interested in getting re-elected, just like all the rest of them in Washington DC.
5
So of the $88 Million, how much came from Russia through the NRA? Trump acted like a 1970's republic party boss under Leonid Breshnev, nothing but suck up.
In the Cold War days he'd have not been coming back here afterward, knowing what would be waiting for him. Now we find out from Schumer that there's a bill being put together by the Republican Trumps supporters in the House to weaken sanctions against Russia as a response to Friday's indictments.
The Republican party seems to be going for Soviet Socialist Republic status. What a disgrace.
10
This president is for sale. He is creating the biggest DC SWAMP ever created. He is compromised by, and beholding to, Putin and any industry willing to throw money at him.
9
$88 Million? Mere chump change in the era of multi-billion $ campaigns. And what about dark money? And let's not forget about free media coverage by Fox, Breitbart, and-yes-even the NY Times,
5
No one dislikes Trump more than I do but lets face it.
He will win re-election. The Democrats are not going to take back congress, and things will just get worse.
Why? The Democratic Party. They are too inept to fight their way out of a wet paper bag. Either that or they are complicit in everything the Republicans are doing. This seems more likely as no one could be that weak or stupid for this long.
Bush was re-elected too. I am just waiting for the right time to make my exit from this place for good.
5
Trump lost the popular vote by more than 3 million. His victory was a fluke, in part caused by cynical non-voters and those who opted for a third (i.e. automatic loser) party.
You sound like Trump: blame the Democrats for everything. It's not that simple, Rick.
7
You forgot to mention the help DJT got from his Russian friends. Hence the multiple indictments of Russian intelligence agents.
A couple of kisses from our real foe Putin and his Russian hackers and Trump sold our country to the enemy. This is treason and Trump needs to be removed to a mental hospital. We do not want Putin for president. America is not Crimea. There will a revolution if Trump is not removed from office. He must go and we can’t wait for the fascist Republican Congress to act anymore.
5
It shows the left what just demonizing opponents does to the opponent. Trump will likely be re-elected in a landslide, not Reaganesque, but in that vein. The only difference is now the left coast and NE have gone of the deep end. He will likely pick up several new states beyond the 30 he won last time though. You cannot just lay back and whine and call names and expect your electoral prospects to improve. Every time a comment here and elsewhere uses the terms racists, bigot, Nazi, stupid, unqualified, etc... you can just throw votes toward Trump. People want to debate issues, not see the left debasing their opponents. There is quickly becoming a permanent conservative electoral majority in this country, because of the pure hatred of the left for anyone that might vote for conservative ideals.
8
What/which conservative ideals?
2
OK. We have Putin's puppet in the WH. Richard Condon's fiction come to life. Worse, we have a GOP, an acronym that now stands for Goons of Putin. We are in deepening trouble unless Americans buck up and vote these dangerous people out of office.
9
I love it.
Who are the Dems going to run???? Warren....lol
This is already almost over (again)
7
Trump can raise all the money he wants. He will be convicted of treason before he can spend a dime.
4
He'll need every dime to buy asylum in some foreign country after he's impeached and convicted of treason.
7
Well, Putin and the oligarchs need to put their money some place and investing to keep their agent in place probably makes as much sense as anything else.
If there ever was a time that underscored the need for complete transparency and audit path for political contributions, this be it.
4
I agree about Joe Biden at the top, and they will need either Warren or Sanders as VP on the ticket or it will be HRC all over again.
4
Secretary Clinton was the last Boomer on the Democratic ticket. President Trump will be the last Boomer on the GOP ticket, if he runs. VP Pence will not move up; he is too old. He can run with President Trump, but has no other option.
The rest of America are finally tired of us, especially our whining and complaining. Nominating one of us for “fresh ideas” is ludicrous. It is Gen X’s turn.
4
I hope and pray that you are right. We need socialists like warren and sanders on the ticket.
Can he use it for legal fees? He will need it.
7
The article says he has indeed used it for legal fees, to the tune of 8 million + dollars. The guy is a walking gold mine for attorneys.
3
He already is using it for legal fees. Millions. He has a lot if legal issues.
3
Who knows what the Russians will kick in?
And then there's the money that will come though back-channels, like the millions that flowed in to Cohen.
These are the glory-days of Mammon and all who serve Him.
7
The spending of your tax dollars is on sale now to the highest bidder (really, they are).
5
I wonder how the "forgotten man" feels learning his MAGA donations are going to pay the legal bills of a NY City real estate billionaire.
10
Eventually, the language we use to describe a candidate's fundraising has to change. Enough with the word "fundraising"....call it what it is --- how much are you paying to buy the candidate? It's a bribe, it's a quid pro quo, it's cash paid to get what you want in return at the expense of everyone else without the money. It's called a bribeocracy. It hasn't been a democracy in several decades.
7
So what... The big news is where is the money going. His legal defense fund?
3
Putin has already fixed the next one too.
2
What matters to people most is their quality of life, which includes coin in their pocket. Libs need to understand the anxieties of the common man - which includes climate change and the impact on their kids.
2
What happened to drain the swamp? You know, get rid of lobbyists, cronyism, all the perceived negative aspects of politics.
Trump wouldn't recognize the hypocrisy of this if it tussled his comb over. Funding by super PAC's and wealthy individuals with their own agendas may now be part of the game but wasn't this what Trump was supposed to help fix?
"A Conservative Government is an organized hypocrisy."
Benjamin Disraeli
3
I wonder how much of that $88 million can be traced back to Saudis and Emiratis?
5
Do you count guilty pleas Ralph? I think there have been three so far...
3
There's an old saying in life, "To get to where you want to go, you must first help others get to where they want to go." And, the secret to helping others get to where they want to go is solid economy and good jobs for anyone who wants to work.
Trump re-wrote the book on national politics. He's been running for re-election since the day he took office. He periodically holds large campaign rallies in various states to over flow crowds. And, the punchline? Trump ran and won on an good old fashioned Democratic platform, the party of the working man! He ran and won on Bill Clinton's playbook: "It's the economy, stupid!"
Now, unless and until the Democrats wake up and smell the coffee and offer a better program to the average working man and woman, than Trump, they won't be able to win the office of dog catcher any time soon.
The Democratic Party used to be the party of the working man. Not anymore. Now, it's the party of the Hollywood elite, the California Wine snobs. Their lone message has been "Trump is bad." But beyond that they have no plan, program or direction outlining anything different.
