Citizens United: Money Is Speech w/ Celina Stewart (Part One)
Summary
This episode examines the 2010 Citizens United decision and its profound impact on American democracy. Hosts Jody Avergan, Nicole Hemmer, and Kelly Carter Jackson discuss the case's origins, the legal arguments regarding corporate speech, and the historical context of campaign finance reform. Guest Selena Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, details the organization's opposition to the ruling and its efforts to restore transparency. The discussion highlights how the decision unleashed dark money spending and shifted political power toward wealthy interests, challenging the founders' …
Topics discussed
Introduction and episode overview
Guest introductions and League of Women Voters
Founders' views on wealth and democracy
The tension between money and self-governance
Sponsor reads: Wise and Progressive Insurance
Progressive Era and early 20th century reforms
Watergate and the creation of the FEC
Civics education and the role of media
Negative ads and voter perception
FEC regulations and public financing
Buckley v. Valeo and First Amendment speech
Soft money and the McCain-Feingold Act
Congress's reactive stance on reform
Digital money and the pre-Citizens United era
The cost of running for office
Evolution of political media from radio to TV
Founders as farmers vs. modern candidates
Promotions for other Radiotopia shows
The origin of the Citizens United case
Supreme Court procedural maneuvers
The ruling: Corporate personhood and speech
League of Women Voters' reaction and strategy
Transparency tools: Vote411 and Disclose Act
Preview of next episode and credits
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