Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Bill Gates Leaps Into 2024 Race with Massive Donation

After decades of staying out of politics, billionaire Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates is reportedly getting involved in the 2024 election -- with a $50 million contribution to the effort to elect Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Comments

...a $50 million contribution to the effort to elect Vice President Kamala Harris.

#1 | Posted by Hans at 2024-10-23 07:11 AM

This will surely trigger the right wing fanbois.

#2 | Posted by Nixon at 2024-10-23 07:56 AM

This is an opportunity to folks to reflect on what they really are opposed to. Everyone screaming about these donations to Trump can be honest with themselves.

What really bothers you?

Admit it.......you're excited about this. This is a good thing. It's going to help Harris win, which is what you want.

It's reassuring to know that billionaires aren't all about a party.

We're not seeing anything about the Kochs. They have never liked Trump so their neutral position is helping Harris as well.

#3 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-23 08:52 AM

Little late

#4 | Posted by Sycophant at 2024-10-23 10:23 AM

I wonder if it's a late donation or it's being reported late. Meaning he actually made the contribution some time ago but managed to keep it under wraps.

#5 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-23 10:26 AM

A little late...

#6 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2024-10-23 12:47 PM

We're not seeing anything about the Kochs. They have never liked Trump so their neutral position is helping Harris as well.

#3 | Posted by eberly

This is the part where BOTH SIDES BEV pretends that people donating to a normal sane politician is the same as people donating to a russian puppet who attempted a fascist coup.

#7 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-23 08:02 PM

Koch Super PAC Is Spending Big for Republicans to Take the Senate
substack.perfectunion.us

... Billionaire Charles Koch is attempting to set the table for Trump to carry out his second-term agenda.

Despite some high-profile breaks with former President Donald Trump over the past several years, the most notable conservative donor of this century is pouring tens of millions of dollars into electing like-minded Republicans to a Senate he hopes will implement his agenda.

Billionaire Charles Koch's primary political action committee has already spent nearly $64.3 million this election cycle on Senate races in battleground states to deliver the U.S. Senate back to Republican control.

The super PAC, Americans for Prosperity Action, has spent the money to place television ads, send out mailers, and conduct canvassing operations backing GOP candidates in six Senate races that are being closely fought, according to a review of Federal Election Commission data. ...



#8 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-10-23 08:10 PM

Good, need the same donation as Elon is making to republithugs. Above what Google has already been making to Kamala. If it's good for the goose...

#9 | Posted by beavercleaver at 2024-10-23 08:15 PM

There are two issues:
- Too much money in politics, which I will concede regardless of party
- Dangerous psychopath vs normal, if flawed, person

Honest and intelligent people can tell them apart. And they know which of those two issues can be dealt with at the polls in two weeks.

#10 | Posted by cbob at 2024-10-23 08:24 PM

-This is the part where BOTH SIDES BEV pretends that people donating to a normal sane politician is the same as people donating to a russian puppet who attempted a fascist coup.

So it's not the money. It's who they give it to.

I know. It feels good when a billionaire invests $50 million with a candidate.

It makes you feel safe.

#11 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-23 08:28 PM

My view is simply no American CITIZEN should be able to donate over about $1000 to any single candidate or about $3000 to a party. Why should media outlets get rich off of our elections? But the citizens should be able to volunteer as much time as he/she wishes.

#12 | Posted by Robson at 2024-10-23 08:31 PM

12

I'd be fine with limits higher than that. $50 million in soft money that can be used entirely for 1 candidate? wrong.

#13 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-23 09:10 PM

@#12 ... Why should media outlets get rich off of our elections? ...

A nice try, but a fail.

How do media outlets get rich over the Citizen United donations to candidates and their PACs?


#14 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-10-23 09:16 PM

#14 | Posted by LampLighter | Flag: How to not look like a complete moron while posting on the Retort.

#15 | Posted by Hans at 2024-10-23 09:25 PM

My view is simply no American CITIZEN should be able to donate over about $1000 to any single candidate or about $3000 to a party. Why should media outlets get rich off of our elections? But the citizens should be able to volunteer as much time as he/she wishes.

#12 | Posted by Robson

If that's your view you're voting for the wrong party.

#16 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 12:13 AM

I'd be fine with limits higher than that. $50 million in soft money that can be used entirely for 1 candidate? wrong.

#13 | Posted by eberly

Again, if that's your view, you're voting for the wrong party.

Your supreme court justices are the reason this -------- is happening. You get what you want then you whine about the real world consequences.

#17 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 12:14 AM

@#17 ... Again, if that's your view, you're voting for the wrong party. ...