Had the Democrats not neglected the working man in the first place, they would still be in power today.
7
So a big tax cut that 85% went to the 1%, is somehow “for the working man” ? Explain that please. And why are wages stagnant? Falling because of inflation!
2
Yeah, your vote in Seattle will sure go a long way to change Congress, and oust Trump in 2020. LOL. The left coast is delusional about their ability to effect electoral outcomes. If you live in a location that votes 80%+ democrat, all your hatred and spite does is encourage the opposite result in other places.
6
$87.5 million is in rubles.
1
So does tRump get to keep the left over money,when he loses.
7
This isn't a campaign fund, its hush money.
When Republicans realize how toxic Comrade Trump is after the mid-terms, he will be persuaded to step out of politics to spend more time with his family. He will say the Deep State is too strong, but he solved all the problems, probably the most ever, and it's time to step down.
It's the only reason he ran in the first place, to cash in.
6
Of course the Supreme Narcissist has already begun fundraising! Remember when he bragged he could fund his own campaign? Sad times for the US.
6
Don’t be so blind!
This money will be used to pay off Michael Cohen and to pay legal fees for DJT and his family.
Much of this cash comes from the surplus funds from DJT’s inauguration. Some accounts have that as high as 40 million unclaimed dollars that were not needed because so few showed for the inauguration.
I think it’s more telling that Dems DO NOT need the cash to unseat the GOP candidates in 2020 because they will be so damaged and DJT will be in prison.
DJT needs the cash, his rivals won’t.
No worries!
4
Funny thing that Liberals in general and the Times in particular don't get...
I really pretty much loathe Trump the person. But I completely DESPISE the agenda of the Democrats from top to bottom. Given a choice between them, I'd vote for Trump if it were only to provide a counterbalance to whatever insipid, Politically Correct, #MeToo candidate the Dems run in 2020. And this is kinda sad. Democrats have one path to the White House. His name is Joe Biden. I'm 99% sure the Democratic Party hasn't a clue about this calculus.
5
Funny thing about people like you, full of self-loathing that you would support a puppet of Putin over a generic Democrat.
15
Sexual assault isn’t just a politically correct issue. It’s a legal issue for those who are responsible for these crimes. #metoo is just law and order.
4
Sure. Who in their right mind would want affordable health care, a living wage, clean air and water and good infrastructure?
4
Sure hope these campaign funds are being used for all those rallies and I include the cost of the transportation and the increased security and security costs.
4
Paying those supporters who sit in the key seats behind him on the stage must cost a lot. We never see any other people just behind him. Guess those applaud & cheer machines are pretty cheap though.
1
Boggles the mind when contemplating how the wealthy and powerful in America are capable of throwing money away in such an unworthy venture. Imagine the good $88 million could do if properly allocated in education or health care, to name just two areas which affect all Americans. With robber capitalists like Amazon and Wal-Mart prospering, we can hardly expect much from old nobless oblige, either.
10
If Citizens United had not struck down the federal government’s claim to have the authority to ban distribution of a movie critical of Hilary Clinton, that power would now be in the hands of DRT who could be using it to ban movies, books and other publications critical of him. Think about it and you WILL thank John Roberts.
1
88 million would add less than 1/4 of a thousandth of a penny to each dollar of US healthcare expenditure. I can’t shrink my imagination that much.
Keep warning my friends -- who watch nothing but MSNBC .... I'm not seeing Trump dropping as I travel around -- his base is solid and they like what he is doing. In fact ... I think it's growing.
Was out east this weekend and witnessed the cocoon in full force. The special council better kill the king -- wounding will still result in a win.
If anybody thinks Booker, Harris or Warren are going to pull away his support .. they are really wrong.
10
His base is approximately 38% of the country and it is not growing and never will. There is no gray area where independents will jump to him. His support is baked in the cake at this juncture. I’m hopeful for the midterms.
2
Theses campaign donations are chump change compared to the value provided by the 24 hour a day conservative multi-media propaganda machine. Even I sometimes fall for the fantasy world they’re creating for their devotees.
6
I wonder how many donors are wishing for their money back after today's debacle (I nearly wrote "capitulation") in Helsinki?
I also wonder how many GOP senators and representatives among those facing reelection in November are regretting their unswerving, uncritical, cringing support for Trump? May they pay for it at the polls.
7
How much does Hillary have?
After Comrade Donald's performance in Helsinki, even conservative white red necks won't jump on his bandwagon.
Kissing up to our enemies will not sit well with the American people. Trump's disturbing fantastical relationship with Putin, not the Russia investigation, will be his undoing.
6
Don't kid yourself. These people are intoxicated with rage and delusional with petty power.
3
Really? That's all he has?
When it takes a billion - and a village - to get elected then this is thin gruel, indeed.
But as another commentor pointed out, isn't this $$$$ being used to pay attorneys for the "witch hunt "that Putin just admitted to this morning....?
That Pooty-poot..... what a witch....
2
Looks like clown Trump has enough money to send one of his MAGA red-baseball hatted idiots to every home in America.
6
Great given another 6 years of winning for America in office he might exceed what Clinton spent as a loser.
1
Who and which organizations are still funding this inept, egomaniacal, blubbering fool? And WHY?
5
"President Trump has raised more than $88 million for his re-election campaign"....I suspect he will probably need all of it to use for his legal defense fund.
11
Good move, Linda... But if you can wait until after the November election, that would be great. We need every vote we can get!
1
More evidence that the swamp continues to thrive as the president studiously avoids that campaign promise. Pay to play is alive and well.
4
Since most fundraising of this nature is done after the mid-terms, the question is, “Why now?’ The answer is most of the big donors can buy their influence now, as indicators are emerging that the mid-terms will not go well for Republicans and Trump’s political influence will hopefully wane if not be entirely undercut by a possible impeachment. With the stroke of a pen, an executive order can be bought now and the windfall goes to the donor now. The cash collected by the Republican recipient will be diverted to wherever the cash needs to go – whether in violation of campaign laws or not. It doesn’t matter to them. To date, they’ve never been held accountable for anything.
6
People contribute to politicians they perceive as winners. Exactly which Democratic politician is a winner today?
3
Hillary Clinton. And every other Democratic Presidential candidate in six of the last seven contests.
1
Perhaps this is because "most of his predecessors" at least made an attempt to do their job instead of treating the office of the President as a combination money-making-scheme/reality TV show.
