Though I hate how much money is needed to run a successful campaign I don’t think the contributors have that much influence. I think they have access, but that doesn’t necessarily mean influence. That’s one of the biggest reasons you vote for a principled candidate. That goes at all levels.
Note: Trump did not say he wouldn’t accept contributions in the general election if he is nominated. Will that mean he’s being bought? -— I don’t think so.
Can’t really agree totally nor disagree totally with you on that one.
He also didn’t say he would.
In the general the candidate who is nominated will be offered RNC support. I believe Trump may accept this, as it in theory would only have strings to the party apparatus. His comment that he is not sure probably is related to whether he likes those strings or not.
It will take a lot of money to run in the general.
If he does not want to take money, all he needs to do is ask his supporters, we are willing to help.
Mr. Trump often presents the idea that he is more virtuous than the other candidates because he is self funding but I am not sure that logic holds. It is simply a fact that he is financially able to do so while the other candidates are not. Virtue or honesty has little to do with it.
It could be argued that Mr. Trump is less accountable than the other candidates because he is funded by one billionaire. If any of the other candidates received their complete financial support from a single super rich businessman, they would be pilloried to no end.
If we have reached the point that wealth is a determining qualification for the presidency, we might need to look for one of our really, really rich individuals such as Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
Trump loaned the money to his campaign, he could retire his campaign costs with donations at a later point. And he’s taken in a couple million in donations from the public beyond the money he himself fronted.
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When running for president you also have to raise money for the party and candidates. It no longer is your own show in a way but a team effort.