Democrat donor SBF considered paying Trump to not run for president, book reveals.
Jailed Former Billionaire Considered Paying Trump to Not Run for Reelection
In a captivating excerpt from his upcoming book, author Michael Lewis reveals that Sam Bankman-Fried, a former billionaire and Democratic megadonor, contemplated the idea of paying former President Donald Trump to refrain from running for reelection in 2020. The revelation sheds light on the intricate political maneuverings behind the scenes.
According to Lewis, Bankman-Fried, who was planning to contribute a substantial sum of $15 million to $30 million to Republican senator Mitch McConnell, aimed to defeat the more “Trumpier” candidates in the Senate races. However, he also explored the possibility of directly paying Trump himself to step aside from the presidential race.
Bankman-Fried’s team had managed to establish a secret line of communication with the Trump operation, and the information they obtained suggested that Trump might entertain the idea for a staggering $5 billion. The audacity of such a proposition is truly remarkable.
Unfortunately, the excerpt does not delve into the reasons behind Bankman-Fried’s decision to abandon these plans. It leaves readers wondering about the intricate dynamics and motivations at play.
As the release of Lewis’s book coincides with the commencement of Bankman-Fried’s fraud trial, the timing couldn’t be more intriguing. It promises to be a riveting exploration of the rise and fall of a new tycoon, offering a glimpse into the world of high-stakes politics and financial machinations.
While Bankman-Fried’s spokesperson declined to comment on the excerpt, representatives for Trump have yet to respond to requests for their input. The silence from both sides only adds to the air of mystery surrounding this astonishing revelation.
Bankman-Fried, the founder of the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, currently faces seven counts of fraud and conspiracy related to the collapse of his business in November 2022. If convicted, he could potentially face a maximum sentence of 110 years in prison. However, the final outcome will ultimately depend on the judge’s discretion and various mitigating factors.
As the trial unfolds, readers eagerly await the release of Lewis’s book, which promises to provide further insights into the captivating world of power, money, and politics.
Source:
Reporting by Jyoti Narayan in Bengaluru; editing by Edwina Gibbs
How does the influence of money in politics, as highlighted by Bankman-Fried’s contemplation, pose a threat to the democratic principles of the United States
To the Democratic Party’s campaign efforts, considered the potential impact of Trump’s candidacy on the election. The former president was known for his controversial policies and divisive rhetoric, which had polarized the nation during his first term in office. Bankman-Fried believed that with Trump out of the race, the Democratic candidate would have a better chance of victory and implementing progressive policies.
The idea of paying off a political rival may seem unconventional, even ethically questionable, but it is not unheard of in American politics. In fact, such negotiations have been documented throughout history, albeit discreetly. The allure of power and influence often drives politicians and donors to explore unconventional strategies to sway the outcome of an election.
Bankman-Fried’s consideration of paying Trump to opt-out of the race highlights the significant financial role that individuals play in American politics. Campaigns require substantial funding, and the wealthiest individuals and corporations often have the ability to sway elections through their financial contributions. This unfair advantage raises questions about the true nature of democracy and whether it is truly a system that represents the will of the people.
Furthermore, Bankman-Fried’s contemplation brings to light the complex relationship between money and politics. In a system where campaigns rely heavily on funding, big donors hold immense power and can potentially influence the outcome of an election. This poses a serious threat to the democratic principles the United States holds dear.
The influence of money in politics has long been a topic of debate and concern among scholars, activists, and policymakers. With the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens United v. FEC, which allows unlimited campaign spending from corporations and unions, the role of money in politics has become even more prominent. The decision has led to an influx of dark money, making it difficult to trace the true source of campaign contributions.
Bankman-Fried’s consideration of paying Trump is a stark reminder of the need for campaign finance reform. The current system allows wealthy individuals and corporations to have an outsized influence on elections, potentially distorting the voice of the people. It is crucial that steps are taken to limit the influence of money in politics and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
While Bankman-Fried’s idea may never have come to fruition, it highlights the lengths some are willing to go to shape political outcomes. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, it is essential to reflect on the implications of such actions and consider reforms that will restore faith in the democratic process.
In conclusion, Bankman-Fried’s contemplation of paying Trump to not run for reelection reflects the complex relationship between money and politics in the United States. It exposes the significant influence that wealthy individuals and corporations have on elections, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of the democratic system. This revelation should serve as a catalyst for meaningful campaign finance reform, ensuring that the voice of the people is properly represented in the political process. Only through such reforms can we safeguard the principles upon which our democracy was founded.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...