To wit ...

Trump's small-dollar donor fundraising is beset by confusion and fatigue (October 10, 2024)
apnews.com

... Donald Trump's contributions from small-dollar donors have plummeted since his last bid for the White House, presenting the former president with a financial challenge as he attempts to keep pace with Democrats' fundraising machine.

Fewer than a third of the Republican's campaign contributions have come from donors who gave less than $200 " down from nearly half of all donations in his 2020 race, according to an analysis by The Associated Press and OpenSecrets, an organization that tracks political spending.

The total collected from small donors has also declined, according to the analysis. Trump raised $98 million from such contributors through June, a 40% drop compared to the $165 million they contributed during a corresponding period in his previous presidential race.

The dip has forced Trump to rely more on wealthy donors and groups backed by them, a shift that cuts into the populist message that first propelled him to the White House. ...


#18 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-10-24 12:40 AM

-Again, if that's your view, you're voting for the wrong party.

I should vote for the republicans this time?

Sorry, but I already cast my vote for Harris/Walz. Won't matter...they'll lose Kansas.

But I'm fine with who I voted for.

I'm not sure you've ever voted.

#19 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 09:15 AM

-You get what you want then you whine about the real world consequences.

Who is whining? I simply commented $50M is a lot for 1 person to give to 1 person (in reality)

But you're glad Gates is giving her $50 Million.

and you're sniffing my butt regardless and blaming me for all your problems.

I didn't cause your problems, speak.

I won't solve your problems, speak.

#20 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 09:17 AM

#14 Lamp- All media outlets like Comcast etc, are exchanging money donations for their air time. Surprised you didn't know that. The elections should be benefiting society nor just media.

#16 Speak- Wrong Party? Democrats have taken in twice the amount of money as Republicans as has been reported. My votes have most always gone to those pushing less money in politics at that time like McCain. Democrats talk about it but never do anything.

#21 | Posted by Robson at 2024-10-24 11:27 AM

But I'm fine with who I voted for.

I'm not sure you've ever voted.

#19 | Posted by eberly

Oh you're not sure now? Because a few weeks ago you declared that I don't vote.

Where did your updated information come from?

#22 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 01:28 PM

#16 Speak- Wrong Party? Democrats have taken in twice the amount of money as Republicans as has been reported. My votes have most always gone to those pushing less money in politics at that time like McCain. Democrats talk about it but never do anything.

#21 | Posted by Robson

Your votes have gone to the party that installed the supreme court that allowed unlimited dark money.

Democrats are MUCH more eager for campaign finance regulation than republicans are.

#23 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 01:29 PM

I didn't cause your problems, speak.

I won't solve your problems, speak.

#20 | Posted by eberly

You're whining about the problems caused by your party.

#24 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 01:30 PM

All media outlets like Comcast etc, are exchanging money donations for their air time. Surprised you didn't know that. The elections should be benefiting society nor just media.

You mean in a capitalist society the media is selling their products (air time) into the highest bidder?

THE HORROR!!

Not surprised that a Russian bot would think this is somehow a problem.

The news media loves the elections. And lives to make it a bloody horse race. It's been going on here for nearly 250 years now.

Not surprised a Russian tool doesn't know this, too.

#25 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-10-24 01:45 PM

"The elections should be benefiting society nor just media."

The election WILL benefit all Americans if the Democrats prevail.

If Trumpy wins then some Americans will benefit and the Others will be declared the Enemy Within and dealt with "appropriately" by the military.

#26 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-10-24 01:48 PM

But I'm fine with who I voted for.

I'm not sure you've ever voted.

#19 | Posted by eberly

Oh you're not sure now? Because a few weeks ago you declared that I don't vote.

Where did your updated information come from?

#22 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 01:28 PM | Reply

www.openelearning.org

#27 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2024-10-24 01:57 PM

If Trump wins, keep a close eye on how the US military leadership reacts.

#28 | Posted by moder8 at 2024-10-24 03:29 PM

If Trump wins, keep a close eye on how the US military leadership reacts.

#28 | Posted by moder8

Reminder that during trump's coup attempt he was replacing top military leaders with ones he thought would help him betray the country.

#29 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 03:51 PM

-Because a few weeks ago you declared that I don't vote.

you display exactly zero intelligence about the voting process.

#30 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 04:12 PM

27

It's a little harsh. I really don't know if he's voted along with plenty of other posters here who don't realize there are a lot of other items to be voted on your ballot.

Have you voted? Do you realize there are many other elections on the same ballot?

If you've voted you can understand. Speak doesn't appear to understand.

