As an illustration of just how much money has come to dominate our political landscape, what is being referred to as "the first Republican primary" of the 2016 presidential campaign is taking place in Las Vegas this weekend.
Multi-billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson is hosting a hand-picked quartet of contenders: Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Scott Walker, and John Kasich. These choices suggest that Adelson wants someone to put his money on who is more pragmatist than ideologue and someone who can win the general election.
Adelson reportedly put $98 million into the 2012 campaign, first backing Newt Gingrich, then Mitt Romney. To most of us, that's a staggering amoung of money -- except that, as a percent of his wealth, it's equivalent to about $95 for the average family, according to MSNBC's Ari Melber. That's how rich Adelson is: $98 million is pocket change for him, given his assets of $38 billion.
Having one person wield this much power to choose our president is alarming. On the other hand, in 2012 Adelson's didn't pick a winner: Gingrich didn't win the primary and Romney didn't win the presidency.
Actually, big money probably makes more difference in congressional and local races than it does in the presidential race, where candidates get so much more media coverage and voters depend less on the political ads on tv.
Ralph
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