10
Very typical Trump slick approach to increasing personal wealth. All funds donated to a fund that is controlled by Trump for his election campaign BUT are not used in the case of a lost election, can be claimed by Trump as personal income (taxable). Alternatively, Trump could, as he did in his last campaign, simply book events at Trump facilities and charge himself higher rates for using the facilities; thereby siphoning founds into his pockets.
5
yet another way the old Trumster monetizes his presidency.
who will be in control of this loot leading up to his possible run for a second term? what if he doesn't run, or doesn't spend it all, or has an even better scam in mind, shades of the inauguration funding?
I anticipate some new portraits in oil and a lot of money shuttled off to underwrite legal fees.
3
It's good to know that 1 out of every 5 dollars goes to legal defense.
3
Remember how a 225,000 $ gift was enough to buy a loophole for those awful glider trucks with their carcinogenic emissions? (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/politics/epa-pollution-loophole-gl...
Not surprisingly, in the Citizens United era, corporate donations favour the party with the best prices on legislation.
I would not at all be surprised if Trump got re-elected.
1
Trump is going to need that money. He's not going to the get the free air time worth millions of dollars like he did the last go-round.
Are you listening, Morning Joe?
2
Oh where, oh where are the Democrats,
Oh where, oh where can they be?
The Democrats had better start working both on the mid-term elections, as well the 2020 elections, RIGHT NOW!
I want to see them on TV, on the Radio, in the trenches, and in the red states, otherwise, the USA be stuck with the Republicans for a long, long, time!
10
How much is he stealing from his charities to fund his campaign?
9
The World struggles to understand how this fool was elected in the first place. If he was re-elected I think that the World will lose all confidence in Americans to elect someone who is not a dangerous, insular bigot.
16
He is here for another 6 years at least, thanks to passive aggressive Republcians like David Brooks who always manages to in between saying he is abysmal, talk about how the thing he is doing is either not really his fault or has some really good aspect to it. and well if he commited Treason, emboldens murderous dictators LIke Un and Putin while insulting and destroy our alliances who were there in our hour of need Like Canada was at 9/11, wellwhat can you do? Make no mistake, Mitch, Rand, Gowdy, and Ryan and yes Brooks gives this guy a Mulligan for Treason. So yes he is here for 6 more years, funny thing Brooks wrote a column before he was president saying that Republicans woud be judged harshly for enabling this terrible man, and so The Bell will toll for thee David, after those 6 years. Jeresulem with have its Embassy, but make no mistake the bell will toll.
5
A nice fat campaign chest can do double duty as a legal defense fund.
6
The candidate who claimed to be so rich he didn't need or want donations for his campaign seems to need a lot of donations. Nothing that Trump claims about himself rings true.
6
All I can say is that if the American people re-elect this maniac, they have it coming in spades.
17
Well that might reflect the fact that he is the only declared Republican candidate and that there are no Democratic candidates. If Trump does not run then the Republicans will be in a pretty bad place. And it seems likely to me that he might decide against it.
Unless the economy dramatically collapses President Trump will be reelected in 2020. The GOP could not have been given a better set of circumstances with the Democrats moving to the far left with proposals to abolish ICE and other leftist proposals. The personal wealth of many Americans has increased significantly since President Trump took office—that is if they had stock investments. Unemployment for blacks and Hispanics is much better, so those groups while they might not vote for President Trump will not go to the polls for the Democrats. If you look at the history of one-term Presidents they all lost because the economy was weak. The Democrats ran Clinton on the “we hate Trump” platform and lost. What do the Democrats have to offer—more Socialism—hardly a winning platform.
16
Numbers would help your argument. Sorry, what I should have said was "Numbers would bolster your argument, if they existed and proved your point." Unfortunately, they don't
3
Angry--your handle makes my point. The Democrats have no platform that appeals to the voters. If you need numbers Google them yourself.
1
A. Unemployment for the last 15 months is under 4.5%, the lowest in 10 years. Black unemployment for the last year has been under 7.5%, by far the lowest in the last 10 years. Hispanic unemployment for the last 15 months has been under 5.2%, by far the lowest in the last 10 years. [source: federal BLS]
B. The S&P 500 was at 2100 when Trump was elected; it is now at 2800 - a rise of 33% over the course of 20 months.
C. The only one term Presidents in the last 50 years were Carter and Bush Sr. Carter faced an economic recession,the Iranian hostage crisis, an inter-party primary challenge from Kennedy, and a third party candidate who got 6.6% of the vote. Bush faced an economic recession, and a third party candidate who got 18.9% of the vote. (By comparison, Jill Stein got 1% of the vote.)
2
Let's get 2018 done first. The press doesn't like covering midterms but it's quite arguable that 2010 and 2014 were more important in shaping the political realities in the U.S. than any other election in this century. Press doesn't think they are very exciting and is constantly moving on before the voting happens because if it were up to them, we'd cover presidential election all 4 years.
Democracy is about voting and representing and policy. It isn't about money and horse races and handicapping and skipping on to cover the most exciting instead of dealing with the business of the current elections.
The reason for the "five freedoms" in the 1st amendment is so that our democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Freedom of the press is meant to be at service to a healthy democracy, not to insure the existence of clickbait and glitz and pushing consumer hot buttons.
9
Trump's money doesn't matter to me, or to anyone I know. We're all ready to vote to change Congress in 2018, and oust him in 2020. Admittedly, that won't counter whatever Russian interference Trump approves and election rigging he buys with that money, but it's all we, just regular people, can do. Vote and hope for the best.
8
All the money will not help when Mueller files indictments. The money would be redirected for court battles in violation of campaign finance laws.
8
Indictments are easy and meaningless. Any attorney can win in a one-sided proceeding without an opposing attorney or judge present. Let me know when you have actual convictions to talk about.
2
Forget convictions, there is never going to be an indictment of Trump. DOJ policy precludes it. And Rosenstein, who has to sign off on any indictment, is going to follow DOJ policy.
1
May the bidding begin! And the Russian hacking! The presidency is for sale and the American brand - yes, brand - is the goal of every Political Action Committee of the two titular parties. A not so novel idea would be to depreciate the place of money's influence in the political process. Partisanship is at a premium and truth as a part of public dialogue is bankrupt. No wonder so many Americans have turned their backs on the stage and headed for the exits.
7
He will have billions. If Elizabeth Warren is the best we can come up with, he won't even need it.
