money is a central force in U.S. presidential elections

The role of money in U.S. presidential elections is not just significant—it's often decisive. The ability to raise and spend vast amounts of money is crucial for candidates to build name recognition, fund extensive campaign operations, and advertise across various media. This financial muscle can make or break a campaign, particularly in a country as large and diverse as the United States, where reaching voters in different states requires substantial resources. Historical Context In 2008, the Democratic Party set a fundraising record by collecting $1.2 billion for the presidential election. Barack Obama, the party's nominee, raised an unprecedented $778 million, which helped fuel his successful campaign. This record stood for several years, reflecting the growing importance of campaign finance in modern elections. However, the 2020 presidential election shattered all previous records. The Democratic Party raised a staggering $3.2 billion, demonstrating the ever-increasing fin...