How Dark Money Is Funding The Midterms
Summary
Host Jane Koston discusses the surge in political spending, featuring guest Judd Legum on how "dark money" and super PACs funded by tech billionaires are distorting elections. The episode also covers the White House ballroom funding controversy, Ukraine’s attack on a Russian refinery, and Trump’s decision to stop live-streaming executions. Finally, Legum details his investigation into White House Press Secretary Katie Zachariah, who faces a bar complaint after evidence suggests she is not a licensed attorney.
Topics discussed
Intro: Super PAC funding and candidate sincerity
Trump's White House ballroom donor list
Pentagon cancels live stream of execution
Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery
Rising election spending and billionaire donations
Defining dark money and super PACs
Functionally dark money and misleading ads
AI and crypto industry political goals
Sponsor: Delete Me cybersecurity tips
Sponsor: Nutrafol hair health supplement
Voter strategies for dark money influence
Impact of super PACs on candidate access
Why disclosure laws are not passing
Katie Zachariah's legal credentials questioned
Zachariah's background and vetting concerns
Impact on Zachariah's press secretary role
Promo: Stacey Abrams' Assembly Required podcast
Outro and Trump quote on dealmaking
Credits and final Assembly Required promo
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