15
And for those of you hoping that Booker, or mini-me (Deval Patrick) will mobilize the Obama base, I got news for 'ya; the world has moved on.
3
Wait until Planned Parenthood settles on a malleable Democrat candidate (from among many) who cannot be bought, only rented.
Then the fundraising gap will narrow considerably.
1
Frank--Does this mean that you are FOR anti-choice AND the death penalty, like so many other "pro-lifers?"
6
Yes, The Con Don is raking in the dough from his International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/radical religion Good Old Boys cabal and their operatives. And that's not even counting the "crypto currency" they are probably gifting him with.
Crypto currency is traded between the Robber Barons - their own untraceable "currency". Their very own barter club. Problem is they are bartering with OUR lives and money.
WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones who can/will stop them. As soon as The Con Don is convicted of treason WE must DEMAND that every single cent he and his Robber Baron brethren have stolen be confiscated by OUR federal government and used to pay off the national deficit they have run up. Then we can use OUR hard-earned taxpayer dollars for national, affordable health care, education, housing, power, communications and every other social good we rely on for good lives.
WE must not let them destroy OUR world. Not now. Not ever again.
15
It's already done
I wonder if Geoffrey Palmer ($2 million donation) and Cherna Moskowitz ($1 million donation) will end up in Trump's cabinet one day?
8
Sheldon Adelson threw millions into Mitt Romney's campaign to beat Obama. If we let this man get re-elected, then we are fools. We will be the embarrassment of the entire world.
15
We already are
10
Perhaps the left should stop complaining and start campaigning (or something to that effect.)
10
“Most of his predecessors.” Who was the exception? Was it the man who gave us the first billion dollar campaign, The one who rolled back the seas, who won the Nobel Peace Prize and impressed Joe Biden by being clean and articulate, Lena Dunham’s “first”. The One.
At least Trump won’t get his fanboys in the federal government to ban videos that criticize him—Hilary closed that by losing Citizens United. I doubt he has a Lois Lerner working for him in the IRS.
5
I'm an American, and I do not want to hear a President demonize immigrants and people from Latin American countries. I don't want to hear him bash our Allies constantly and tell lies daily about trade figures and the supposed wrongdoings of NATO members. I DO want him to hold Russia accountable for their hacking activity, which the DoJ just announced charges on, but so far he is not doing that. So, I guess you could say the one thing I want to hear him say he is not saying.
13
KBronson--He's already done that, and is in the process of shutting down our free press in favor of state-run TV and news. He's going to be our Dictator-in-Chief, if we let him. Is that good with you?
6
And thank you so very much, Chief Justice John Roberts for casting the majority vote in Citizens United. This amassed $88 million for a 2020 campaign in the year of 2018 rests squarely on you, sir, and no one else!
16
And also Chief Justice John Roberts was in the majority in the Janus decision. Which decision already hurts the unions. Which are the only organizations fighting for the workers and the average American people. They are already cutting budgets dedicated to social causes and election campaign. The Supreme Court has been pretty clear: businessman can spend whatever they want without limit and constraint, the unions can not and have to provide free services, which the businessmen do not have to do.
9
I have no doubt in my mind that Trump will be re-elcted in 2020. He is telling Americans what they want to hear. With no competent candidate from the Democratic party, Trump will have it easy. Liberals should finally admit he is doing a great job on PR front in front of American voters.
11
I doubt it. Not that I have any great faith in the electorate. Not since they elected a war criminal a second time.
The reason he won't win the 2nd time is that there are even more crazy people who can cater to the voters. James Madison and JFK must love this, in an ironic fashion.
1
All polls say otherwise.
If ordinary, non-zillionaire American adults contributed even a little to the campaigns of politicians who'd stand up to Trump, they could make change happen.
13
What, like Bernie and his $27? Didn't work.
1
@Oriole How does money get out the vote?? It doesn't and PS Trump lost the popular vote.
This article neglects to mention the vast amount raised from donors that contributed $200 or less.
As the Democrats continue their march left, they further alienate the folks who have been loyal for generations. The Heartland Dems don’t count in the future of the party, only the coastal elites and aggrieved groups do. These voters no longer recognize their party, and view it as incompatible with their values. This will be to the Democratic Party’s detriment.
12
White blue collar union workers continue to vote for Republicans, the same party that has promised to introduce a National Right to Work Law. Most constituents vote for a party because they offer something for them. These people vote for Republicans because all they can see is color. Kiss those Union pensions goodby.
8
Hey you, Jetf Besos‘, Bill Gates and Boombergs of America. If America is worth you a dime, pour a fraction of your multi billions to outspend and silence Trumps 88 million in any Democrats campaign. It’s should be a piece of cake for you.
9
You're right unless Citizens United can be overturned in Congress then over spending will be moot.
Let's hope.
3
Hillary won the popular vote by 3 million votes nationally. Hillary also won the popular vote in California by 4.5 Million votes. That means that Trump won the popular vote in the entire county by 1.5 million votes, not counting California.
You're telling me Liz Warren is more acceptable than Hillary "nationally?"
Hey, I know Trump isn't winning Napa, but you have to know Warren isn't winning anywhere than a more centrist Hillary won.
9
Would it be legal for him to use this cash as a defense fund, or will he have to "borrow" that money from the Russians?
2
Campaign money can be used for babysitting...just sayin'
2
Money backed democracy. Maybe the U.S. should better invest in healthcare or college tuition.
9
Hard to run a campaign from federal prison.
10
The confirmation of the existing order today between Trump and Putin is worth far more than 88 M.
Jeb! would the first piece of evidence of any challenge to Citizen's United. Over $100 million spent and he went from first to last with only 7% support. Money buys advertising, but if you're not selling what people want, it doesn't buy winning. Trump won by selling his own ideas with far less funds than Hillary in the last election.
The problem for the Democrats won't be money in the end, it will be not having a message enough Americans will buy over their improved standard of living since the last election.
7
Apparently, you haven't been paying attention. One party champions fascism, the repeal of consumer protections, the removal of access to health care, and on and on.
22
Imagine the good that money could do. Instead, it's destined for evil purposes.
12
Apparently, you haven't been paying attention. One party champions fascism, the repeal of consumer protections, the removal of access to health care, tax breaks for the undeserving wealthy, removal of social safety nets, and on and on.
12
He won't be around in 2020 to be President. Go Mueller!