Rather than chase me around with juvenile arguments about how I have empowered the republican party simply because I vote in that primary he could appear to at least know a little about how the process works.

#31 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 04:16 PM

you display exactly zero intelligence about the voting process.

#30 | Posted by eberly

You display exactly zero patriotism by remaining in a party lead by a russian puppet

#32 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 04:16 PM

see?

absolutely ignorant of how the voting process works.

#33 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 04:17 PM

-You're whining about the problems caused by your party.

what problems are those?

A billionaire invested $50 billion into a candidate.

Last week you were crying and moaning about that.

Now, you're fine with it.

#34 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 04:19 PM

-You display exactly zero patriotism

For living in Kansas?

What other anti-patriotic actions have I taken?

I voted for Harris. Was there some other crime I've committed?

#35 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 04:21 PM

www.newsweek.com

But while the majority will vote in their own party's primaries, some plan to register as Republicans and vote in GOP primaries instead.

The practice, sometimes known as crossvoting, allows voters to opt for a rival they want a Democrat candidate to face in an election, or back a more palatable Republican in seats Democrats have little chance of winning.

Are all these folks anti-patriotic? Daring to vote in republican primaries specifically to help the democratic party?

Again, have you ever voted?

#36 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 04:25 PM

absolutely ignorant of how the voting process works.

#33 | Posted by eberly

absolutely ignorant about how ethics work

#37 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 04:29 PM

what problems are those?

A billionaire invested $50 billion into a candidate.

Last week you were crying and moaning about that.

Now, you're fine with it.

#34 | Posted by eberly

Already explained to you dummy - your party is the reason that these huge dark money donations are legal

#38 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 04:31 PM

everyone is embarrassed for you, speaks.

nobody will help you, throw you a life preserver.

They'd rather watch you drown.

#39 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 04:33 PM

- your party is the reason that these huge dark money donations are legal

Bingo!

www.acslaw.org

#40 | Posted by Corky at 2024-10-24 04:55 PM

everyone is embarrassed for you, speaks.

nobody will help you, throw you a life preserver.

They'd rather watch you drown.

#39 | Posted by eberly

No counter argument?

Switching to personal attacks? I must be winning. Go ahead and call me a woman or gay since that's what you always do next when the facts aren't on your side.

#41 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2024-10-24 05:11 PM

They'd rather watch you drown.
#39 | POSTED BY EBERLY

He seems to be doing just fine. The basic facts are on his side.

It's not like he will ever actually convince you that Republicans are the cause of all this dark money in our politics these days.

You are a Republican after all.

#42 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-10-24 05:53 PM

so none of you guys vote?

or is that you can't remember how voting works?

-He seems to be doing just fine

How much is he going to venmo you for that lie?

-It's not like he will ever actually convince you that Republicans are the cause of all this dark money in our politics these days.

Oh, I completely understand that. When did I argue against that? That's not exactly what he's trying to do.

Why don't you read his comments again and come back at me with what argument he is actually trying to make?

#43 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 06:02 PM

-You are a Republican after all.

And what does that mean to you?

If I switched parties....tell me where it would change 1 single thing about how election outcomes work.

go back and read 36. Strategic and intelligent people register as a republican so their vote counts for something.

#44 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 06:05 PM

-Switching to personal attacks?

That was a personal attack?

You consider that a personal attack?

#45 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 06:06 PM

-It's not like he will ever actually convince you that Republicans are the cause of all this dark money in our politics these days.

JFC, can you get anything right?

Is there a single poster here from California who can display any smarts?

or just trollers?

You made this all about me after a billionaire gives $50 million to Harris.

You literally tried to make it my fault.

what else have I taken from you?

Your manhood, perhaps?

#46 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 06:08 PM

I've always voted in Republican primaries. I live in a red state, where the republican primary winners always win the general.

So, I vote for the most moderate candidates in the republican primary.

#47 | Posted by horstngraben at 2024-10-24 06:13 PM

- Your manhood, perhaps?

Trapper John: "Watch out for your goodies, Speaks! That man is a sex maniac; I don't think Hot Lips satisfied him. Don't let him kiss you, Speaks!"

www.youtube.com

#48 | Posted by Corky at 2024-10-24 06:16 PM

47

That's precisely why I do it.

#49 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 06:17 PM

-absolutely ignorant about how ethics work

I missed this pathetic deflection.

What am I doing that's unethical? What are you talking about?

#50 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 06:24 PM

#48 | Posted by Frank Burns at 2024-10-24 06:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

#51 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-24 06:25 PM

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