To the Point
Big Money and Secret Money in the 2012 Campaign
With billions of dollars flowing more freely than ever before into the political process, has the US reached the point where money is all that matters in an election?
By Sara Terry • • 50m ListenWith billions of dollars flowing more freely than ever before into the nation's political process, has the US reached the point where money is all that matters when it comes to elections? The balance of power between big money, much of it anonymous, and the average voter is stretched more tightly than ever before thanks to recent court rulings that have chipped away at campaign finance reform and transparency. Want to know who's paying how much to which candidate? You may never find out. Also, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wraps up her world tour in Israel, and a grass-roots effort aimed at getting average people from the left and the right talking about politics, instead of arguing about it. Sara Terry guest hosts.
Banner image: Screen grab from Mitt Romney's presidential campaign site
In this episode
3 storiesHillary Clinton Wraps Up World Tour in Israel
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is wrapping up a two-week trip through Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Her last stop was today in Jerusalem, where she met with top Israeli officials to talk about ways that Israel and the US can work together to resolve regional issues, including Iran's efforts to build a nuclear program.
Read the story8 minBig Money and Secret Money in the 2012 Campaign
It's a game-changing year in the election business. This is the first presidential campaign season operating under new rules about donations, which allow unlimited funds to flow in from corporations, unions and individuals. It's being called "dark" money, because much of it remains anonymous.
Read the story36 minBringing It to the Table
It all began with a conversation over dinner. Julie Winokur's teenage son told her she was the most intolerant person he knew, a shocker for a writer and documentary film producer. But Winokur decided her son was right, that she wasn't listening to people who didn't agree with her politically.
Read the story7 min