14
He doesn't even need a warchest to campaign, he's the human highlight reel. Everything he utters is somewhere between ludicrous and outrageous.
Trying to match him dollar for dollar means nothing because he already generates free publicity. Democrats should focus on fielding a real candidate. Elizabeth Warren is just more of Hillary. I hope Cory Booker runs.
8
I like Cory too.
1
Sorry - did I miss it?
Did i miss the statement of when trump applied to run for "re-election"?
It was the day after he was sworn in as president.
Was it legal for him to do that?
Why, OF COURSE IT WAS!!!!
It's always legal, isn't it?
trump is nothing but a legal criminal.
17
Curiously, the majority of New York Times commenters were cheering the other day upon reading that Michael Bloomberg is pumping $80 million into Democratic races. I don't get it.
As someone who is not a fan of either political party, I don't see how you can be disgusted by the actions of one side when the other is guilty of same. If it's wrong for money to buy votes, then it's wrong for all. Not just for the team you don't like.
16
It’s also stupid to bring a knife to a gun fight. The Dems can use any billionnaire who wants to contribute - only after Dems gain power can they repeal Citizens United.
6
American democracy is half dead, due to the infiltration of money into the system (with the blessing of the Supreme Court), the influence of organizations fronted by Christians and Israeli interests, the sabotaging of our election by Russian meddling aided by the combined deafening silence of 95% of the whole Republican Party and the impotence of the aging leadership in the Democratic Party.
Good luck!
17
I have an appointment with my cardiologist later this week, I will suggest to him a new tool for the stress test he has me do .... the patient says "Trump 2020" 10 times while hooked up to all the monitoring instruments.
25
There is no question in my mind that Trump will be elected to a second term. Whether by rigging, ballot stuffing or whatever means, he was elected in the first place. And the people who got him elected in the first place are mostly (excluding those who couldn’t afford their oxygen or insulin etc....) still out there.
6
This is a fantastic "pin prick" article for all my Democratic friends. You live in a bubble. If you continue to read only the New York Times and the leftist media, to only live and talk with people in New York City and San Francisco, you will think Trump has "no chance" of winning in 2020. Think again. Get out and travel - to Indiana, to Oklahoma, to Texas. To the dying communities upstate in New York, like Niagara Falls. Get out of your bubble.
Does Trump stink? You betcha. Is he outrageous? Absolutely? Are his morals and mannerisms and insult to American traditions? 110%. But it's a binary choice. Nominate Elizabeth Warrren or some such person, and we will have 8 years of Trump. Only a compelling and charismatic moderate Democrat will be able to win. Good luck finding one, but start searching now.
The Trump Train has left the station!
21
And we should listen to you, because...?
You are on the Trump train that left the station...? (Your words not mine)
Elizabeth Warren is Trump’s worst nightmare and that’s why you’re commenting against her.
She’s everything Trump is not: Smart. Passionate. Authentic. Principled.
She knows what it means to be in debt and what ordinary Americans go through in debt (Trump is unfettered by debt as is clear from his six bankruptcies)
She Fights for the 99% not the 1% (whom Trump helped with his tax cuts). She Fights the corrupt and those in power (unlike Trump who has created his own swamp).
Elizabeth Warren is a fighter who will fight for Americans. Donny Boy is a Russian asset.
28
I live in the Midwest.
We're disgusted by lying Trump and his ill informed giddy fans as well.
We'll take our chances and .. we'll see what happens.
There are more indictments to come, and several scheduled stops along the way.
Let's hope the Russians hack and release Don's tax returns. They wouldn't do that to him, though.
They're in there too.
18
Buffalo voted for Clinton.
3
Maybe all the far left Democrat wanna be presidents like Warren, Sanders, and Cuomo can hit up the teacher's union for some money. They are like minded, so it's a natural source of contributions.
5
He never stops campaigning.
This man is in it for his own self-glory.
19
It's always been a business decision. To increase income for the Trump Organization, AND as president, he thinks he is immune to legal action against him.
12
OK Think about what the "soul" of this 242 year old country is worth. It's worth a lot more than 88 million, billion, trillion of however high you want to go. What is truly amazing is we talk about the millions being spent, or is it now billions, to have control of the three parts of the government that is supposed to hold this country together - the Executive, Legislative and Judicial - and yet the counterbalance to all that money is something that doesn'[ cost you a dime, maybe a little exercise and shoe leather, namely, your vote.
It is really ridiculous when you stop and think about it. The magnitude of wealth in some individuals being spent to control who gets the most from our government while the vast and I certainly mean the vast number of Americans could stop them in their tracks by simply voting, not the way money people want you to vote but the way your conscience and your love of country needs you to vote. If 80% of our people voted at a minimum, we could change our government to what the founders intended at the next elections.
Amazing, absolutely amazing!
11
Erroneous conclusion on the money he’s raised. The money is meant for his legal bills for Russia collusion. For Trump, funds are fungible. That’s how he even ran his charity...
In any case: All the money in the world can’t help him change minds. His supporters will stay loyal. His opponents will be energized against him.
There will be (hopefully a small number of) undecideds / independents. They can hopefully understand a simple message:
Vote for the American, not the Russian.
Trump is a Russian asset.
47
Trump knows how to speak to the majority of voters in the Heartland in ways to which they respond. For that reason he sits in the White House, and his election assured (because many vote straight party ticket) that the Republicans control both houses of Congress. For this he is seen as a winner by the ultra-rich who generously fund his campaigns. It feels smart to back a winner and then have him on your side.
By the Heartland I mean that region that extends east to west from Columbus to Omaha and North to South from Minneapolis to Kansas City. What sells there tips the balance and decides whether Progressives or Ultra Conservatives will control the White House and with it Congress.
The Democrats are not speaking to that constituency with a message that registers. They are speaking to constituencies already in their camp in the Northeast and on the West Coast. That does not work. Proof of that is the plurality of 3 million popular votes won by Hillary Clinton in 2016. The Ultra-right still ended up winning the White House and with it both houses of Congress. Until Progressive Democrats learn “Heartland-speak” and how to use it, I very much fear that they will remain the losers.
,
11
Not true. Democrats talk to them about health care, wages, the environment and education but these people don't want to listen to talk about policy, they want someone to hate and look down on and give them easy answers to complex problems.
1
If elections are in the middle, how do you explain the recent far Right tilt of the republicans? There are no moderate republicans left, they all quit.
