Record Spending Threatens US Elections: Is Big Money Corrupting the Vote?

As the United States gears up for the 2026 midterm elections, the financial stakes are higher than ever, with political advertisements alone projected to cost a staggering $11.6 billion. This unprecedented spending raises critical questions about the influence of money in politics. Independent expenditure-only political action committees, often referred to as super PACs, along with 'dark money' contributions and significant donations from billionaires, are increasingly dictating the landscape of who can run for office and who ultimately wins. This trend has not gone unnoticed by the electorate, as voters from both major parties express deep concern that financial influence has become disproportionately powerful in the electoral process.

In an effort to dissect this complex issue, Josh Rushing engages with two prominent experts to explore the sources of this funding, the objectives behind these expenditures, and the potential for reform within the current system. The discussion features insights from Lawrence Lessig, a Professor of law and leadership at Harvard Law School, and Bradley Smith, a Professor of law at Capital University.