White House, White Collar

"Sens. Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke have already planted formidable money markers: Vermont’s Mr. Sanders said he raised $10 million in his first week as a candidate and is closing in on a million donations, and Ms. Harris of California said she raised $1.5 million on her first day. Mr. O’Rourke, an online fundraising phenomenon in his unsuccessful Texas Senate race last year, said he raised more than $6 million on his first day." [Julie Bykowicz, WSJ 4.1.19]

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As reported by Julie Bykowicz on today's Wall Street Journal, 17.5 million dollars were raised between three potential presidential candidates this past week alone. According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump's 2016 campaign cost over $300 million while Hillary Clinton's cost over $600 million.

In a nation that requires such aforementioned sums to represent a national median income of $56,000, it may well be that the cost to campaign is the root of evil in politics. And I use the term "evil" to represent the widely accepted immorality involved in Washington. When the nation's most affluent individuals are the only ones even capable of paying for such a campaign, what are the odds of that handful of candidates representing the rest of the country in the most effective way?

When did the nation's capital turn into a high society representative of 19th century France where the common man can only be politically recognized for his achievements in war? And what does this money go towards? Advertisements, slander, rock star equivalent campaign tours? Think of all that could be done with the 17.5 million dollars raised this past week. Isn't that better publicity than an ad? With a Puerto Rico still without energy, with Hurricane Michael still affecting communities, why do people need millions to run for president?

I see the argument, "well that's what it takes these days," but why is this process not challenged? Why is this the norm? Why are millions wasted on a campaign that only one person wins? Why can't politicians campaign based on their beliefs instead of their net worth?

I see a campaign that is carried out on a series of panels in which ideas are freely discussed, not personalities slandered. I see a campaign in which the focal point is the nation's best interest, not the individuals' tax returns. For a nation to be represented on morals and not money is my hope for this country. For the right man or woman to be our nation's president not the richest. Trends can shift, my goal is not impossible. Only until others realize this truth will the process change.