9
These donors, like their candidate, need to be reminded every day, that Russia, America's longtime geopolitical foe, worked very hard to get Trump elected president. And now he is meeting with Putin, and blaming Russia's support of Bashar Assad, its intervention in Ukraine, annexation of Crimea, jailing of journalists, and interfering in the 2016 election, on the United States. He should not be reelected, but removed, like yesterday.
19
This is the response to those supporters who state,”Trump isn’t doing this for the money”. Once he realized the riches to be had in politics, whether by back door deals for his family, or the accumulation of millions in accounts that can be siphoned off for other purposes , he was fully in board.
I wish the times would publish a graph of relative wealth prior to and after someone is elected to public office in America. It’s a ghastly statistic.
Some have pointed out, as an example, that one of the wealthiest men in the world amassed his fortune without ever having started a business or done anything other than work for the government, or hold public office: Putin.
11
Nobody knows whether Trump plans to run in 2020, not even Trump. However, what he wants to do is keep his base on board and discourage any competition from emerging among the Republicans. This is all strategic, period.
5
Trump will be a two-termer, likely with 3-4 Supreme Court appointments, without some effective action from Democrats.
The party, in tilting left, risks either alienating moderates, or failing to engage them, so that they stay home.
In this scenario, Trump gets re-elected.
Presidential elections are battles for the middle. Dems best remember that when surfacing a candidate.
The prolonged, emotional reaction to Trump’s election victory is actually advancing his cause.
16
Very unlikely that democrats and anti-Trump independents stay home next time around. You may be in denial about anti-Trump sentiment. He is NOT popular or close to it - he has not gained a single voter since 2016.
21
I would agree with your point that elections are won in the middle, but neither party is moving to the center, and the GOP maybe the furthest to the right it's ever been in its existence.
6
Spent Saturday canvassing for a Democratic State Rep. Had one woman state that she would be researching the candidates this November, that she had not done it previously. There is a bit of hope.
5
This " $ 88 million and counting .."is trivia cents, in contrast to the winning election benefit of Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin's military intelligence aka GRU returning bigger and better to hack and meddle in the 2020 Presidential campaign and election.
Putin and Trump are meeting in secret in Helsinki in order to smirk and smile about their winning 2016 conspiracy scheme. And to further malignly plan and plot against preserving, protecting and defending the Constitution of our divided limited power constitutional republic of united states.
Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump constitute a bigoted autocratic white ethnic sectarian misogynist corrupt Judeo-Christian axis of inhumane evil.
36
Anyone who is giving money to Trump election fund is: A traitor the the USA.
118
Why and be specific!
1
Of far, far greater importance to the reelection of Trump is the drumbeat of negativity directed towards him by publications like the Times and as reflected in the overwhelming majority of comments to stories like this.
Calling his supporters names not only solidifies their support but makes genuinely neutral observers wonder what is going on with the other side. The very use of the word "resistance" strongly implies violence and that is one rabbit hole that the left does not want to explore. It is political suicide, as will be seen in 2020.
Here is some advice for 2020: if you don't have something nice to say, shut up. Run someone who is not loathed and despised. Develop issues that Americans can actually support. Open borders, unisex bathrooms and post modern feminism are punchlines, not issues that Americans are going to support. Read and learn or get ready to cry bitter tears for a full two terms and, perhaps, another couple of SCOTUS appointments.
10
"if you don't have something nice to say, shut up"
Please forward this message to the President; he seems to have missed it.
It's funny how liberals are criticized for identity politics such as the transgender bathroom issue, yet it seems to be only the right putting forth legislation banning this or that with regards to the issue. A liberal steps up to defend against such legislation, and they are "too focused on identity politics"...
2
The real problem with the Democrats is not lack of money; it's lack of message.
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I'm so tired of hearing this. Democrats have a message but it's not a slogan on a baseball cap. Anyone who is willing to read, think and pay attention knows what Democrats stand for.
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Jack was being sarcastic.
I disagree, the Democrats have a message it's abolish ICE, open borders, socialism, and white people are bad.
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Trump is just amassing a fortune for retirement.
If he's not impeached before the next election, I don't think he'll run.
He'll just take his ill-gotten campaign money and talk about how he was the best president in the universe ever.
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The 88 million is raised just from US benefactors. Vlad is possibly the richest man in the world with net worth well over 200 Billion. That doesn't include all the free technical work the Russian foreign Intelligence is providing. I think he had a fund raiser with him this morning?
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Meh, this is nothing!
Hillary had the three times the money and twice the staff, plus her campaign advisors actually knew what they were doing.
Some say Obama only won because he followed the disastrous Bush administration and a massive global financial meltdown. But this isn’t true!
The truth is that Democrats are the smart ones. They always win! This news doesn’t worry me at all.
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2020 has the possibility of being the first presidential election where the candidate campaigns from prison.
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Let’s hope the American people don’t make the same mistake again by prolonging his presidency and see through the money to the truth — which is that he is a total disaster and could very well bring our country down to its knees.
I can hardly imagine another 2.5 years let alone 6.5. I feel ill just thinking about it.
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You will get over that feeling. I felt the same way under Obama.
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Bernie Sanders was not and is not a Democrat.
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Our president is at this moment meeting privately-off-the-record with Putin. The only substance we will hear about the meeting will come from the mouths of Putin, his agents, and Trump. The Press Freedom Index 2018 ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders ranked North Korea lowest in the world; Russia ranked 148th; the United States of America made 45th. What do you mean, “could bring our country to its knees?”
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Remember all of those donor's names. They are the real enemies of the people of the US. While trump won't be able to spend that campaign money on anything other than his legal fees when he's indicted for espionage, I'm sure those donors will be looking to all the unindicted coconspirators in the Senate and the House for their return on investment.
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In February 2016, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that he would refuse to hold hearings on any Obama nomination for the Supreme Court to fill Scalia's seat during an election, and continued this stance after Obama nominated Merrick Garland. He said, "The nomination should be made by the president that the people elect in the election that's now underway."
The same day he was sworn in as president, Trump filed papers as a candidate for reelection in 2020. He announced a rally in Florida on February 18, 2017, billing it as a campaign event, and Sean Spicer confirmed in March 2017, "It’s being run by the campaign."
Trump has continued to run campaign rallies throughout his presidency. Since the campaign is clearly ongoing, it is only right that no action should be taken by the Senate to confirm Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, since "the nomination should be made by the president that the people elect in the election that's now underway."
Originally suggested last year by Jen Hayden, of The Daily Kos (http://tinyurl.com/j8coa59)
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"The Permanent Revolving Trump Campaign Fund"???
Is there any reason to believe this isn't a dark money laundering operation sanctioned by Citizens United?
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That is a ton of reservations and Tee times at Trump hotels and golf courses. How much does he charge the secret service again to use his golf carts?
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This would explain POTUS’s incessant need to keep doing these ‘rallies’ that draw ‘large’ crowds. This is all just a function of feeding the man’s already massive ego and hauteur.
The fact his campaign is able to make money and stash a lot of it in the re-election bank is just an inevitability.
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Grand Oligarchy Party 2020
Decent and reasonable Americans don't vote for Russian-Republicans.
Hit the eject button, voters - we've been hacked and hijacked by Russians, a Russian stooge and Russian-Republican oligarchs.
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That's about two weeks media so, why is the sum being touted as a 'huge head start'? Let's talk about successful fund raising six months before 2020 election. Oh, and all the money in the world won't make up for his incompetence in office.
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$88 million is a drop in the bucket when you compare the Obama, Romney election of 2012. In the 2 years leading up to the election, Obama raised $1.07 billion and Romney $992 million.
Crazy is the word for all this waste of money, when we could put it to better use helping the needy.
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Simply more trickle-down economics. Of course, the amount that can be spent should be capped.. along with number of TV ads... and the number of rally.. but there should be three hours per presidential candidate of FREE TV time -- all networks -- divided into 20 min segments, where they can huff and puff and blow the house away. Somethings similar for local campaigns. Worse comes to worse on public access TV.
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How much of that money comes directly or indirectly from Russian sources? Someone should be looking behind the top-line names of donors. They got that money from somewhere. Follow it.
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Just a fraction of what Trump has given his bankrollers thanks to the tax cut for the 1%. Chump change thanks to the chumps who put Trump into office.
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This time it's almost impossible to save Trump and GOP in the midterm and 2020 election.
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When we keep giving the Catholics ,Evangelicals and all the other churches tax breaks yearly or buying votes for the GOP now wonder why they have so much money. Tax breaks need to end for the already well to do above mentioned churches. Remember this government ceases to exist if you don't pay taxes and small government means no one is around watching the bad guys GOP.
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All religious institutions should be taxed as is everyone else. Separation of church and state is law, but not followed.
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And yet all the Dems can do is stand on the sidewalk and watch the parade go by!
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Trump is not going to need the money as he will some how try to take over the country for Russia.
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It's all a reality TV show for Trump and his followers, and they are, all of them, loving the coarse showmanship.
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A huge campaign war chest is not just for campaigning - with the right kind of lawyers, campaign funds have been used for legal fees and costs from lawsuits that the candidate/officeholder has incurred. Recent example: Christie and Bridgegate 2014...
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I guess I am confused (again). Just a few days ago, he said that he saw no one in the Democratic party that would be capable of beating him. They all looked weak. Well, if they all look so weak, why the massive drive for donations?
It looks like his hatred of the Mueller probe. If he is innocent, why act so guilty?
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Protestors should target some of Trump's largest donors, making the public aware of their support for a corrupt racist. Since the Supreme Court rules that money = speech, we can only assume that their contributions mean they are also racists.
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Another example of Trump graft and theft...how much will end up in his pocket?
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Dont worry, Trump and family, will steal most of that money!
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Mrs. Clinton raised almost $800M for the 2016 election
https://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/candidate?id=N00000019
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True but Hillary's intentions were pure, she would not let the $800 million influence her.
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Hilary’s intentions were pure??? So she and the DNC Hijacked the primary and threw half the party under the bus, and tried to cover it up to boot. She then decided that the elite chattering class on the coast would carry her over the line and to ignore large swathes of the country. Not so pure if you ask me
What exactly does that have to do with the thrust of this article? The answer, of course, is nothing. The 2016 election is over and Ms Clinton will never run for office again. It's time to retire that whataboutism.
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Donald Trump is a Russian asset who is intent on weakening the US and the western alliance with the complete complicity and support of the republican congress and senate.
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@Deirdre Yup...
http://opiniontoday.com/2018/07/13/republicans-more-positive-on-u-s-rela...
Trump will raise a ton of money, and then, right before the primaries begin, declare he’s retiring and keep the “donations”. What a grift he has going.
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Great point.
This is precisely the kind of horse-race coverage that needs to end. This isn't even analysis, it's barely accounting. Covering the "money primary" has the perverse effect of promoting fundraising as a mark of credibility. Cut it out.
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@Kevin Stevens---agree....our free press thinks its duty is to report the money horse race, as it escalates each election.
This sets up a vicous cycle---highest fund raisers get most press publicity, then polls usually show those ahead of the low fund raisers, so they raise still more money, more press, higher polls, more money...etc.
Our media ads are our biggest expense, needing billionaire check writing, and constant fundraising by our elected representatives. Do they represent us?
Wikipedia:
"In the European Union, many countries do not permit paid-for TV or radio advertising for fear that wealthy groups will gain control of airtime, making fair play impossible and distorting the political debate in the process."
These ads swamp American. That's the swamp we need to clean.
Other nations with more public funding have had affordable universal health care for generations. We don't yet. Obvious link
1
As an outsider find it difficult to differentiate between a system like the American where the rich and powerful can use their money to largely control the political discourse and Turkey where the rich and powerful largely control the political discourse without needing to resort to using their wealth.
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The Supreme Court has shown twice his support to Big Business.
1) With United Citizens which allow Big Business to spend whatever they want and by this process buying their politicians.
2) Janus which hurts the finance of the unions and therefore could forced the unions to spend less money to support social causes like health care for all, and support pro-labor politicians.
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Between having a 'billionaire' president and the disastrous citizens united decision we must ignore the money. We will be awsh in advertising, but it's clear Trump (with collusion by the Times, the Post, The Daily News (in NY) and hundreds of other papers who cover his every move constantly, he doesn't really need the money for his name to be front and center. I recommend instead picking a great candidate (like a Jon Tester or a John Hickenlooper) who has a real shot, and do the usually fly around. Put out boots on the ground in every community passing out and talking about not just his positions, but how he thinks we could accomplish what he wants without any Republican help (because unless we are fortunate enough to have Mitch die, they will never again vote for anything ordinary Americans want because they found it works) at all. We may like Bernie, Liz, Cory, but they have little appeal in Montana. And these guys are young enough to appeal to people younger than me (I'm 66). Lets not focus on the battles we can't win, and focus nstead on the ones we can. We can win an idealogical battle, not a money battle.
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Red Montana with its 3 electoral votes won't decide the presidency. The Democrats in the red states should focus on Congressional seats. The national party should focus on winning the purple states. The electors from reliably blue states outnumber red States, but the purple outnumber both.
Just wondering what happens to these funds if they aren't used - does Trump get to keep them? He may decide he's made America great and move on to another project.
9
Thank you NYTimes. Thank you for allowing the citizens of our country the ability to see the support our President has throughout the country. He will again run a well financed, yet remarkably agile campaign. The reason he is raising these large funds is the enthusiasm he generates in areas of the country where values, morals, patriotism and pride are traditional.
18
Look, I’m a lifelong Republican and conservative who detested Hillary. But to claim that there is anything traditional associated with Trumps morals and patriotism, when he is attacking our traditional allies and giving the store to the enemy- Russia- is evidence of some sort of problem with logical thinking. I love his Court picks and I’m all for tax and entitlement cuts too. I love harsh border policies and interior enforcement. But Trump is truly an ignoramus with so little understanding or willingness to understand complex issues that he should not be in a position to make consequential decisions.
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Values? Tearing children from the arms of poor desperate mothers and throwing them in cages—what “value” is that?
Mocking a disabled reporter. What “value” is that?
Tariffs that will cost thousands of jobs and raise the cost of living —how does that help Americans?
Being rude to all world leaders, including the Queen, being known throughout the world as a moron, laughed at , ridiculed, hated across the globe—-you think this is good?
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Is this sarcasm? Because the values Trump shows are lying, cheating, disdain for the poor and less fortunate, making enemies of allies and respecting (fawning) over dictators. These are not American values; he does not put country over himself or the GOP.
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Because, why govern, when you can just spend your entire term on the campaign trail?
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"Because, why govern, when you can just spend your entire term on the campaign trail?"
You forgot golf.
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I am moving back to Canada after 47 years. Campaign funding is basically another form of bribery like the 33,000 lobbyists swarming Washington. Trump hasn't been President two years and now getting ready for 2020? The USA is a hate-filled swamp right now, led by money-grubbing Republicans stripping the society of health care, social safety nets, and much needed infrastructure. Moving backwards daily at a frightening pace while China, Canada, Norway and other countries roar ahead. I don't even recognize the country I chose so many decades ago.
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I’ve just moved to Canada and feel as if I have dodged a bullet.
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See you in December/January at the Florida beaches.
My plan B should Trump or his GOP legislative minions be reelected is to move to Arles, France or help to man the barricades.
3
It’s easy to see why this fundraising machine is breaking records: when donors know they will get tremendous value for each dollar, they will spend more. What is the value? Knowing that a thoroughly corrupt president and his minions will give you something you want in return. It’s a system of open bribery.
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@Paul Horvitz....bribery? But didn't the supreme court deny it's bribery, and say unlimited money is Free Speech per the 1st amendment? The returns are excellent, with the increase in political influence.
If we had more public financing, the average citizen could compete to make some ‘investment’ in their candidates, thus get some representation for our interests. Is public finance a taboo topic in our media?
Wikipedia:
"In the European Union, many countries do not permit paid-for TV or radio advertising for fear that wealthy groups will gain control of airtime, making fair play impossible and distorting the political debate in the process."
They define 'free speech' differently from our S. Court.
Here, even our more public spirited, non corrupt candidates must be in our big money system. Obama raised plenty from mega donors. This restricts them in representing We The People. ACA preserves insurance profits with our taxes as 1st priority.
Reform of campaign finance is what we must start marching in the streets for. Hash tag?
@Paul Horvitz If I remember right, Hillary spent twice as much as Trump... and lost!
1
American Democrats should be focusing on the midterms, not 2020 as the trolls would like for us to think about. It is imperative that Americans should take back Congress to save this country. 2020 will take care of itself. By then Americans will have seen the terrible damage Trump and the GOP have levelled on this country.
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@pb
One step at a time. Trump is tearing apart the USA and the world, and the Democrats have to put everything back together one step at a time. But they have to come out of hiding and start doing something now. I want to see the Democrats on TV actually starting their campaigns during the summer recess of the Senate and the Congress!
Frightening, simply frightening at what the Republicans are up to and further evidence of how good they are at getting out in front on issues as compared to Democrats.
What will it take for Democrats to reverse this trend? How much more damage must we incur before we get it? The Democrats have to start getting leaders to represent us who have the 'charisma' it takes to get us stirred up like never before.
Please, the Democrats we have in place, stop sitting on your hands and get going on this. The clock is ticking and things are beginning to look like the 'same ol', same ol' ' and I for one am tired of it.
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The only thing it takes for Democrats to reverse this trend is to VOTE for them! I don’t care if a politician is charismatic. Many cons are very charismatic and I learned the hard way to mistrust them. Give me boring, reliable and honest anytime over charismatic. VOTE! The choice is between democracy and fascism. Between someone who will uphold the Constitution and someone who will betray it! It’s a fundamental choice, the details can be worked out, but Democratic candidates need votes, not charisma.
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@merc As a progressive Democrat:
MOST OF THE COUNTRY IS NOT PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS.
This should not be news to you, considering almost half of voters went for an obviously corrupt sexual abuser with no experience whatsoever, but apparently it is. Progressive Democrats cannot elect a progressive President. There are not enough of us. We cannot elect progressive Senators in the vast majority of blue states. At best, we might elect a handful of progressive Reps, and a couple progressive Senators. If Trumpism isn't enough to convince you of this, then I don't know what will be.
First, I strongly suspect that this is essentially a payola scheme. All candidates take the balance in their campaign war chests AS A TAX FREE DISTRIBUTION when they opt out of running for re-election. (Hey Paul Ryan, what about that $500K the Koch brothers gave you after you passed the tax scheme? Weeks before you announced you were stepping down?) The sheer size of this $88M amount suggests it's a pay-for-play scheme, similar to the smaller fry versions that Michael Cohen has been running for Trump. The tariffs and general political instability Trump has introduced to the world political order will take care of any presumed increase in personal fortunes of his supporters in a matter of months. Americans who do not take their responsibility as citizens to be well-informed from multiple news sources and to vote are about to get a HUGE lesson.
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